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.

2026 Best Online Master's in School Psychology Programs

Counseling Psychology.org presents its comprehensive guide to the best online Master's in School Psychology programs, designed to help aspiring school psychologists advance their careers through flexible distance learning options. These virtual programs offer students the opportunity to balance professional responsibilities while gaining critical expertise in child development, learning strategies, and mental health interventions. Online programs have become increasingly important, providing accessible education for professionals who cannot attend traditional on-campus courses. By leveraging technology, these remote programs deliver high-quality instruction from renowned experts, enabling students to develop essential skills in psychological assessment, counseling techniques, and educational support strategies. Our rankings consider factors like academic rigor, faculty credentials, student support services, and clinical training opportunities. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS - Public 4-Year - fhsu.edu

Master's - Online School Psychology Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fort Hays State University offers a comprehensive online School Psychology program featuring flexible MS and EdS degree tracks designed for aspiring K-12 school psychologists. With a competitive total cost of $22,348.92 for 66 credit hours, students benefit from a virtual curriculum that seamlessly blends rigorous academic training with practical experience. The program uniquely requires a single five-day campus workshop and provides nationwide practicum opportunities. Admission criteria include a psychology or education bachelor's degree, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and submitting GRE scores. Military-friendly and accessible, the program allows part-time or full-time enrollment, enabling students to balance professional development with existing commitments while preparing for impactful roles in educational settings.

• Fully online degree program
• MS and EdS tracks available
• 66 total credit hours
• $338.62 per credit hour
• Nationwide student accessibility
• One brief campus workshop
• GRE required for admission
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Prepares K-12 school psychologists
• Flexible part-time enrollment

#2

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA - Private 4-year - lmu.edu

Master's - School Psychology, Ed.S. with Educational Psychology, M.A.

Online Learning - Visit Website

Loyola Marymount University's online School Psychology Ed.S. with Educational Psychology program offers a comprehensive three-year cohort experience designed to transform educators into skilled psychological professionals. The NASP-approved curriculum emphasizes social justice and evidence-based practices, integrating 500-hour practicum and 1,200-hour internship experiences. Students explore advanced assessment, intervention, and advocacy techniques for diverse learners. With a competitive $1,632 per unit cost, the program prepares graduates for national certification and California state licensure. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals, ensuring accessibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Prospective students must maintain a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission.

• NASP-approved program
• 3-year cohort program
• Online and in-person options
• 500-hour practicum
• 1,200-hour internship
• 63 total course units
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• California state credential eligible

#3

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu

Master's - Educational Psychology M.Ed.

Concentration: School Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's online and hybrid Educational Psychology M.Ed. with School Psychology concentration offers a rigorous 62-credit program addressing critical personnel shortages in educational psychology. The program uniquely blends comprehensive coursework with mentored clinical experiences, preparing professionals to support children's academic and emotional development. Students gain advanced skills in psychological assessment, intervention strategies, and collaborative practice. With a strategic focus on rural school partnerships, the program leads to Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) credentials. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices and provides flexible learning options, enabling students to develop expertise while accommodating professional and personal commitments.

• 62-hour graduate program
• Two years coursework, one year internship
• Face-to-face with online options
• Maximum 6 transfer hours allowed
• Leads to LSSP licensure
• Rural school partnerships
• Growing job market
• Mentored clinical experiences

*U.S. Department of Education institutional data (IPEDS 2023).

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.

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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.