Mental health has an enormous impact on student learning and behavior. School psychologists are in demand to help students succeed emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. Finding the right online school psychology programs can be difficult. Explore the best programs, along with tips on what to look for.
Popular Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online School Psychology Programs
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Alliant International University-San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Eastern Washington University
- Cheney, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Idaho State University
- Pocatello, ID
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Indiana University-Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Loyola Marymount University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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)
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- 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
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online School Psychology Programs for 2025
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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.
Types of Online School Psychology Programs
Knowing which online school psychology degree to pursue can be challenging. The most common option is an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree in school psychology. However, you can also find master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), and master of arts in education (M.Ed.) programs in school psychology.
Some schools offer dual-degree master's and Ed.S. programs in school psychology, or they may combine a master's program and an essential state credential, like California's pupil personnel services credential. Other schools offer school psychology as a concentration, such as a master's in educational psychology with a school psychology concentration.
With such a variety of degree options, it is important to research prospective programs to ensure they meet the requirements for school counselor licensure or certification in your state.
What to Look For in an Online School Psychology Program
As you look through your online school psychology program options, think about the following considerations:
- Curriculum: Ensure the curriculum covers the material that interests you and helps you meet your career goals. For example, if you plan to pursue the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, make sure your program features at least 60 credits, a supervised practicum, and a 1,200-hour internship.
- Program Delivery: Check that the online delivery mode and class times fit within your schedule. If it's a distance program, look at the residency and travel requirements and see if the field experiences will accommodate a local site.
- Affordability: When comparing tuition prices, be sure to look at the available financial aid options as well, including institutional and program-specific scholarships. The program schedule may also affect your employment opportunities while you study.
- Admission Requirements: Double-check all components of the graduate application and ensure that you can meet the requirements. Look at things like minimum GPA, test scores, and work experience.
- Accreditation: While not mandatory for NCSP certification, programmatic accreditation or approval from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) can help, as it assures you that the program meets the NCSP requirements.
Hybrid and Online Options
Typically, online school psychology programs are online or hybrid — a blend of online and on-campus classes. Online programs usually feature some in-person components, such as field experience components. Some online programs also have limited residency requirements, such as a program orientation or networking series held on campus.
Hybrid programs are generally classified as those with between 25%-75% online classes, while programs with less are considered on-campus programs, and those with more are considered online programs. Hybrid school psychology programs provide you with the flexibility of online studies, face-to-face engagement with your cohort and instructors, and access to your school's facilities.
Practical Experience Requirements
The practical experience components of a school psychology program come with many benefits for you. Not only do the practicums and internships allow you to apply your training to real-world scenarios, but they also help you determine your professional interests and give you access to direct feedback from a trained supervisor.
The specific number of practical hours required varies by program, but they must exceed 600 hours in a school setting and 1,200 hours total to qualify for NCSP certification. Most programs have you complete your internship during your final year to ensure you can apply as much of your education as possible. Your school may offer fieldwork suggestions or assistance setting one up, but it's possible that you may have to coordinate this on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online School Psychology Programs
Online school psychologist programs vary in length, but they usually take at least three years to complete if you study full-time. If you need to work or study part-time, you can expect to spend a longer time in school. Depending on your state and your career goals, you may need to pursue additional credits.
School psychologists typically need a master's degree at minimum for employment, but a doctorate like a Ph.D. can be beneficial -- especially if you want to work in academia or research. Due to a shortage of school psychologists, employers should accept professionals with master's degrees more readily moving forward.
School counselors and school psychologists both work with students and school staff to improve academic outcomes, but they focus on different areas. School psychologists focus on mental health issues, giving mental health and learning evaluations, managing crises, and assisting with behavioral or educational intervention strategies. Counselors offer more varied assistance, such as providing social and behavioral assessments, help with academic performance, and talk therapy.
No, educational psychology and school psychology are not the same. While school psychologists focus on the well-being of students and staff within a school, educational psychologists focus on the practice of education. Educational psychologists need a doctorate degree and may help develop learning plans for students with learning disabilities and educational practices and policies for schools.
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