The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2026
An online school psychology degree can lead to a career that positively impacts children and families. Check out this guide to find the best program for you.
According to a 2024 trends report from the American Psychological Association, the United States faces a nationwide shortage of school psychologists. These mental health specialists play vital roles in K-12 education, providing direct support for students, coordinating initiatives to address trauma, bullying, and other behavioral and emotional issues, and collaborating with families, teachers, and other professionals to improve learning outcomes.
Explore this guide to learn how an online school psychology degree can prepare you for a career in helping children succeed academically and personally.
Best Online School Psychology Programs
Eastern Washington University – Fastest Learning Tracks
- Cheney, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose EWU: Students Can Graduate in 2 or 3 years
EWU's Ed.S. in school psychology allows students to earn their degree in 2-3 years, depending on their chosen track. The two-year track is designed for students with a graduate degree in a related field, three years of teaching experience, and a minimum of five years of experience in a related field. The three-year track requires a minimum of 150 hours of professional experience working with children or individuals with disabilities.
Courses cover assessment, law, ethics, evidence-based practices, and research and program evaluation. You’ll complete a portfolio and an internship in school psychology at the end of the program.
Other Highlights
- Full accreditation by the National Association of School Psychologists
- First accredited program of its kind
- Students are encouraged to work in school settings while completing coursework.
Considerations
- 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter or 60 semester graded post-secondary credits required
- Estimated annual total educational costs are $14,688 for residents and $30,072 for nonresidents
- 2 and 3-year tracks begin only in the summer term
61%
$12,698
67%
$28,043
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 10,491
- Institution Type
- Public
Minnesota State University Moorhead – Most Affordable for Online Students
- Moorhead, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose MSUM: Out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate as in-state learners
We chose MSUM's MS & specialist in school psychology because out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate of $620 per credit as Minnesota students. Some students in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota may be eligible for a tuition- or fee-free pathway.
The program can be completed online or on campus in 2-3 years, plus one year of internship for either curriculum plan, and requires 68 credits. You’ll earn a non-terminal master’s degree after 33 credits. Then, you’ll earn a terminal specialist degree after you complete the remaining 35 credits. The curriculum includes 300 hours of practicum in school psychology and a 1,200-hour internship. Previous students have completed internships in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, Alaska, and Hawaii while completing their other coursework online.
Other Highlights
- 100% job placement
- 30 years as an NASP-approved program
- Paid internships are paid
Considerations
- Must apply by February 1st because all curriculum plans start in the summer
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or 3.25 in the last 30 semester credits
- Requires 12 credits in psychology, including one statistics course and one developmental psychology course from your bachelor’s degree
77%
$10,479
72%
$10,479
- Acceptance Rate
- 53%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,410
- Institution Type
- Public
National University – Most Student-Friendly
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose NU: Year-Round Enrollment, Free Mentoring, and No Application Fees or Essays Required
NU's MS in school psychology is a student-friendly program with year-round enrollment. The school requires no application fees, exams, or essay requirements, and offers free tutoring and a mentoring network. The three-year program requires 94.5 quarter credits and prepares students to become school psychologists in the state of California.
You’ll complete courses in research, cognitive assessment, ethics, and consultation in school psychology. The program also requires three practicum courses and internship courses,
Other Highlights
- Yellow Ribbon School
- Hispanic-Serving Institution
- More than 77 million in scholarships and 1:1 assistance for navigating financial aid
Considerations
- A bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA is required for admission
- Cost is $442 per quarter unit.
- Prepares students to become school psychologists in California
86%
$15,912
53%
$15,912
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,604
- Institution Type
- Private
Nova Southeastern University – Most Tailored to Working Professionals
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose NSU: Fully Online, Degree Completion Option, and Field Placement Assistance
NSU's Psy.S. in school psychology is a fully online program featuring smaller class sizes, a degree completion option, and field placement assistance, making it an ideal choice for working professionals.
The 79-credit program can be completed in four years, with nine credits earned each semester, making it suitable for working students. You’ll complete 2-3 years of coursework in assessment, human development, and school consultation, along with a one-year internship that is usually paid.
Students who don’t meet the GPA or GRE requirements for admission may still be considered for alternative degree admission if they hold a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution and have relevant work experience.
Other Highlights
- Designated Hispanic-Serving Institution
- Yellow Ribbon school; $8,500 for all eligible graduate students
- Accredited by NASP
Considerations
- Must complete three credits of graduate coursework in research and statistics for admission
- Three admission deadlines for online program, including one early admission
- Tuition costs $999 per credit
56%
$22,890
76%
$22,890
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,850
- Institution Type
- Private
West Texas A & M University – Most Geared Toward Licensure
- Canyon, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose WTAMU: Prepares Students for Texas and National Licensure Exams
WTAMU's specialist in school psychology prepares students for Texas and national certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). You can earn your degree in three years of full-time study or 4-6 years of part-time study.
The program requires 66 credits, including statistics, advanced child psychopathology, and social and cultural foundations in psychology. Students must also complete three hours in assessment practicum, three hours of intervention practicum, and six hours of internship. After completing coursework, students must take comprehensive exams and the Praxis II School Psychologist professional licensure exam to graduate.
Other Highlights
- Special Texas reimbursement opportunity for students working and willing to continue to work in small rural schools
- NASP accredited
- Two start dates available in the fall and spring
Considerations
- May not prepare learners for licensure exams in states outside of Texas
- Tuition costs $559 per credit for Texas residents and $1,016 for nonresidents
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credits completed
52%
$5,088
70%
$6,378
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,052
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in psychology. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting the features that matter most to you.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How To Choose an Online School Psychology Program
Online school psychology programs typically award a master’s degree or an education specialist (Ed.S) degree. Finding the right online program to meet your needs and professional goals can be challenging.
To help narrow down your options, pay attention to factors like accreditation, admission requirements, curriculum, and career focus. Find out which online programs offer enough flexibility to accommodate your schedule and learning style. Tuition costs and financial aid are also important considerations.
Accreditation
Institutional accreditation evaluates a university’s academic quality, ensuring financial aid eligibility and transferrable credits. Programmatic accreditation assesses specific university departments and programs. Choosing a degree accredited or approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) helps ensure you will qualify for national school psychologist certification.
Admission Requirements
Before applying to any online program, ensure you meet all the entrance requirements. Most school psychology programs require a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field with a high cumulative GPA. Evidence of relevant research or work experience, strong recommendations, and a well-crafted personal statement can boost your chances for a favorable outcome.
Career Relevance
Although school psychologists find positions in a variety of fields, most choose to work in K-12 educational settings. If you plan to pursue state licensure to practice as a school psychologist, make sure your program’s curriculum meets the professional standards established by the NASP required for the National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential or other licensure requirements in the state where you intend to work.
Flexibility
The flexibility of online programs makes them a popular option, but not all programs feature the same residency requirements or course delivery formats. Decide what works best for you. Are you looking for a fully online, self-paced format, a structured program with real-time classes, or a hybrid model that blends distance learning with on-campus attendance?
Cost and Financial Aid
Some online degrees offer lower tuition rates than on-campus programs. An online program may also help you save on commuting or relocation expenses.
You should always investigate the availability of financial aid and scholarship opportunities for your intended program. Attending an in-state public school rather than an out-of-state or private institution may reduce overall tuition and fees.
How To Apply to an Online School Psychology Program
While specific admission requirements for online school psychology programs vary by type of graduate degree, most schools require official academic transcripts, a minimum GPA, a personal statement, and recommendation letters. Some programs may ask for GRE scores or an in-person or virtual interview. The admission process typically involves these steps:
- Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
Most programs require a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field. Undergraduate courses in psychology, statistics, research, and education provide a strong foundation for graduate
work. Most competitive master’s programs require a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission, but specific requirements vary by program.
- Step 2: Gather Required Application Documents
Make sure you gather the necessary documents before submitting your application. These materials typically include official transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or work supervisors, and a personal statement. Many school psychology programs ask you to submit GRE scores, but they are optional or not required by some schools.
- Step 3: Additional Requirements
Because entrance requirements vary by program, you may need to provide additional documentation to support your application. Some programs require a resume or statement documenting relevant work or volunteer experience. Depending on the program, you may also complete an in-person or virtual interview.
- Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you have provided all the information requested on the application form, you are ready to submit your application along with the required fee. Many programs allow you to submit your application digitally. Be aware of the cutoff dates for submission. Some schools use a rolling admission process that allows you to apply throughout the year and begin your studies as soon as accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a School Psychologist
School psychologists use their training in mental health and education to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. These professionals often work in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, or community and mental health services.
