How to Become a School Psychologist

A school psychologist works in elementary and secondary schools or school district offices to resolve students' learning and behavior problems. School psychologists are trained in both education and psychology.

School psychologists perform the following duties:

• Meet with parents and teachers to discuss learning, behavioral, familial and social problems
• Research innovative learning programs and help to implement them
• Study new behavioral management techniques such as therapeutic intervention, consultation, psychology and child and adolescent psychopathology, and disseminate them to faculty, staff and parents
• Counsel parents on topics like combating student substance abuse, learning/study strategies and communication/parenting techniques
• Connect students and families with counseling services
• Evaluate and advise school disciplinary practices for students with problems
• Participate in the special education process by administering a variety of achievement and psychological tests
• Serve one or more schools in these various capacities

Those choosing to become a school psychologist work primarily in public and private school systems. However, these professionals may be employed in a wide variety of work settings, including:

• School-based health centers
• Hospitals and clinics
• Universities
• Community and state programs
• Private practices.

Most states require that candidates hold a specialist degree or master's degree in school psychology, psychology or counseling. A specialist degree (EdS) in school psychology is earned through roughly three years of graduate study in education and psychology (at least 60 semester hours), followed by a one-year internship.

To prepare for a rigorous two-year master's in education or master's in psychology program, students often earn their undergraduate bachelor's degree in psychology or education while taking plenty of English and communications classes.

Students can continue their education by earning a doctoral degree in school psychology, education or special education. These programs generally last three to five years. Every state requires that professionals in this field be certified and/or licensed to practice school psychology. The National Association of School Psychologists offers national certification, which consists of completion of a master's program (60 semester hours), a supervised 1200-hour internship, and passing the National School Psychology Examination. Candidates should check with www.apapracticecentral.org for a state-by-state breakdown of specific credentialing criteria.

According to the 2010 figures on PayScale.com, the median salary for graduates entering this field is $58,983. Those holding master's degrees earn on average $61,147 per year, while school psychologists with doctoral degrees earn $64,140 on average.