The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
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.
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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
Alliant International University-San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Alliant's online Ed.S. in school psychology program includes a mental health concentration that emphasizes crisis prevention and intervention techniques. The curriculum also delves deep into educational psychology, exploring human learning and cognitive development to help young people maximize their potential.
We like how the program prepares students for the pupil personnel services (PPS) credentialing program. The PPS credential authorizes school psychologists to deliver enhanced support services to California students.
Learners can complete the 78-credit, 14-term program entirely online. The coursework is asynchronous, with eight-week terms and open enrollment.
Highlights:
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved curriculum
- Open to all undergraduate majors
- Program scholarships available
Considerations:
- Enrollment limited to California residents
- No National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accreditation
- Optional in-person fieldwork components
75%
Yes
N/A
N/A
$19,484
$19,484
67%
3,599
Private
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Drexel's Ed.S. in school psychology combines a rigorous psychology core with extensive human development, behavioral analysis, education, and ethics coursework. Students learn in cohorts, creating strong networking opportunities.
The program uses a hybrid model. Students complete core psychology coursework on Drexel's Philadelphia campus with the option of taking special education and applied behavioral analysis classes online.
We like the program's credentialing options, which allow students to pursue dual school psychology and applied behavior analysis certifications. The curriculum also emphasizes English proficiency, IQ, adaptive, and skills-based testing and assessment standards.
Highlights:
- Approved by Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Accelerated 10-week quarter structure
- Open to bachelor's degree-holders in any field
Considerations:
- Extensive in-person practicum components
- Experience working with school-aged children preferred
- No National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accreditation
42%
Yes
78%
N/A
$36,234
$36,234
90%
21,573
Private
Eastern Washington University
- Cheney, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
EWU's online Ed.S. in school psychology balances the evidence-based rigors of the scientific method with qualitative practitioner skills to deliver an intensive 107-credit curriculum in a fully online format. We like that the coursework covers professional practice standards and collaborative, evidence-based approaches to student counseling and academic, social, and emotional interventions.
Graduates qualify for Nationally Certified School Psychologist status and are eligible for Washington state's Residency Educational Staff Associate credentialing program.
Candidates require a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or a closely related field. At this time, EWU can only consider international applicants from Canada.
Highlights:
- Accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- Two-year and three-year completion tracks
- Transfer credits accepted
Considerations:
- Weekly synchronous components
- Annual face-to-face trainings
- Multiple years of relevant work experience required
56%
Yes
91%
N/A
$12,661
$27,987
67%
10,273
Public
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
FHSU's online school psychology program awards dual MS and Ed.S. degrees, focusing on scientific psychology and advanced educational practice. We like the program's flexible structure; Learners can choose from three or four-year completion tracks, which make this mostly online program highly accessible.
MS components cover developmental psychology, behavioral therapy, assessment techniques, and psychopathology. Ed.S. courses emphasize theories and practices for improving academic outcomes in diverse student bodies.
FHSU considers applicants with a bachelor's degree in education or psychology. All candidates need at least 12 psychology credits and a minimum of one course in research methods or statistics.
Highlights:
- Open to students in all states
- 1,200-hour post-Ed.S. supervised internship
- Graduate credits can transfer to MS component
Considerations:
- No National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accreditation
- GRE scores and minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Required five-day, in-person summer workshop
61%
Yes
88%
N/A
$3,729
$10,602
76%
12,949
Public
Idaho State University
- Pocatello, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
ISU's online Ed.S. in school psychology is Idaho's only program of its kind. We like the curriculum's emphasis on practical and experiential learning, with coursework focusing on clinical, developmental, and neurocognition essentials. Students also complete an advanced practicum and a 1,200-hour internship.
The program uses a synchronous, 100% online coursework delivery model. Students typically complete the M.Ed. in school psychology examiner curriculum before starting the 64-credit Ed.S. track.
ISU offers both part-time and full-time enrollment options. The practitioner-focused program has no dissertation requirements but offers opportunities to participate in funded research projects.
Highlights:
- Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- 8-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Graduates qualify for school psychologist licensure in Idaho
Considerations:
- Overall "B" average required in all Ed.S. coursework
- Five-year time limit for all Ed.S. requirements
- Bachelor's degree in education or psychology preferred
59%
Yes
N/A
N/A
$8,601
$26,578
71%
12,301
Public
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
IU Online's school psychology Ed.S. program builds knowledge in three key areas: foundational psychology, research methods, and applied psychology in school settings. We like the program’s cohort structure and its affordable tuition costs.
The 65-credit program includes 44-credit school psychology core, supplemented with special education, research/inquiry, counseling, cognition, and human development coursework. Graduates are eligible for school psychologist certification in Indiana.
The flexible program accommodates working professionals. Students typically complete all academic requirements within four years.
Highlights:
- Open to all undergraduate majors
- $350 per credit in state/$490 out of state
- Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Considerations:
- Some courses involve in-person components
- Continuous enrollment mandatory
- Cohort model with summer starts only
43%
Yes
80%
N/A
$10,033
$31,932
91%
47,526
Public
Loyola Marymount University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
LMU's online school psychology program combines an evidence-based curriculum with extensive fieldwork training to develop advanced social-emotional learning insights. Using a 63-credit cohort model, the three-year program includes a 1,200-hour internship and 500 hours of practicum training.
We like that students earn dual MA and Ed.S. degrees, along with a California PPS credential. Graduates also qualify for licensed educational psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist endorsements.
LMU prefers applicants with undergraduate majors or minors in child development, education, psychology, or related fields. Applicants from other academic backgrounds can complete an 18-credit prerequisite course sequence before starting the program.
Highlights:
- Qualify for positions in public or charter schools
- Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- Program-specific scholarships available
Considerations:
- Open to California residents only
- $1,632 per credit
- Synchronous weekday course delivery (late afternoons and evenings)
24%
Yes
40%
N/A
$20,468
$20,468
88%
10,256
Private
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School:
NSU's Psy.S. in school psychology program combines a 21-credit psychology core with extensive coursework in student assessments, behavioral interventions, and research methods. It is the only program featured in this ranking that confers the Psy.S. degree designation.
Students apply their academic learning through rigorous field training. All degree-seekers complete a one-year internship and two practica. NSU uses a flexible format with self-pacing features, and students can choose from three-year and four-year completion tracks.
The 79-credit program offers fall and winter start dates. NSU encourages students to find potential practicum placement sites in school districts aligned with NASP practice standards prior to commencing their studies.
Highlights:
- Approved by National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Florida Department of Education
- Paid internship opportunities
- Designed for employed professionals
Considerations:
- Synchronous course delivery
- Hybrid program with mandatory in-person components
- Education, psychology, or closely related bachelor's degree required
52%
Yes
73%
N/A
$22,062
$22,062
76%
20,877
Private
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Offered through the University of Texas system, SFA's MA in school psychology program includes two years of academic coursework and a one-year internship. The online version of the program allows students to join interactive synchronous class meetings alongside in-seat cohorts.
SFASU's curriculum emphasizes the practitioner-scientist model, which combines rigorous evidence-based training with applied experiences. These include unique research and training opportunities through the School Psychology Assessment Center, which studies various mood disorders, mental health conditions, and learning disabilities that can adversely impact academic performance.
We like how the program can accommodate student-led independent study courses.
Highlights:
- Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- Leads to school psychologist licensure in Texas
- Loan forgiveness, graduate assistantship, and scholarship opportunities available
Considerations:
- Continuous year-round enrollment required
- Campus-based components in year one
- Employment restrictions in years two and three
77%
Yes
88%
N/A
$5,262
$12,606
71%
10,888
Public
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
UA Online's dual MA/Ed.S. program covers educational psychology, school psychology, and school psychometry. This program uses a hybrid format to deliver an intensive curriculum featuring a 33-credit MA track and a 36-credit Ed.S. component.
The two tracks combine to build a comprehensive learning program that integrates rigorous didactic components with field training. Overall fieldwork requirements cover 1,500 hours of internships, plus a 150-hour practicum.
Admission criteria include multiple years of professional education experience for each track. However, applicants who qualify for direct entry to the Ed.S. program can bypass MA requirements, potentially saving time and money.
Highlights:
- Transfer-friendly program
- Leads to certification or licensure in Alabama
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Considerations:
- Fall starts only (cohort model)
- Campus-based requirements for each fall and spring semester
42%
Yes
76%
N/A
$11,100
$31,460
86%
39,622
Public
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
