Inside Online Master’s Programs in School Psychology

Self-Assessment Questions: Are You Ready?

Pursuing a master’s in school psychology is a significant commitment and calling. Before you apply, take a moment to reflect on your goals, expectations, and personal situation. Below are five introspective questions prospective school psychology students should ask themselves:

1. Am I passionate about working with children and adolescents? – Successful school psychologists genuinely care about improving kids’ lives. Consider your desire to support students’ mental health and learning. Do you find fulfillment in helping young people overcome challenges and thrive?
2. Do I understand the role of a school psychologist (and prefer it over related roles)? – School psychologists primarily perform assessments, design interventions, and consult on student needs, whereas school counselors focus on academic guidance and scheduling. Reflect on whether you’re more interested in psychological testing and special education services versus general counseling (knowing there is overlap). Ensuring you want this specific role will keep you motivated through the rigorous training.
3. Can I handle the time and energy commitment of a graduate program? – An online master’s in school psychology often involves ~2-3 years of intensive study, plus a 1,200-hour internship for your program. If you’re working or have family obligations, are you prepared to budget your time for coursework and potentially reduce other commitments? Consider your time-management skills and support system. It’s important to be realistic: practicum and internship will require regular daytime hours in schools.
4. Am I prepared for an online learning format (and disciplined to stay on track)? – Online programs offer flexibility but also require self-motivation. Ask yourself if you are comfortable with technology, able to learn independently, and proactive about reaching out to instructors. If you thrive with in-person interaction, you may need to seek opportunities (study groups, video calls) to replicate that. Knowing your learning style will help you succeed in an online environment.
5. What are my career goals, and how will this degree help me achieve them? – Think about your ultimate objective. Do you plan to work as a school psychologist in a particular state or district? Are you open to relocating if needed for internships or jobs? Perhaps you aspire to further certification (like the NCSP) or even a doctoral degree eventually. Clarifying your vision can guide you in choosing the right program (for example, one that’s NASP-approved if you aim for national certification) and keeping yourself motivated during challenging moments in grad school.

Take time to honestly answer these questions. Your responses can confirm your readiness and highlight areas to address (for instance, gaining some experience with kids or brushing up on online learning skills) before you officially start pursuing your master’s. Being self-aware and prepared will set you up for success throughout your education.

An Inside Look at 3 Online School Psychology Master’s Programs

Below, we highlight three accredited U.S. universities offering online or hybrid master’s programs in school psychology. Each combines rigorous coursework with flexible delivery, preparing students for certification as school psychologists.

Exploring Costs of an Online School Psychology Master’s

The cost of an online master’s program in school psychology can vary widely, so it’s important to understand the factors involved. At public universities, in-state tuition is usually lower than out-of-state, though many online programs charge a single rate for all students. For example, some state schools extend their in-state graduate tuition to online learners nationwide, while others have a modest premium for non-residents. Private university tuition tends to be higher but uniform for all students. Beyond tuition, consider fees and hidden costs: online programs may have technology fees, and some require short residencies or travel expenses for workshops. You’ll also need to budget for books or test kits.On the flip side, there are ways to offset the costs of your education. Studying online could save you money on relocation, commuting, or campus housing. Financial aid and scholarships can offset costs. Since most online programs at accredited universities qualify for federal aid, be sure to submit the FAFSA and explore any graduate scholarships (some are specific to education or psychology majors). Take a look below for a cost comparison of three featured programs for you to consider for your budget:

Note: Always verify the latest tuition rates and fees on the university’s website, as these can change year to year.

Career Outlook: What Can You Do with a Master’s in School Psychology?

Earning a master’s (and typically an Ed.S.) in school psychology opens the door to a rewarding career dedicated to student well-being. Most graduates become school psychologists in K-12 settings, which has a very positive career outlook. Between the well-documented shortage of school psychology professionals nationwide and a greater awareness of the importance of mental health in schools, demand is high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment to grow about 6–7% over the next decade – faster than the average for all occupations.

Beyond working in schools, individuals with this degree may also find roles in other settings: community mental health centers, pediatric clinics, or private practice. Some school psychologists work for district or state education departments. Others may pursue further study (such as a doctoral degree) to expand their career options into academia, research, or clinical psychology. Another option after a few years of practice is obtaining the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, which can increase your portability across states and demonstrate advanced standing.

School psychologists report high job satisfaction because they make a tangible difference in children’s lives. The role is at the intersection of psychology and education, and it can be deeply gratifying to see students overcome challenges and succeed thanks to interventions you helped put in place. Whether you remain in the school system or branch out into allied roles, your expertise in mental health and education will be in demand.

Licensing Requirements for School Psychology Graduates

Before you can officially work as a school psychologist, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate state certification or licensure. Unlike clinical psychologists who are licensed by psychology boards, school psychologists are typically credentialed by state education agencies. Every U.S. state has its own requirements, so it’s crucial to check the specific criteria in the state where you plan to practice. That said, there are common standards across most states:

• Educational Requirements: Almost all states require completion of a graduate program of at least 60 graduate semester credits in school psychology. This usually means earning an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree or equivalent (some states accept a master’s + additional post-master’s coursework totaling 60 credits). Your program should be state-approved or NASP-approved to ensure it covers the necessary content and field experiences.
• Practicum/Internship: States universally require a supervised internship (or internships) in school psychology. The standard is a minimum of 1,200 hours of internship, with at least 600 hours completed in a school setting (this aligns with NASP’s recommendation).
• Examination: Most states mandate a passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist exam (administered by ETS) as part of certification. The Praxis exam is a standardized test covering assessment, intervention, consultation, ethics, and other school psychology practices, and is usually required for those who want to pursue clinical psychology licensure for school-based practice. Some states alternatively or additionally require a state-specific test on educational law or ethics.
• Application and Background Checks: To obtain your credential, you’ll submit an application to the state department of education (or relevant board) with proof of your education (transcripts), internship, and exam results. States also require a criminal background check/fingerprinting for anyone working in schools.
• National Certification (optional): Graduates can also pursue the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential from NASP. Earning the NCSP can streamline obtaining licensure in many states and is a mark of professional excellence. To get the NCSP, you need to have finished a NASP-accredited (or equivalent) program, completed the 1,200-hour internship, and passed the Praxis exam, followed by a portfolio review. Over 30 states accept the NCSP as meeting or partially meeting their licensure requirements.
• Continuing Education: Once licensed or certified, school psychologists must maintain their credential via continuing professional education. States typically require renewal every few years (e.g., every 3 to 5 years) with documentation of continuing education hours. Similarly, the NCSP must be renewed every 3 years with proof of ongoing professional development as this ensures you stay up-to-date on best practices.

It’s important to note that if you wish to practice independently outside of schools (for example, offering private therapy or psychoeducational services), additional licensure as a psychologist may be necessary. A few states have a specific license for private practice school psychologists, but generally, the master’s/Ed.S. in school psychology prepares you for school-based credentialing, not clinical psychologist licensure (which requires a doctorate).

School Psychologist Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I become a school psychologist with an online degree?

A: Yes – as long as the online program is properly accredited (regional and/or NASP) and meets state standards. School psychology licensure boards care that you completed a graduate program with the required coursework and internship, not whether it was online or on campus. Networking and building a strong practicum/internship reputation can also help demonstrate your skills to school districts, alleviating any lingering bias about an online degree.

Q: Do I need a teaching license or teaching experience before applying to a school psychology program?

A: In most cases, no, you don’t need to be a teacher first. The majority of school psychology graduate programs accept students from various backgrounds as long as they’ve completed relevant undergraduate coursework (like psychology). Generally, if you’re not a teacher, there are plenty of programs that will consider your application. Having experience with children through mentoring, tutoring, youth work, etc. can strengthen your application and help you during training, even if it’s not formally required. If you do have a teaching license, it can be an asset, but it’s not a universal requirement; just be sure to check the admissions criteria for each program.

Q: How do online students handle the practicum and internship requirements?

A: Online school psychology programs still include the same fieldwork requirements as campus programs, so you will complete practicum hours and a full internship in a school setting. The difference is you’ll likely arrange to do these in schools local to you with guidance from your program. You might intern in your current workplace (if you already work in a school in another capacity) or in a nearby district. During practicum/internship, you’ll be supervised by a credentialed school psychologist on-site, and you’ll also have oversight from faculty.

Q: What’s the difference between a school psychologist and a school counselor?

A: Both roles support students, but in different ways (not to mention that they both require different degrees). School psychologists are trained in mental health and education; they go through higher level training and often work with a smaller subset of students who have more intensive needs. They conduct psychological evaluations for special education, diagnose learning or behavioral disorders, provide short-term counseling/therapy, and develop interventions for struggling students. They also consult with teachers and parents on how to improve student outcomes or manage behavioral issues.

School counselors, on the other hand, typically serve the entire student body. Their focus is on academic advising, college/career planning, and general student development (social skills, scheduling classes, etc.), as well as addressing everyday personal issues students might face. Counselors might run guidance lessons or assist with school-wide programs. In short, school psychologists can conduct testing and mental health interventions, whereas school counselors do not administer psychological tests or diagnose.

Q: What does it mean for a program to be NASP-approved, and is it important?

A: NASP-approved means the program has been evaluated by the National Association of School Psychologists and found to meet their training standards for school psychology. It’s essentially a mark of quality and comprehensiveness. Attending a NASP-approved (or NASP-accredited) program can make your life easier in a few ways: (1) You’ll automatically meet the education requirements for the NCSP certification. (2) Many states’ licensure criteria align with NASP standards, so you’ll likely be eligible for certification in most states (assuming you also pass the exam). Some states even waive certain requirements if you have graduated from a NASP program or hold the NCSP. (3) It gives confidence that the curriculum is up-to-date and rigorous, taught by qualified faculty.

That said, there are plenty of excellent programs that are not officially NASP-approved but still meet state requirements. If you go to a non-NASP program, you might just have to submit extra documentation when applying for the NCSP or out-of-state licensure (like a portfolio of your work to show you met the standards. In short, NASP approval is important but not the only factor. 

Online Master’s Programs in School Psychology: Ranking the Best Options

Choosing the right program can feel overwhelming, which is why rankings can help guide your decision. This ranking of top online school psychology programs was created by analyzing U.S. Department of Education data and information from over 7,700 colleges and universities. Key factors considered include tuition and fees, financial aid options, proper accreditation, online learning formats, and student support services. Make an informed choice about where to pursue your online master’s in school psychology by learning which schools made their way onto our list.