One of the best aspects of being a school psychologist is that you can work with so many different people.
On the one hand, your skills are pertinent for helping students learn, grow, and advance socially. On the other hand, your talents can be used by parents, teachers, and administrators to improve the learning environment.
Of course, you have to be properly educated to work in school psychology. You can do just that in one of the programs outlined below!
Grand Canyon University
Online MEd in School Counseling
The Master of Education in School Counseling from Grand Canyon University requires 60 credits to graduate. If you study full-time, you can complete the program in about three years, though full-time studies are not required. The online learning format makes it easy to complete your courses at your own pace.
This is a data-informed program, meaning you will explore theoretical components of counseling while also devising school programs for students that are based on thorough research. Some of the courses you’ll take to develop these skills include:
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation
- Organization and Administration of a School Counseling Program
- Development through Childhood and Adolescence
In addition to this and other coursework, you will participate in multiple field placements, including 25 hours of field experience, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship.
Before you can apply to this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree. Your degree does not have to be in counseling or psychology. However, you might need to fulfill prerequisites before being admitted with an unrelated bachelor’s degree.
Moreover, GCU requires you to submit high school or college transcripts and meet program GPA requirements before acceptance. You can apply online for free here.
Capella University
Online EdS – School Psychology
This School Psychology program from Capella University culminates with an Educational Specialist degree. This professional degree program prepares you for licensure or certification as a school psychologist.
Once enrolled, you will find that this program follows a curriculum focusing on social justice, diversity, and data-based decision-making. You will learn how to work with students of all kinds, support teachers and other educators in the school environment, and assist parents in creating a supportive home environment for their children.
In addition to online coursework, you must complete two on-campus residencies, one practicum, and three internships. This 59-credit program takes about four years to complete. However, you can transfer up to 20 credits to this program if you’ve begun your studies elsewhere.
This program follows Capella’s GuidedPath model. You will learn in a structured online environment in which you have consistent opportunities to engage with your peers and with your instructors.
Before you apply to this program, you must have a Master of Science in School Psychology from an accredited college or university. You must also submit the following:
- Official graduate school transcripts that show a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A copy of a valid photo ID
Online MS – Educational Psychology
This 48-credit Master of Science in Educational Psychology is a three-year program you can complete online. Your online studies can be mostly independent in a FlexPath arrangement, or if you prefer a more traditional format, you can opt for Capella’s GuidedPath track.
Either way, you will take a wide range of educational psychology courses that prepare you to work in school systems of all types. These courses include:
- Introduction to Educational Psychology
- Quantitative Design and Analysis
- Learning Theories in Psychology
- Lifespan Development
The overarching themes of this curriculum help you develop the skills needed to provide competent services to students of all kinds.
You will learn research methods and educational psychology theory. You will also learn about professional ethics, diversity, and how to work with people of all backgrounds.
The application process for this program is simple. You must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and have a GPA of 2.3 or higher. You must also submit official transcripts and provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
Online MS – School Psychology
Capella University’s online MS in School Psychology offers you the foundation for advancing your career or working towards higher education with a doctoral degree. No matter your desired result, this program guides you through the curriculum in a structured format and gives you one-on-one support with academic advisors and career counselors.
Additionally, you will find that the curriculum exposes you to many different aspects of school psychology to prepare you for your post-graduate career. You’ll take courses that include:
- Foundations of Practice for School Psychology Learners
- Response to Intervention and Functional Behavior Assessment and Analysis
- Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
- Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists
As you can see from the list above, the coursework delves into everything from psychological theories to interventions to performing psychological assessments.
This is a 53-credit program with 11 classes. But with Capella’s transfer policy, you can bring up to 20 credits from previous university studies. Even if you have no transfer credits, you should be able to complete this program in about three years.
You can start your application to this program today, provided you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school with a 2.7 GPA or higher for your bachelor’s degree studies. You also need to submit the following in support of your application:
- A goals statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts from all colleges you’ve previously attended
- A copy of a valid government photo ID
Online PhD – Educational Psychology
Capella University’s Ph.D. program in Educational Psychology builds on your professional expertise as an educator and expands your understanding of teaching and learning with critical coursework and experiential activities.
You must complete 87 coursework credits, a comprehensive examination, and a dissertation to graduate. You should expect to spend about five years finishing these requirements.
Some of the courses and seminars you will take include the following:
- Principles of Educational Psychology
- Learning Theories in Psychology
- The Psychology of Teaching
- Principles of Instructional Design
Upon graduation, you can pursue any number of educational psychology-related careers. This includes working as a psychometrician, an instructional designer, or a learning specialist. You might also find employment as a test developer, curriculum manager, or psychology teacher.
To apply, Capella University requires that you have a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher. You must also submit a copy of a valid government photo ID. GRE scores are not required for admission.
Online PsyD – School Psychology
The Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology from Capella University is a professional practice program that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a licensed school psychologist. You will gain the required understanding of school psychology through online coursework, research, and in-person learning opportunities.
This program includes 20 courses, two practicum experiences, four internships, and four residencies. Your learning opportunities cover applied practice and academic theory under the guidance of experienced professors who have real-world school psychology experience.
Your coursework includes the study of the following:
- Advanced Biological Psychology
- Neuropsychological Assessment
- Consultation and Collaboration in the School
You can transfer up to 50 quarter credits to this program if you have begun a program at another university. Doing so can significantly reduce the number of credits you need to complete to graduate.
You must take several steps to be considered for admission to this program. They include the following:
- Have a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Submit a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
- Submit a goals statement and a writing sample, as well as three letters of recommendation
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae
University of the Southwest
EdD – Educational Psychology
Earn your doctorate in Educational Psychology online from the University of Southwest in just three years. You will progress through the program in six eight-week terms per year, during which time you will develop a comprehensive understanding of educational psychology theories, research, and applications.
The curriculum is designed as a practitioner doctoral program, meaning you will gain theoretical and practical knowledge that allows you to be a dynamic, well-informed leader in educational psychology. Your studies will occur in four domains:
- Leadership Foundations
- Organizational Dynamics and Change
- Strategic Planning
- Research
Moreover, you will take courses on topics like ethics, policy analysis, assessment, and cultural responsiveness. All told, you must complete 60 credits to graduate. This includes your choice of a live three-day online residency or an eight-week online seminar that expands on your classroom learning.
The University of the Southwest offers perks like small class sizes, free healthcare, and a generous transfer credit policy for admitted students.
To apply, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and three or more years of professional experience. You must also submit official transcripts from your master’s program, an essay, a resume or CV, and two letters of reference with your program application.
Texas A&M International University
Online Master of Science in School Counseling
This Master of Science in School Counseling can be completed online through Texas A&M’s International campus. Though the program requires 48 credits to graduate, you can transfer credits you’ve already completed to finish your degree sooner. In fact, some students can complete this degree in 16 months or less.
During your time in the program, you will learn how to apply counseling theories in many different environments, from pre-K schools to high schools. Likewise, you’ll learn how to conduct yourself professionally and ethically to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.
Some of the classes you will take include:
- School Counseling
- Career Development and Life Planning
- Personality and Counseling Theories
- Group Counseling
Applying to this program is a straightforward process. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a 3.0 GPA or higher for your last 60 hours of coursework, and a valid Texas teaching certificate. You must also have two years of work experience.
Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling – School Counseling
The MA in Counseling from Our Lady of the Lake University offers a specialization in school counseling that prepares you for meaningful work with students in K-12 settings. It’s a 48-credit program that takes about 2.5 years to complete.
You can complete this degree online- no on-campus residency requirements exist. Yet, the program’s curriculum adheres to the national guidelines of the American School Counselor Association, so you can rest assured that your education qualifies you for licensure as a school counselor.
What’s more, by completing 12 additional credits, you will qualify to take the Licensed Professional Counselor exam in many states, including Texas, where Our Lady of the Lake University is located.
You can look forward to studying topics like Career Counseling, Counseling Theories, Multicultural Issues in Counseling, and Clinical Diagnosis.
To apply, fill out the online application, submit letters of recommendation, and supply a current resume. You must also include a personal statement explaining your academic and professional goals.
University of Southern California
Online Master of Education in School Counseling
The University of Southern California’s MEd in School Counseling has part-time and full-time options to help meet your specific needs. Both tracks require you to complete 49 units of study, which you can finish in two to three years.
As a result of your studies, you will learn how to:
- Provide academic, social, and emotional support to students
- Coordinate with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to implement school counseling goals
- Assist students in accessing post-secondary education
- Provide guidance counseling and academic advisement services
You must also complete a 100-hour practicum and a 700-hour internship as part of the graduation requirements.
In addition to preparing you to guide students toward college and career readiness, this program also examines restorative justice issues and trains you in trauma-informed therapy – two competencies that have grown in importance in recent years in modern school environments.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy