School Psychology Degree and Career Guide
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School psychology degree online programs: Which is right for you?
School psychologists work to support students and create an environment in which students can learn and succeed. They also support teachers’ ability to teach, work to create a healthy learning environment and connect with students, teachers, families and other mental health professionals to coordinate services for students.
While school psychologists have many responsibilities, some of their most common activities include:
- Conducting psychological and academic assessments of students
- Monitoring student progress and classroom behavior
- Collecting and interpreting student data
- Addressing student communication and social needs
- Counseling students individually and in groups
- Planning Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities
- Connecting families with additional community supports if needed
Katy Wixsom, School Adjustment Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Clinician, explains that there are several appealing reasons to consider pursuing school psychology and a career working with students. “I have a very young family, so having the summers off is a huge benefit,” she says of her career at a Massachusetts high school. “Additionally, when working in most mental health settings, like private practice, you would only see your client for 45 minutes to an hour once a week or every other week. If you work in a school, you can check in and support your student far more often.”
Pursuing a school psychology degree online offers many advantages, too. Online degree programs offer more flexibility than traditional in-person programs.
Pursuing a school psychology degree online offers many advantages, too. Online degree programs offer more flexibility than traditional in-person programs. You can balance an online degree program with a career or other personal commitments, doing coursework and studying at times that work best for you. An online degree program gives you access to schools all over the country without facing the financial or logistical challenges of relocating. Plus, some online degree programs are self-paced, so you can progress through the programs at a cadence that best works for you.
Exploring online school psychology programs
A quick Google search yields thousands of results for online school psychology programs. So you can assess and choose your program accurately it’s important to identify your career goals and the type of program that is best for your long-term plans.
Types of programs
As you explore online school psychology programs, you’ll be able to choose from two main types of programs. A Master’s in School Psychology (MSEd) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of school psychology concepts and approaches, equipping them with the skills they will need to work as a school psychologist. Graduates of the MSEd Program may pursue school psychologist licensure and go on to work in educational settings.
In contrast, an Education Specialist (EdS) degree is designed for an experienced educator looking for further education to advance their career. Pursuing an EdS with a concentration in school psychology can allow an educator to explore psychological theory and practices that they can apply in their career. Those who pursue an EdS with a concentration in school psychology can specialize their skills to pursue an advanced position as a school leader, principal or superintendent, curriculum developer and more.
Program accreditation
Once you’ve determined the specific type of degree program that best supports your career goals, it’s important to choose a program accredited by a reputable organization. For example, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accredits school psychology programs using rigorous standards that evaluate the quality of the education each program delivers.
By pursuing an accredited program, you’ll have the assurance knowing that the program meets national standard for its curriculum and field experience quality. Potential employers reviewing your resume will also know that you’ve received a thorough and quality education, and that you’ll bring valuable skills and knowledge to their school.
Curriculum and coursework
While each program’s curriculum will vary slightly, look for a program that includes coursework in key areas, like child development, intervention and consultation.
- Tests and measurements:
- You’ll explore measurement concepts and methods, issues and tools of psychological testing. Learn about how to develop tests, evaluate students and the elements of test application in educational settings.
- Child development:
- You’ll study children and adolescents, multiple developmental psychology theories, characteristics of developmental milestones and issues surrounding human development and school psychology.
- Reading assessment and intervention:
- You’ll learn about reading assessment techniques, the basics of reading difficulties, standardized assessment methods and supports available for learners and teachers.
- Individual and group counseling:
- You’ll study the major theories of counseling, explore different approaches and principles of consultation and examine strategies to design interventions.
- Crisis response:
- You’ll explore key elements of crisis preparation, response and recovery, develop important skills like collaborative problem-solving and learn about available mental health supports and how to plan for crisis risk.
Key considerations for prospective students
There are some other key elements that you should review when deciding on the best program for you.
Admission requirements
As you explore online school psychology degree programs, review the admission requirements well in advance. Programs frequently require application materials including transcripts, standardized test scores and personal statements. You may also need to submit letters of recommendation and a resume, depending on the program.
Practicum and internship experiences
Supervised field experiences play a crucial role in online programs. Internships give you highly valuable supervised firsthand experience in the field, and practicums function as an extension of your classroom experience, giving you a chance to continue your learning in a real-world setting.
“Most programs require you to complete an internship within your first year, and a practicum within your second year,” explains Wixsom. “For my practicum, I worked full-time all school year. For the first semester, I worked in a school guidance counseling department, and during the second semester I worked in the school adjustment counseling department. These two practicums were in two different schools, with two very different demographics, as I felt it was important to see different types of schools with various socioeconomic statuses.”
While in-person programs may have established relationships with schools for internship and practicum opportunities, you may have to take an active role in identifying local opportunities for an online degree program.
Financial considerations
Take some time to explore available financial aid, scholarship and grant options at each school. Some schools offer scholarships and grants specifically for online students in school psychology. Contact the school’s financial aid department directly, and also speak with a contact in the psychology department to make sure you’re exploring all of your financial aid options.
Career outlook and opportunities for graduates of school psychology online programs
Becoming a school psychologist offers many opportunities and prepares you for a rewarding career. School psychologists can work in diverse work environments, including not only public and private schools, but also colleges and universities, early intervention programs, family services and mental health agencies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2023 median annual wage for school psychologists was $95,990. The BLS projects that the employment of psychologists should grow by 0.8% through 2035, which is faster than the average job growth across all occupations. Increased awareness of how mental health impacts learning should lead to increased demand for school psychologists.
The requirements to become a licensed school psychologist vary from state to state. Most states require a particular degree that incorporates a minimum number of graduate level hours, as well as a minimum number of supervised work experience hours. To renew your licensure, you will be required to complete 75 continuing education hours. The National Association of School Psychologists outlines details about types of continuing education activities and how to document continuing education credits.
Choosing the right program
In choosing the best program for you, you should consider several factors that will impact your education:
- Curriculum:
- Look for a program that includes coursework that supports your career goals. In addition to coursework covering core psychology areas, look for elective courses available in topics that you’re interested in pursuing.
- Faculty expertise:
- Review the program faculty credentials. Look for faculty who have real-world experience and who have held roles or performed research in areas that will support your learning and your career.
- Accreditation:
- Be sure to choose an accredited program. Pursuing an accredited program may make you a more competitive candidate to employers, and if you choose to pursue additional graduate studies, many schools require applicants to have a degree from an accredited program.
- Student services and support:
- Research the student support services that each program offers. Many programs offer distance learning students access to tutoring services, the university’s online library and the career services center, all of which can contribute to your success.
- Cost:
- Consider the overall cost of the program, too. Look at the associated costs, not just for tuition, but ebooks, internet services and a reliable computer. Review your financial aid options and think about the value that the program offers for the cost.
- Reputation:
- Wixsom recommends focusing on the reputation of the school and the program, too. “In particular, you should try to research statistics that show how may students get a job within the first year after graduation,” she specifies.
Compare online programs in school psychology
| Program | Focus | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago School of Professional Psychology–EdS | Doctorate. Prepares students to become licensed psychologists | National Association of School Psychologists |
| Chicago School of Professional Psychology–PsyD | Doctorate. Prepares students for clinical practice or licensure as a school psychologist | American Psychological Association |
| Capella University–PsyD | Doctorate. Prepares students to become licensed psychologists | Association for Behavior Analysis International |
Wrapping up
Pursuing an online school psychology program can help you to achieve your career goals while giving you the flexibility needed to balance work and family commitments with your education. With a psychology degree, you can enjoy a rewarding career and work in a variety of educational settings. “I love being able to be a supportive, listening ear to students who don’t always have someone to talk to,” says Wixsom. “I also enjoy watching students develop their coping skills from freshman to senior year. The difference is typically incredible, and I feel so honored to be a part of it.”
If you want to pursue a career in school psychology, take some time and further research available programs by clicking the Find Schools button. Connect with program advisors, ask questions and take the next step toward a school psychology career.