School Psychology Degree Overview
Updated March 8, 2024 · 2 Min Read
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There is a critical shortage of school psychologists in K-12 education. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of one school psychologist for every 500 students. However, the national ratio is just one school psychologist for more than 1,000 students.
If you're interested in making a difference in children's educational experiences, explore this guide to earning a school psychology degree.
Degrees in School Psychology
To practice as a school psychologist, you'll need a graduate degree. Be sure to check your state's requirements for the degree and the credentials you need.
The title "psychologist" is protected by the APA to refer to licensed professionals with doctorates. However, school psychologists are an exception because they can use the title holding a master's degree.
School psychology graduate admission requires a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. While you may be able to take classes in school psychology as an undergraduate, your specialization in the field typically doesn't begin until graduate school.
Bachelor’s Degrees in School Psychology
Bachelor's in psychology programs may offer courses or concentrations in school psychology or child and adolescent development.
However, most applicants to school psychology graduate programs have undergraduate degrees in general psychology. Other common degrees include child development, education, and sociology.
Students can earn their bachelor's in psychology degrees online or on campus. In addition to general education requirements, psychology majors take foundational courses that include abnormal psychology, behavioral neuroscience, clinical psychology, cognitive development, and social foundations in general psychology.
Learners might consider gaining volunteer experience with organizations or by tutoring at a school or library.
Master’s Degrees in School Psychology
Master's-level options in school psychology include a master of arts or science in educational psychology, a master of education, and a post-master education specialist.
Programs are offered online or in person. Master's degree curriculums may include practicums and internships, which focus on development through different life phases, human thought and behavior, and psychological and educational assessment.
Course topics include culture and psychology, psychology and the exceptional individual, tests and measurement, and theories of learning.
School psychology master's programs may offer concentrations in developing high intellectual capability, learning design and technology, qualitative approaches to education, and special education.
Some programs require GRE or MAT scores for admission.
Doctorates in School Psychology
School counseling doctoral degrees include a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology, a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.), and a doctor of education (Ed.D). All of these options include a required internship.
Doctoral programs prepare school psychologists with skills in psychoeducational assessment and diagnosis, prevention and intervention, and youth program development. Course topics address cultural contexts in learning and instruction, parenting processes, and linguistically diverse students and families.
School psychology doctoral programs typically require a dissertation, a comprehensive exam, and in-person fieldwork.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Psychology
What degree do most school psychologists have?
Most school psychologists hold a master's degree in school psychology. They are also required to earn state licensure and meet requirements.
Is a school psychologist the same as a school counselor?
School counselors and school psychologists may have overlapping duties. But, the main difference is that counselors focus on academic, career-planning, and social issues, while school psychologists address learning and behavioral issues.
Where do school psychologists make the most money?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school psychologists in California, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., earned the most, with average annual salaries above $100,000 in 2022.
Is a Ph.D. in school psychology worth it?
Earning a Ph.D. in school psychology programs can take longer due to dissertation requirements, but Ph.D. programs also tend to provide more student funding.
What Does a School Psychologist Do?
School psychologists work with students and families to improve children's educational outcomes and mental health. They collaborate with teachers and administrators to effectively meet students' needs and address systemic issues, such as bullying, peer pressure, and drug use.
Their jobs include designing and implementing interventions and assessing their effectiveness. They help individual students experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental distress stemming from social isolation, abusive or violent environments, and homelessness or economic disadvantage.
Just over 85% of school psychologists practice in public school systems, according to the NASP. The remainder find employment at colleges and universities, private and charter schools, private practice, and healthcare settings.
What Else Can I Do With a Master's Degree in Psychology?
A master's degree in psychology can open doors to careers in a wide variety of areas. You can pursue state licensure to become a mental health counselor, rehabilitation counselor, school and career counselor, or therapist.
You can find a staff or consulting position in business or government. Both the private and public sectors value psychology master's graduates. Corporations also hire or consult with industrial-organizational psychologists to help them develop organizational productivity, measure employee performance and satisfaction, research consumer behavior, and formulate marketing strategies.
You can also continue your education to earn a doctorate in psychology and state licensure as a clinical psychologist.
Page last reviewed on February 22, 2024