Online Master’s In School Psychology

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.

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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.

• Introduction to Educational Psychology

  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.

• Lifespan Development

  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.

• Quantitative Design and Analysis

  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.

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.

Online Master's in School Psychology 2022