Online Master’s in School Psychology: Compare Programs

Information collected in this table was last updated in March 2026. For the most current information, it is always best to visit the university’s website.

What Is School Psychology?

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) defines school psychologists as professionals who are "uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' abilities to learn and teachers' abilities to teach."

The field of school psychology comprises professionals who help students learn and thrive in academic and social settings. School psychology also supports instructors’ ability to teach by establishing safe, supportive, and healthy learning environments that extend beyond the school building to students’ homes and communities.

What Does a School Psychologist Do?

A school psychologist’s primary focus is to improve student academic achievement, support diverse learners, create safe school environments, promote positive learning behaviors, and strengthen relationships between families and schools. They often consult with families, teachers, school counselors, and social workers to change school policies and practices.

What’s the Difference Between School Psychology, Educational Psychology and School Counseling?

From educational requirements to scope of practice, there are key similarities and differences among school psychology, educational psychology, and school counseling. These similarities and differences will be made clear in the sections listed below.

School psychologists provide comprehensive psychological services to children and families in schools and similar settings by assessing and counseling students, consulting with parents and school staff, and conducting behavioral interventions when appropriate.

Educational psychologists apply theories of human development to understand how individuals learn and to identify strategies to make learning more effective. While they sometimes work in school settings, educational psychologists also examine people who learn elsewhere, such as in the workplace.

Interested in educational psychology? Explore online degrees in educational psychology.

School counselors help students and clients cope with everyday problems or adversity by guiding them to recognize their strengths and resources.

Interested in school counseling? Explore online master’s in school counseling programs.

School Psychology Admission Requirements

Although admission requirements vary by program, there are several common requirements that school psychologists should expect when applying to higher education programs. Grade point averages (GPAs) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores often weigh heavily on the admission decision. Many psychology master’s programs may prefer undergraduate coursework in a psychology-related major or minor.

If you’re concerned about a low GPA or GRE score or insufficient psychology pre-coursework, it may be beneficial to highlight other areas that show your commitment to the field, such as work or volunteer experience. You will likely also need to secure several letters of recommendation and prepare to do well in a personal interview with the admissions board.

Master’s Degree vs. EdS vs. PhD

In school psychology, there are several graduate training pathways, but the most common route into the profession is a specialist-level degree rather than a standalone master’s. According to NASP, a master’s degree with fewer than 60 semester credits typically requires about 3 years of graduate coursework, including an internship or fieldwork, for state certification. However, school psychology certification typically requires at least a specialist-level degree, so employment options for master ’s-only graduates may be more limited.

A specialist degree or equivalent, such as an EdS, typically requires about 3 years of graduate study, though some programs take 4 years, and includes a minimum 1,200-hour internship. NASP states that this level of preparation is generally accepted for certification across the states for full professional practice in public school settings.

A doctoral degree, such as a PhD, EdD, or PsyD in school psychology, typically requires 5 to 7 years of postbaccalaureate study, including a year of internship and a dissertation. Doctoral training is often the best fit for individuals who want to pursue research, academia, leadership, or broader practice opportunities in settings beyond K–12 schools.

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How to Choose a Degree in School Psychology

Researching and deciding on a graduate program can be daunting. But keeping your career goals in mind may help you narrow your list of possible programs. Here are three questions to consider before deciding on your best path:

1. How much debt am I comfortable taking on?

With each higher degree level comes more tuition cost, so it’s useful to consider how much debt you are willing to incur. To help you decide, check how much income you expect to earn once you have your degree.

2. Do I meet the admission requirements?

The different degree levels have varying admission requirements. Research diligently to understand what type of degree you already qualify for. If you do not meet the minimum admission requirements, can you reasonably complete them before you want to enroll?

3. Is the program accredited?

It’s generally recommended that you complete your graduate studies at an institution that has received regional or national accreditation. Program accreditation provides public assurance that the school or program has met the minimum standards set by the accrediting agency.

Why Get an Online Master’s in School Psychology?

Students completing an online master’s degree program qualify for the same employment and internship opportunities as students who complete their program in a traditional learning environment. This may include jobs in schools, private practice, and general psychology. Online programs typically offer the same caliber and quantity of coursework and curriculum, just delivered differently.

Getting your master’s degree online may offer more flexibility than traditional, in-person instruction. A master’s degree may also be a stepping-stone to a doctoral program. Before deciding whether to earn your degree online, weigh your preferences and priorities.

Some benefits of getting an online master’s in psychology may include career opportunities. By obtaining a school psychology degree, you may be qualified to work as a school psychologist in K–12 schools.

Salary Potential

The median annual salary for school psychologists was $86,930, according to O*NET OnLine’s National Wages: 19-3034.00 — School Psychologists, using 2024 wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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