Best Master’s in School Psychology Degree Programs

An online master’s degree in school psychology is a specialized program designed to prepare students for careers as licensed school psychologists. These professionals work in schools and educational settings to support the emotional, behavioral, and academic well-being of students.

With a school counseling master's degree, you'll be well-equipped to work with students in K-12 schools. You'll most likely work in a public or private school, but other organizations also have jobs for school counselors. Some school psychologists end up in postsecondary institutions.

Graduating with a school counseling master's qualifies you academically to become a licensed school psychologist. You may provide general services for students, or you might specialize in a particular area. Special needs, childhood and adolescent development, behavioral issues, and social anxiety are a few options.

2024 - Best Master's in School Psychology

Counselingpsychology.org's Master's Degree in School Psychology rankings provide an in-depth and comprehensive look at the best programs in the country. The rankings are based on a methodology that takes into account factors such as program completion rates, cost of living, competitiveness of the institution, diversity of programs offered, and faculty experience. To learn more about how the methodology rankings work, visit Counselingpsychology.org's methodology page.

1.

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

University at Buffalo is a public research university located in Buffalo, NY. With over 30,000 students, UB is the largest school in the SUNY system. UB offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, including a Master's Degree in School Psychology. UB is dedicated to providing its students with a world-class education and the resources needed to succeed in their professional lives.

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2.

Iona University

New Rochelle, NY

Iona College, located in New Rochelle, New York, is a private, Catholic college with over 4,000 undergraduate students. The college offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master's Degree in School Psychology. With its small size and tight-knit community, Iona provides its students with a personalized education that prepares them for success in their chosen field.

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3.

Francis Marion University

Florence, SC

Francis Marion University is a public university located in Florence, South Carolina. It is a mid-sized university with over 3,000 students enrolled. FMU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master's Degree in School Psychology. With a focus on excellence in teaching and research, FMU is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education.

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4.

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA

Fresno Pacific University is a private Christian university located in Fresno, California. It offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master's Degree in School Psychology. With a student body of over 4,000, Fresno Pacific is large enough to offer a vibrant campus experience, yet small enough to offer personalized attention.

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5.

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC

Appalachian State University is located in Boone, North Carolina and is a public university with over 20,000 students. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Master's Degree in School Psychology. This program prepares students to work with children and adolescents in a variety of school settings.

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What Will I Learn in an Online School Psychology Master's Degree Program?

An online master’s degree in school psychology provides students with the opportunity to delve into the complexities of childhood and adolescent development, and to gain a deep understanding of how to support students in educational settings. The program combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience (a practicum), giving students a chance to apply their knowledge and develop their skills in real-world settings.

Most programs are 60-70 semester credits in length and can be completed in 2 years if studying full-time. Some courses that you may take during a school psychology program include:

• Developmental Psychology of Children and Adolescents

• Assessment and Diagnosis in School Psychology

• Cognitive and Learning Processes in Children

• Behavioral and Emotional Disorders in Children

• Instructional Strategies and Interventions in Schools

• School-Based Consultation and Collaboration

• Mental Health Services in Schools

• Diversity and Cultural Competence in School Psychology

The practicum portion of a program allows you to employ what's learned in these classes, working in a highly supervised counseling setting.

Admissions Requirements for a Master's Degree in School Psychology

When you apply for an online master’s degree in school psychology program, you'll typically be required to submit several items to the admissions committee.

The exact requirements may vary between institutions, so it's important to review the specific requirements of each program you are interested in applying to. For an example, see Marist College.

Nevertheless, there are common elements that applicants usually have to submit:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Official transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA (typically 3.0-3.5)

• A personal statement outlining your reason for studying school psychology

• Recommendation letters from teachers or professionals in a related field

• Relevant experience in the education or psychology fields

• An interview with an admissions committee member

• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Make your interest in school psychology evident through your application. The personal statement, recommendation letters and interview all afford opportunities to discuss why you want to enroll in a master’s in school psychology degree. Of course, the other components of your application should be as strong as possible.

List of School Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s program in school psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.