Best Online School Psychology Programs

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Updated May 1, 2024

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Uncover what the best online school psychology programs offer and how to choose the right one.

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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 Bachelor's Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online School Psychology Programs

#1 Best Online School Psychology Programs

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

University of Georgia, located ‌in Athens, Georgia offers an M.Ed. in educational psychology, applied cognition and development program through the Mary Frances Early College of Education. The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Graduates of the program are qualified for careers in educational, research and training settings in schools or universities, religious education, educational technology, and more.

The tuition is $629 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state students. The online masters of school psychology program requires 34 credits. Major courses focus on education as it relates to developmental, cognitive, and motivational processes. Students must select from several concentrations, including:

  • Learning with technology
  • Learning across the lifespan
  • Qualitative approaches to education
  • Development of high intellectual capability

Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.6 or above and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. GRE or MAT test scores are not required. Students can transfer up to six pre-approved credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,878
Out-of-state
$25,186
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
43%
Students Enrolled
40,598
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online School Psychology Programs

Texas A & M University-College Station

  • College Station, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Texas A & M University-College Station, in College Station, Texas, offers 

offers an M.Ed. in educational psychology program featuring a 48-credit curriculum. The fully online program offers asynchronous or synchronous coursework. Courses emphasize the curriculum required for Texas school counselor certification. This program does not prepare students for licensure as an LPC (licensed professional counselor). Program completion takes four years on average. The tuition is around $25,000-$30,000 for in-state and out-of-state students.

Texas A & M’s online masters of school psychology program offers three concentrations, including:

  • An M.Ed. in educational psychology with specialization in school counseling 
  • An M.Ed. in learning design & technology 
  • An M.Ed. or M.S. in special education

Admission requirements include a preference for two years of classroom teaching as a certified educator. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred.Test scores, including GRE or MAT, are not required. Applicants must make prior arrangements with a school to complete the required K-12th grade teaching practicum.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$36,117
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,885
Out-of-state
$19,593
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
74,311
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online School Psychology Programs

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

National University in San Diego, California is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). NU offers a master of science in educational psychology program featuring a 36 credit hour curriculum. Students can take up to 5 years to complete the program; the tuition is $745 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state students.

The online school psychology program provides the skills students need to work in education or workforce training development occupations. Major coursework emphasizes the psychology of learning, diversity topics, gifted education, and focuses on research, research design, and how to use educational statistics.

Master’s students at NU can transfer up to 6 graduate credit hours toward their M.S in Educational Psychology degree, provided course grades were 3.0 (B) or higher and transfer credits were obtained from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university within five years of acceptance to National University. The approval of transfer credits are subject to NUs approval. The School Dean may make an exception to the rules, based on students’ individual circumstances and the Provost approval.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,064
Out-of-state
$11,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,881
Out-of-state
$16,881
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,648
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Best Online School Psychology Programs

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis, in West Lafayette, Indiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university offers an online master of science degree in educational psychology. featuring a 47 quarter credit (31- semester credit) curriculum. Courses in the major emphasize educational trends, instructional techniques, technologies, and student behaviors in learning. Students learn to develop the tools to help improve programs and practices in the educational field. The courses last 6 weeks ‌and require 20 hours per week to complete online.  Full-time students can complete the course in two years on average, and costs $420 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and official transcripts. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted initially while waiting for an acceptance decision during the application process. Test scores, including the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT), are not required.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,730
Out-of-state
$9,700
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online School Psychology Programs

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

  • Knoxville, TN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). UT Knoxville offers a master of science in educational psychology program featuring a 36-credit, non-thesis curriculum with entirely synchronous coursework. This means students must be online during evening classes scheduled during Eastern Standard Time. 

The online masters of school psychology (EdPsych Online) degree is for professionals working in education, business, and government or planning for a new career in those areas. Students must choose between two concentrations, including the adult education track and the applied educational psychology track. Students can graduate in six semesters. The program costs $639 per credit for in-state residents and $714.00 per credit for out-of-state students.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and a GPA of 3.0 or higher are required for admission. Test scores, including the GRE or MAT, are not required except for students who earned their undergraduate degree from non-U.S. colleges or universities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,332
Out-of-state
$29,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,468
Out-of-state
$29,656
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
33,969
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Best Online School Psychology Programs

Ball State University

  • Muncie, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BSU offers a master of arts in educational psychology. The program features a 30-credit curriculum with entirely asynchronous coursework. 

The online masters of school psychology curriculum focuses on research-based education and human development. Core courses cover education and learning, methodology, tests and screenings to assess learning level, and statistics. The graduate degree program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to work in an education-related field.

The course can be completed in 18 months or fewer (less than a year for full-time students who take summer terms). Tuition is $431 per credit for Indiana residents, and $646 per credit for out-of-state students. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a 2.75 minimum GPA. Test scores, such as the GRE or MAT, are required as part of the admission process.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,434
Out-of-state
$25,918
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,884
Out-of-state
$21,222
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
19,703
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best Online School Psychology Programs

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). UA offers a master of arts in educational psychology program featuring a 30-credit curriculum. The degree is for those planning a career in education, educational research, or educational psychology. The program also provides a smooth transition for those seeking a doctoral degree in education.

The online masters of school psychology degree has a learning and assessment concentration. Courses in the major focus on psychology theories in learning, evaluation processes, and educational research. The tuition is $440 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students.

Admission requirements include a 3.0 average GPA for the final 60 credit hours from a bachelor's program, or a 3.0 cumulative GPA from a graduate program. A minimum GRE score or the 50th percentile on the MAT are also required as part of the admissions process.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,100
Out-of-state
$31,460
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,100
Out-of-state
$31,460
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
38,617
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Best Online School Psychology Programs

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

  • Las Vegas, NV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Nevada-Las Vegas, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), offers a master of science in educational psychology

UNLV's online master's in school psychology degree helps prepare students for careers in special education, elementary and secondary education, along with careers in government or business environments. The program is focused on skills educators need to enhance classroom performance and learning. Students can opt for a thesis track or a non-thesis track.

The program features a 33-credit hour curriculum. Courses in the major include human growth and development, research methods, and theory and practice of human measurement. The tuition is $157 per credit for Nevada residents and out-of-state students. 

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an overall 2.74 GPA, or a 3.0 GPA in the last 2 years of undergraduate studies.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,355
Out-of-state
$25,311
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,976
Out-of-state
$22,518
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
30,578
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#9 Best Online School Psychology Programs

University of Memphis

  • Memphis, TN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Memphis, located in Tennessee, offers an online master of science in educational psychology and research degree. The U of M is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Completion of the program helps prepare students for careers in research in an educational setting, including primary schools, colleges and universities. Graduates can also pursue school counselor roles and careers in hospital research or business.  

Classes are available 100% online.The program curriculum focuses on research design and statistics, learning, and human development. The 30-credit program includes 27 credits of coursework and a capstone research project that is three credits. Admission requirements do not include GRE test scores, but students may submit scores if they prefer. The tuition for online master level courses is $647 per credit. 

Course completion requires approximately two years for full-time students and 3-4 years for part-time students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,352
Out-of-state
$15,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,378
Out-of-state
$13,194
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
21,772
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best Online School Psychology Programs

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

  • Edinboro, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Edinboro University in Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school offers a master’s in educational psychology program. The course curriculum is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. The online school psychology program features a 67-credit curriculum. Tuition is $625 per credit for Pennsylvania residents and $936 per credit for out-of-state students. 

The program uses a scientist-practitioner model where students learn about the research aspects of educational psychology. Courses in the major emphasize special education, mental health, and crisis intervention. Students qualify to sit for the National Association of School Psychologists exam to become nationally certified school psychologists. 

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a 3.0 or higher GPA during the last one or two years of graduate studies. GRE test score results are required. Test scores in the 30th percentile or higher are preferred.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$11,574
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,288
Out-of-state
$13,932
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
4,043
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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 ranking is from 2023. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, read more about 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:

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

How long does an online school psychology program take?

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.

Page last reviewed April 17, 2024. This page's information — not including school descriptions — was reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Psychology.org.

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