Best School Psychology Programs

The field of school psychology focuses on assessing, analyzing, and treating mental health and learning issues that school-age individuals face. Many psychology bachelor’s programs offer school psychology concentrations, which prepare learners to work as school counselors, program developers, or educational consultants. Most counseling jobs require a master’s degree and state licensure, so graduates of school psychology programs often pursue further education.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for psychologists to increase 3% from 2019 to 2029. School psychologist positions may increase faster due to the increasing demand for professionals who are qualified to care for students with special needs.

Most full-time students complete bachelor’s in school psychology programs in about four years. However, associate degree-holders often graduate in two years. Learners can graduate sooner by choosing accelerated programs, which usually involve several short, intensive terms per year.

Freshman applicants typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent, a minimum GPA, and acceptable standardized test scores. Learners may also need to submit an application essay. Psychology programs often require successful performance in prerequisite courses. The following sections explore program requirements, accreditation, careers, and resources for school psychology students.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

School psychology programs help learners understand human behavior, which can lead to diverse career opportunities. Graduates often work for community organizations that provide educational or training programs. A school psychology degree can qualify working professionals for promotions, raises, and graduate studies.

After earning a psychology bachelor’s degree, graduates often work for companies, community organizations, and schools. Graduates can become educational consultants, program coordinators, training and development managers, and school administrators. Current educators can earn a school psychology degree to improve their teaching approach or to transition to a new career. Direct-provider roles as school psychologists, guidance counselors, and social workers usually require state licensure and a master’s degree in psychology.

The BLS projects average job growth for psychologists from 2019 to 2029. The BLS also projects a growing need for professionals specializing in learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and special needs.

School psychology programs help learners understand human behavior, which can lead to diverse career opportunities. Graduates often work for community organizations that provide educational or training programs. A school psychology degree can qualify working professionals for promotions, raises, and graduate studies.

After earning a psychology bachelor’s degree, graduates often work for companies, community organizations, and schools. Graduates can become educational consultants, program coordinators, training and development managers, and school administrators. Current educators can earn a school psychology degree to improve their teaching approach or to transition to a new career. Direct-provider roles as school psychologists, guidance counselors, and social workers usually require state licensure and a master’s degree in psychology.

The BLS projects average job growth for psychologists from 2019 to 2029. The BLS also projects a growing need for professionals specializing in learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and special needs.

Individuals with a psychology degree can choose from dozens of career paths. However, many psychology positions require additional credentials and work experience. Graduates of psychology bachelor’s programs often pursue graduate studies to qualify for counseling roles.

As medical doctors, psychiatrists can diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe medication. Psychologists usually focus on talk therapy and cannot prescribe medication.

Psychologists’ responsibilities vary by position. For example, some conduct original research. However, many psychologists provide therapeutic mental health services.

Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned an average annual salary of $87,450 in 2019, according to the BLS. However, earning potential varies based on the individual’s experience, credentials, employer, and region.

Applicants to bachelor’s programs typically need a minimum 2.5 GPA, a high school diploma, recommendation letters, and sufficient standardized test scores. Psychology programs may feature additional requirements, such as prerequisite coursework.

Psychology bachelor’s programs usually comprise about 60 major credits and 60 general education credits. Major requirements often include core courses, school psychology concentration courses, and a capstone internship or thesis.

Students earning a bachelor’s in school psychology typically complete general education requirements, general psychology courses, and core and elective school psychology classes. Most psychology programs include an internship or practicum experience, during which students develop clinical counseling skills. Experiential requirements prepare learners to provide direct mental health services. Some programs also require a senior capstone thesis, which allows degree-seekers to demonstrate skills in psychology research, analysis, and writing.

Core school psychology curricula usually include classes in counseling, human development, learning theory, and research. Other common courses include instructional design and assessment. School psychology electives focus on topics such as change and advocacy in schools, family-school partnerships, and school psychology in a global society. The courses below appear in many school psychology programs.

Educational psychologists, guidance counselors, and school counselors who serve students directly need certification or licensure from their state’s board. Licensure requirements often include a relevant master’s degree from an accredited school and a certain number of supervised internship or professional experience hours. School psychology professionals often pursue the following credentials.

The following professional organizations serve psychology students and professionals. Many professional associations provide networking opportunities, continuing education courses, special events, and job postings. These organizations may also host annual conferences, publish research, and advocate for mental health practitioners and researchers.

School psychology students can qualify for field-specific scholarships. Many private and public foundations and professional organizations award scholarships based on financial need, academic performance, and community involvement. Learners can also apply for awards reserved for students who belong to underrepresented populations. The following scholarships are available to qualifying school psychology students.

Who Can Apply: The American Psychology-Law Society offers this research award to support underrepresented students and those researching diversity-related psycholegal issues. Applicants must hold membership with the society and must submit a project proposal, a cover letter, a CV, and support letters. Applicants must also include an approval letter from their institutional review board.

Amount: $500-$1,000

Who Can Apply: The Melanie Foundation awards this scholarship to U.S. students enrolled in accredited mental health-related graduate programs. Applicants must express interest in either O’Donnell’s commitment to wisdom and compassion or the link between community violence and mental health. Candidates must demonstrate a history of volunteer, extracurricular, career, or research activities. Applicants submit a CV, transcripts, reference letters, and an essay.

Amount: $2,500

Who Can Apply: This fellowship supports African American women who are enrolled full time. Applicants must be a U.S. student in an international graduate program or an international student in a U.S. graduate program. Application requirements include three recommendation letters, official transcripts, and a 150-word essay describing the applicant’s educational and professional aspirations.

Amount: $500-$1,000