School psychology graduate programs focus on the psychology of learning, and how it may vary between students and at different stages of development. Classes may teach how to identify and test for learning, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and the top types of services those students might need as a result.
Graduate school psychologist programs may also cover best intervention strategies, and how socioeconomic status and cultural background, among other things, could impact the student’s psychological and emotional health and learning success.
School psychology programs often prepare students to work within schools and school systems and to hold a few key responsibilities.
Depending on the level of the program, some are designed for students hoping to jumpstart new careers in school psychology. Meanwhile, other programs may be designed for experienced school psychologists, helping them to build more advanced expertise.
One key aspect in choosing a school psychology graduate program is making sure that it focuses on an area appropriate to your goals. For example, one student might be interested in performing psychology and education research. In that case, they might look for a program that’s more theoretical.
Another student might be interested primarily in working directly with students. In that case, one that is practitioner-oriented might be a better fit.
These types of orientations are also referred to as:
Another consideration when selecting among school psychologist graduate programs is the types of students you aspire to work with. Some programs may focus on what you might need to know to help a specific student population. That could be an age group or a behavioral, physical, or learning disability.Or if you’re interested in a specific role, such as testing or research, you may be able to find a program that is oriented toward those.
Finally, the opportunities offered in conjunction with a program may be important contributing factors. For example, for someone wishing to move on to a Ph.D. program, hands-on research opportunities at the masters level may be a valuable component. For someone aiming to jumpstart a new career, the opportunities to observe in the field and obtain guided, hands-on experience applying knowledge in real-world settings may be a big consideration.
Program | Institution | Degree Awarded |
School Psychology | Gallaudet University | MS |
Contact individual school psychology programs to learn what opportunities and concentrations may be available.
While many school psychology masters programs are designed to support students new to the field, some programs may also be able to help students enhance an existing career. They could do this by helping demonstrating a higher level of expertise, earned through study and experiential learning.
Types of school psychology masters programs you might consider include the following.
These and other school psychologist degrees may vary on an individual basis. Not all schools may offer every option. As such, make sure you follow up with your chosen school for more specific information.
One consideration when choosing potential programs is the thesis requirement. If you are planning to go on and earn your doctorate, choosing masters in school psychology programs that include a thesis may be an advantage. On the other hand, if you have no intention of pursuing higher education after the masters level, a program focused on applying your knowledge in the field and gaining practical experience may be a preferable.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that most school psychology masters programs are likely to include some kind of field experience requirement. This could be offered in a few different ways, such as a practicum or a required internship.
The essential difference between those is that a practicum is field experience offered in conjunction with a course and specific academic expectations, and might include a project. An internship, meanwhile, would more closely resemble the day-to-day reality of working as a school psychologist in a professional capacity.
Each school may handle these experiences a little differently, so make sure you follow up with your programs with any questions.
For those who wish to earn a doctorate in school psychology, several school psychologist degree types are available, with similarities and subtle distinctions between each. These include the following.
Different types of school psychology doctoral programs may culminate in different types of projects. Generally, this could be a dissertation, a capstone, or sometimes a practicum.
Essentially, a dissertation is an advanced, in-depth research paper, which students would need to propose, gather their findings, write, and then defend before faculty, as a condition of graduation. A capstone, in some ways, is similar. However, generally, capstone projects tend to be more professionally-oriented, focusing on demonstrating specific skills and knowledge as it might be applied in the field.
A practicum, meanwhile, would be required field experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor and experienced professionals, often with an associated project based on the experience. The type of project that is required of students to graduate could reflect the goals of that school psychology graduate program, and the types of skills the program aims to foster.
For more specific information, reach out to the school psychologist programs you’re considering.
Graduate certificates in school psychology are another, often briefer, avenue to pursue advanced school psychology education. They allow students to demonstrate expertise in a specific area without enrolling in a full school psychologist degree program.
This could be an advantage for those who have already completed school psychology graduate programs, and are working in the field, but want to enhance a specific skill set. It could also be suitable for other educators interested in school psychology, who want to learn more about it for their current roles, or are considering moving into that area.
School psychologist graduate certificates may be available at either the masters or post-masters level. Masters level graduate certificates may typically require at least a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite, whereas a post-masters certificate would be oriented toward those who already hold a masters degree. Contact schools for details.
School psychology graduate programs may be offered in a variety of formats, to accommodate students of diverse learning and scheduling needs. Whether you’re a busy school psychologist trying to balance the needs of each of your students with your educational goals, or want to dedicate yourself full time to your studies, the right format could enable you to do so.
Listed below are three options you might consider when choosing potential school psychologist graduate programs.
School psychology graduate programs may vary from school to school. Additionally, each program may have unique factors, like options for customization, supportive services (like tutoring and library services, for example) available in different ways.
Program format may also impact other parts of the academic program. This could include how field experience might be organized, project requirements, and other factors. For more information, reach out to the specific school you’re looking at.
School psychologists apply psychological principles and techniques to education and developmental disorders. They work in schools and school districts to apply their scientific expertise to help students of all levels learn in ways that are effective for them. For example, they might work with teachers to identify and test students with exceptional learning needs.
They may also help to develop IEPs and serve on IEP teams. School psychologists also work to foster a positive school culture, conduct interventions, and ensure a positive collaboration between teachers and caretakers.
The requirements to become a school psychologists vary by state. However typically, people become a school psychologist by completing three key steps.
Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
---|---|---|
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $81,490 | 2,330 |
Most often school psychologists earn a masters degree or specialist degree, such as the education specialist degree (Ed.S.). However, some school psychologists may have a doctoral degree in school psychology. For more information, reach out to your selected school psychology graduate programs, or the organization responsible for licensing school psychologists in your state.
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-4
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