Online Master’s In School Psychology
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- FAQ
- Why Get This Degree?
- How Much Does It Cost?
- Additional Fees
- Salary
- Courses
- How to Become a School Psychologist
- Certifications and Licensure
- Ranking
School psychologists work with students to diagnose and treat problem behavior, psychological disorders, and developmental delays. They often collaborate with educators to design and implement modifications to instruction and assessment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that psychologists earn a median annual salary of $82,180. The BLS projects jobs for psychologists to grow 3% from 2019-2029.
A master’s degree in school psychology qualifies graduates for a school psychologist license in every state. This guide ranks the best online master’s in school psychology programs. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as common courses and certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Psychology
What can I do with a master’s degree in school psychology?
A master’s in school psychology prepares learners to work as K-12 school psychologists. The degree also prepares students to pursue doctoral study.
How many years is a master’s in school psychology?
Master’s degrees in school psychology typically comprise around 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. However, some programs offer accelerated formats.
What degree do I need to become a school psychologist?
Every state requires school psychologists to hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
Why Get a Degree in School Psychology?
School psychologists help students identify and address problems. These interventions can make a positive impact on learners and the community. School psychologists also typically earn above-average salaries and enjoy positive job growth.
Many online school psychology degrees feature an asynchronous format, giving students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Additionally, many schools offer tuition discounts to online students.
How Much Does a School Psychology Degree Cost?
Tuition varies by school, but most universities charge a flat per-credit tuition rate for every graduate-level course. However, learners at some schools pay more for upper-division courses than lower-division classes. Prospective students on a budget should research whether in-state public universities offer a master’s in school psychology, as these institutions offer tuition discounts to in-state students.
Students pursuing a school psychology degree online often save money compared to their on-campus peers. For instance, online students save on some of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and commuting costs. Many schools also offer tuition discounts to online students. Additionally, the flexibility of online learning often allows students to work while pursuing the degree.
Additional Online Student Fees for School Psychology
Master’s in school psychology students should budget for fees and expenses beyond tuition, including technology expenses. Learners must also determine whether their program requires one or more hybrid components, such as on-campus seminars or intensives. These experiences may involve paying for travel, meals, and housing.
Other typical education costs include textbooks and graduation fees. Some scholarships and grants cover these expenses. Graduates must also pay a one-time fee to their state’s licensure board.
How Much Do School Psychology Majors Make?
Salaries vary by factors such as location, industry, and role. For instance, psychologists in California, Hawaii, and Louisiana earn approximately $25,000 more annually than the profession’s median salary. However, California and Hawaii feature higher costs of living than the national average.
Industry also affects salary. School psychology positions at junior colleges typically pay more than they do in K-12 school districts. However, learners may need additional training or education to work at the college level.
Workers can increase their salary potential by gaining professional experience and certifications. The latter may lead to an automatic raise and promotion. Other potential certification benefits include discounts on office products and professional development tools.
Courses in School Psychology
Master’s in school psychology programs emphasize education, human development, and instruction concepts. They cover topics like cognitive development, research methods, and intervention strategies. Graduation requirements may include a capstone course wherein learners develop an original research project.
Courses vary by program, but the following list highlights three courses commonly found in school psychology master’s degrees.
This introductory course covers different learning theories related to intellectual development. Students learn how mental disabilities affect intellectual and emotional growth. They also examine how to collaborate with educators to design curricula, work with students one on one, and track student progress.
Introduction to Educational Psychology
Lifespan development courses cover the physical, mental, and emotional changes people experience from birth to old age. Learners study different human development milestones and how each affects psychological processes. Lifespan Development
Students in this course hone research design, measurement, and analytical skills. They study topics such as inferential statistics and hypothesis testing. The course also examines topics around the moral foundation of research studies and experiments, such as participant consent. Quantitative Design and Analysis
How to Become a School Psychologist
Aspiring school psychologists can start training for the career by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Learners with a bachelor’s in another subject may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in a master’s in school psychology program.
Degree-seekers must earn at least 60 graduate credits to obtain a school psychologist license. Other requirements include supervised on-the-job training. School psychologists must renew their license to continue practicing. Licensure renewal requirements vary by state.
The BLS reports that most school psychologists work at K-12 schools. Learners can explore these work environments through supervised training and internships.
Certifications and Licensure for School Psychology
All school psychologists need a state-issued license to practice, but obtaining optional professional certifications can help professionals advance their career. The following list outlines several certifications for school psychologists.
National Certified School Counselor
The National Board for Certified Counselors awards this credential to counselors with at least two years of experience. Other requirements include academic prerequisites in family, addictions, and trauma counseling. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive examination.
School Psychologist License
All school psychologists need a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but all states require a master’s degree and professional experience. School psychologists must renew their license periodically by completing professional development opportunities.
Teaching License
Although school psychologists do not need a teaching license to practice, the credential can help professionals advance their careers. Typical licensure requirements include earning a bachelor’s degree, completing an approved teacher-preparation program, and passing a criminal background check.
Online Master’s in School Psychology 2022
See Our Rankings MethodologyUniversity of Georgia
Athens, GA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Athens-based University of Georgia provides graduate programs for online and on-campus degree-seekers. The public institution delivers online master's programs. The flexible M.Ed. in educational psychology, applied cognition, and development prepares students for a variety of opportunities in school psychology.
During the first year of the program, master's students take core classes in psychology. Degree-seekers can choose electives to customize the program to their interests and career goals. To further prepare for careers in the field, master's students can take advantage of faculty mentorship and experiential learning opportunities.
A master's in school psychology can lead to leadership roles, which often pay higher salaries. Faculty advisors and career counselors work closely with master's students and alumni to identify career growth opportunities and job placements.
The institution holds accreditation, which means degree-seekers with financial need can qualify for federal grants and loans. Learners can reduce the cost of earning a master's degree by applying for grants, fellowships, and employer-sponsored tuition plans. At the school, 97% of graduate students fund their education through financial aid.
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled38,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can pursue Florida State University's programs online or in person. The public institution's online master's programs are ideal for busy learners. The flexible MS in educational psychology is ideal for students who want to earn an affordable school psychology degree.
The online program features core educational psychology classes. The curriculum also includes upper-level coursework exploring advanced topics in the field. Faculty members provide mentorship, and students can pursue experiential learning opportunities to prepare for careers.
After finishing the program, master's degree-holders often qualify for raises and promotions. Faculty advisors and career counselors help master's students and alumni locate job placements in their field.
Degree-seekers with financial need can fund their education through federal grants and loans. Distance learners pursuing a master's degree can apply for funding options including scholarships and fellowships. The school reports that 97% of its student body receives financial aid to fund their education.
- In-State$4,640
- Out-of-state$19,084
- In-State$9,684
- Out-of-state$24,116
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled42,450
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can pursue Ball State University's programs online or in person. The public institution delivers an online master's in educational psychology, which is ideal for busy learners. Professionals often maintain employment while earning the master's degree and benefit from increased career opportunities after graduation.
Graduate students work with faculty advisors while earning their master's degree and preparing for careers. The educational psychology program features a rigorous curriculum that helps enrollees develop transferable skills and specialized knowledge. While completing program coursework, master's students hone analytical and leadership skills they can apply to school psychology careers.
Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Financial aid counselors help degree-seekers explore funding options. The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates.
Ball State University Numbers:
Online Master's Programs: 81
Total Online Programs: 113
Number of Online Students: 9,809
Graduate Tuition In-State: $8,850
Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $21,954
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
- In-State$9,358
- Out-of-state$26,138
- In-State$8,850
- Out-of-state$21,954
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled22,443
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
College Station-based Texas A&M University provides graduate programs for online and on-campus degree-seekers. The public institution's offerings include an online master's in school psychology, which distance learners can pursue from any location. Graduates often benefit from increased career opportunities after earning their master's degree.
Graduate students work with faculty advisors during the course of their studies. The program features a rigorous curriculum, helping enrollees develop foundational knowledge in the field. Master's students develop analytical skills they can apply to solve complex problems.
Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Degree-seekers meet with financial aid counselors to discuss their funding options.
Texas A&M University Numbers:
Online Master's Programs: 121
Total Online Programs: 57
Number of Online Students: 9,451
Graduate Tuition In-State: $6,677
Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $18,700
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
- In-State$7,941
- Out-of-state$34,190
- In-State$6,677
- Out-of-state$18,700
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled68,726
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas educates undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers. In addition to studying in person, learners can pursue the school's graduate degrees online. Graduates of the institution's online MS in educational psychology can pursue a variety of positions in school psychology.
The rigorous graduate-level curriculum prepares enrollees to succeed in school psychology careers. The online educational psychology program is ideal for learners with busy schedules. Master's degree-seekers pursuing their degree full time typically graduate in 1-2 years.
The institution holds accreditation, which means students with financial need can qualify for federal grants and loans. Of the student body, 33% fund their education through loans. Learners can also pay for their degree with financial aid, which 92% of the institution's learners secure.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas Facts:
Total Programs: 255
Number of Online Programs: 10
Online Master's Programs: 71
Number of Online Students: 13,776
Religious Affiliation: Non-affiliated
Transfer Credits Counted: No
- In-State$7,454
- Out-of-state$22,505
- In-State$5,459
- Out-of-state$20,510
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled31,171
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
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