School psychology is a specialty within psychology that focuses on improving the outcomes of students. School psychologists work in public and private schools, providing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services to students who are struggling with learning and emotional difficulties.

You'll need a graduate degree in school psychology to become a school psychologist, and there are many options available to those who would like to earn their degree from home. Your degree program will provide training in both psychological and educational principles.


Choosing the Right Online School Psychology Degree Program

Licensed school psychologists must have at least a master's in counseling, and some go on to earn a doctorate. A bachelor’s degree, of course, is needed to enroll in either a master's or doctorate program.

Accreditation from a reputable organization, such as the National Association of School Psychologists or the American Psychological Association, is important to ensure that a program meets standards for quality and competence in the field. You should only apply to accredited programs.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor’s in psychology, elementary education, secondary education, or counseling provides a solid foundation for a career in school psychology. Few colleges offer a bachelor's in school psychology.

A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete. Its curriculum is comprised of general studies, and studies in your chosen major.

Master's Degree

An online master’s degree in psychology or education with a specialization in school psychology is needed to become a licensed school psychologist. This is a state-mandated requirement that all states have.

There are many online master’s degrees in school psychology available. These programs cover both psychology and education at length, preparing students for the work that they'll be doing with students. Any of these programs are suitable for employment within the field.

Most online master's in school psychology programs are one to two years in length and combine classroom instruction and a practicum (internship). The practicum is in an educational setting, and will likely take place within your community, due to the fact that you will be studying online and not in a campus setting.

Graduate Certificate

A graduate certificate allows students to specialize in a particular area of psychology. If your master’s degree is in a different area of psychology, completing a certificate in school psychology can help you transition to this specialty. Less commonly, some certificate programs might prepare you to work with a particular demographic of students.

Graduate certificates are completed in six months to one year online. They include select courses at the master's level.

Doctorate

A doctorate in school psychology can lead to high-level positions in the field and opportunities to teach at the university level. However, it’s not mandatory to hold a doctorate to work as a school psychologist. There are several doctorate options should you choose to pursue this level of degree.

A Ph.D. is a research-based degree. Although it'll give you some exposure to working with students, the bulk of your time will be spent researching and writing. Ph.D. programs take four to six years to complete.

A Psy.D. is a clinical psychology degree. You'll do some research, but the bulk of your time will be spent on clinical work. This includes both classroom studies and an extensive practicum. Psy.D. degrees take three years to complete.

An Ed.D. is an educational degree. This is the least common doctorate for school psychologists, but a viable option in some cases. Ed.D. degrees approach psychology from an educational perspective, and they take three years to complete in most cases.

Which School Psychology Degree is Right for You?

Bachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeGraduate CertificatePhD or PsyD
I am interested in gaining entry-level experience in school psychologyx
I want to get started in my school psychology career before I pursue more educationx
I want to pursue a non-patient-facing role in school psychologyxx
I want to pursue or switch to a niche school psychology specialtyxx
I already have a school psychology degree and want to gain specialized knowledgexx
I want to conduct research in school psychologyxx
I want to become a licensed school psychologist and treat patientsx
I want to work in academiax

School Psychology Degree Curriculum

Online school psychology degrees include a combination of psychology and educational courses at all levels. The topics become more advanced as you advance academically, and the most advanced doctorate degrees may have a research, psychology, or educational slant. Some examples of potential courses include:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: ~120 credits; Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development, Educational Psychology, Assessment and Intervention in Schools
  • Master’s Degree: ~60 credits; Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, School-Based Assessment and Intervention, Multicultural Issues in School Psychology
  • Graduate Certificate: ~12-20 credits; Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, School-Based Assessment and Intervention, Multicultural Issues in School Psychology
  • Doctorate Degree: ~80-120 credits; Advanced Topics in School Psychology, Evidence-Based Practices in Schools, Research Methods in School Psychology

School Psychology Degree Program Clinical Requirements

School psychology degrees that are accredited by the NCSP must have 1,200 hours of internship experience, where students get practical experience working with clients in a supervised setting. At least half (600 hours ) must be in school settings. Psy.D. degrees may have more internship/practicum hours than the minimum requirement.

Because you’ll be enrolled in an online program, students may need to seek out school-based opportunities through job postings.

List of School Psychology Degree Programs

Looking for an online or campus-based school psychology degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.

Jump to Your State Listings

Alabama

Administration Bldg Suite 1070
Birmingham, AL 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011

Arizona

1900 S Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center, Room 200
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4092
(928) 523-9011

Arkansas

201 Donaghey Ave
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-5000

California

Master's Programs
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
(707) 826-3011

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
Hayward, CA 94542
(510) 885-3000

18111 Nordhoff St
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-1200

5885 Haven Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737-3002
(909) 652-6000

Master's Programs
One University Dr.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6815

PhD ProgramsMaster's Programs
5221 Cheadle Hall
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
(805) 893-8000

1950 Third St
La Verne, CA 91750-4401
(909) 593-3511

Colorado

Regent Drive at Broadway
Boulder, CO 80309-0017
(303) 492-1411

1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400
Denver, CO 80217-3364
(303) 556-5600

2199 S. University Blvd
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2000

Connecticut

501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515-1355
(203) 392-5200

352 Mansfield Road
Storrs, CT 06269
(860) 486-2000

Florida

11200 S. W. 8 Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2000

222 S. Copeland Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037
(850) 644-2525

3301 College Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
(954) 262-7300

4202 East Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33620-9951
(813) 974-2011

Georgia

Certificate Programs
800 Georgia Southwestern State University Dr.
Americus, GA 31709-4693
(877) 871-4594

33 gilmer st
Atlanta, GA 30303-3083
(404) 413-2000

Idaho

921 S 8th Ave
Pocatello, ID 83209
(208) 282-2700

Illinois

Master's Programs
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-5000

North and School Streets
Normal, IL 61790-1000
(309) 438-2111

Il State Rte 157
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1259
(888) 328-5168

Master's Programs
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1414

Indiana

2000 University Ave
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 289-1241

PhD ProgramsMaster's Programs
107 South Indiana Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405-7000
(812) 855-4848

Iowa

PhD Programs
101 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
(319) 335-3500

Kansas

1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801-5415
(620) 341-1200

PhD Programs
Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd, Room 230
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-2700

Maine

PsyD Programs
96 Falmouth St
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 780-4141

Massachusetts

577 Western Ave
Westfield, MA 01086-1630
(413) 572-5300

Master's Programs
One Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
(617) 327-6777

Michigan

Master's Programs
1 Campus Dr
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
(616) 331-2020

2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-4401
(248) 370-2100

Minnesota

Bachelor's Programs
1500 Birchmont Dr
Bemidji, MN 56601
(800) 475-2001

Master's ProgramsPsyD Programs
225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080

South Rd and Ellis Ave
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-1866

100 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213
(612) 625-5000

Mississippi

118 College Drive # 0001
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-1000

Missouri

One University Plaza, MS2025
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2000

Montana

Bachelor's ProgramsPhD Programs
Missoula, Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-0211

Nebraska

Master's Programs
6001 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68182-0225
(402) 554-2800

PhD Programs
1400 R Street
Lincoln, NE 68588-0419
(402) 472-7211

Nevada

4505 S Maryland Pky
Las Vegas, NV 89154
(702) 895-3011

New Jersey

900 Lakewood Ave
Lakewood, NJ 08701-2697
(732) 987-2200

1000 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
(908) 737-5326

Certificate ProgramsMaster's Programs
2039 Kennedy Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201) 200-2000

2083 Lawrence Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099
(609) 896-5000

Master's Programs
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000

Accelerated Masters Programs
400 S Orange Ave
South Orange, NJ 07079-2697
(973) 761-9000

New Mexico

2850 Weddell Street
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
(575) 646-0111

New York

PsyD Programs
South Ave
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
(516) 877-3000

Master's ProgramsPhD Programs
West 116 St and Broadway
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-1754

441 E Fordham Rd
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 817-1000

PhD ProgramsPsyD Programs
100 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600

Master's Programs
715 North Ave
New Rochelle, NY 10801-1890
(914) 633-2000

Master's Programs
3399 North Rd
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 575-3000

Master's Programs
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(800) 637-2969

7060 State Route 104
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 312-2500

101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2681
(518) 564-2000

Accelerated Masters Programs
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
(518) 442-3300

Master's Programs
12 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-1660
(716) 645-2000

North Carolina

287 Rivers St
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-2000

East 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
(252) 328-6131

Master's Programs
Highway 107
Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646
(828) 227-7100

Ohio

PhD Programs
2624 Clifton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000

300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469
(937) 229-1000

Oregon

Master's ProgramsPhD Programs
110 Johnson Hall
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 346-1000

Pennsylvania

250 University Ave
California, PA 15419-1394
(724) 938-4400

PsyD ProgramsPhD Programs
Administration Bldg 600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
(412) 396-6000

Ed.S. ProgramsPhD Programs
1011 South Dr 201 Sutton Hall
Indiana, PA 15705-1098
(724) 357-2100

1 South George Street, Lyle Hall
Millersville, PA 17551-0302
(717) 871-4636

1801 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096
(215) 204-7000

Rhode Island

Master's Programs
600 Mount Pleasant Ave
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 456-8000

South Carolina

171 Moultrie St
Charleston, SC 29409
(843) 225-3294

Master's Programs
4822 East Palmetto Street
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 661-1362

PhD Programs
Columbia-Campus
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 777-7000

Master's Programs
701 Oakland Ave
Rock Hill, SC 29733
(803) 323-2211

South Dakota

414 E Clark St
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390
(605) 658-6200

Tennessee

Master's Programs
1 William L. Jones Drive
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
(931) 372-3101

615 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598
(423) 425-4111

Ed.S. ProgramsPhD Programs
527 Andy Holt Tower
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-1000

Master's ProgramsPhD Programs
Southern Avenue
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-2000

Texas


Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-1011

Master's ProgramsPhD Programs
2008 Alumni Drive, Rusk 206
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
(936) 468-2011

2200 Campbell Stree
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
(888) 868-2682

Ed.S. ProgramsPhD Programs
304 Administration Dr
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898-2000

One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249-1644
(210) 458-4011

PhD Programs
212 E. Cullen Building
Houston, TX 77204-2018
(713) 743-1000

Utah

Ed.S. Programs
Main Campus
Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-4636

Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-1400
(435) 797-1000

Vermont

Virginia

Ed.S. Programs
801 East Main St.
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5000

Master's ProgramsEd.S. Programs
200 Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
(757) 221-4000

Washington

Ed.S. Programs
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 963-1111

526 5th Street
Cheney, WA 99004-2496
(509) 359-6200

E 502 Boone Ave
Spokane, WA 99258-0001
(800) 986-9585

Ed.S. Programs
900 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122-4340
(206) 296-6000

Ed.S. Programs
1400 NE Campus Parkway
Seattle, WA 98195-4550
(206) 543-2100

1900 Commerce St
Tacoma, WA 98402-3100
(253) 692-4400

West Virginia

Ed.S. ProgramsMaster's Programs
1 John Marshall Dr
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-3170

Wisconsin

105 Garfield Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-4636

Master's Programs
1725 State St
La Crosse, WI 54601-9959
(608) 785-8000

Master's ProgramsEd.S. Programs
2200 E Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122

Master's Programs
410 S 3rd St
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
(715) 425-3911

Master's Programs
712 S Broadway St
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 232-1122

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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