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.

2025 Best Online Master's in School Psychology Programs

Looking for the best online master's in addiction school psychology programs? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked top programs to help you find the right fit. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with work or personal life. They are great for those who need distance learning or prefer a virtual classroom. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-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 an Online School Psychology Program designed for those aiming to become school psychologists. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to pursue either an MS or EdS degree entirely online, with the exception of a single five-day campus workshop. The curriculum is tailored to equip graduates with the skills needed to support K-12 students, educators, and families. Admission prerequisites include a bachelor's degree in psychology or education, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores. Notably, the program is priced at $338.62 per credit hour, totaling $22,348.92 for the 66-credit requirement, making it an affordable option for many. It also offers the convenience of part-time enrollment, catering to working professionals.

• 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 offers an online Ed.S. in School Psychology alongside an M.A. in Educational Psychology, designed for those aiming to impact students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. This NASP-approved program blends rigorous coursework with practical experience, requiring 63 units, a 500-hour practicum, and a 1,200-hour internship. Focused on social justice, it prepares graduates for California licensure and national certification. The program, costing $1,632 per unit, supports a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission and offers flexibility with both online and in-person options, catering especially to California residents. Entrance exams are not explicitly mentioned as required.

• 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

Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT - Public 4-Year - southernct.edu

Master's - School Psychology, M.S.

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Connecticut State University's hybrid Master of Science in School Psychology is a NASP-approved program that equips students with the skills needed for certification as school psychologists in Connecticut. This program uniquely combines online coursework with in-person requirements, catering to those seeking flexibility without compromising on the depth of training. Applicants must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, complete prerequisite psychology courses, and submit standardized test scores. The curriculum emphasizes psychological assessment and interventions to support students' academic and emotional well-being in diverse settings. Notably, this program also requires professional recommendations and a comprehensive exam for graduation, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their careers.

• NASP-approved program
• Leads to state certification
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Hybrid program format
• Multiple prerequisite course options
• Professional recommendations required
• Comprehensive exam for graduation

*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

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.