Completing an online master’s in school psychology may open doors to a rewarding career working with secondary students, families and school administrators. This field combines educational theory and mental health services to help schools:

School psychologists may have a lasting, positive impact on the well-being of youth and the community by helping children and teenagers succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

Earn an MA in Psychology Online from Pepperdine

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology program prepares students to pursue doctoral study or a career in human services.

• Open to all undergrad majors
• No GRE required 
• Can be completed in about 18 months

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Graduate level and educational specialist degree (EdS) programs that focus on school psychology are available across the country. Some are offered in-person, online or via hybrid format, which is a combination of in-person and online instruction. Here are institutions that provide 100% online instruction for school psychology graduate students:

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) defines school psychologists as professionals who work in the field as “uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ abilities to learn and teachers’ abilities to teach.”

The field is made up of professionals who help students learn and thrive in an academic and social setting. School psychology also supports teachers’ ability to teach by establishing safe, supportive, healthy and successful learning environments that extend beyond the school building to students’ homes and communities.

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

Although educational psychology, school psychology, and school counseling are similar, they are separate areas of psychology with distinct differences.

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

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

Although admission requirements vary from program to program, there are several common requirements that school psychologists should expect when applying to higher education. 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 sufficient 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 recommendation letters and prepare to do well in a personal interview with the admission board. 

There are three degree levels a school psychologist (PDF, 728 KB) may earn. The shortest program of study is a master’s degree. It will typically require two years of full-time, graduate-level study. Although this degree rarely requires an internship, it also offers fewer career options since you may not qualify for national specialty certification.

With just one more year of school (three years total) and 1,200 hours of full-time internships, school psychologists with EdS degrees are qualified to practice in schools or educational settings in every state and territory according to the NASP.

If a school psychologist wants to have a broader range of career options in schools, independent practices, clinics, hospitals or research facilities, they typically spend five to six years of full-time study, including a full-time internship, to obtain a PhD.

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

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 with a different teaching delivery.

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 obtain your degree online, it is essential to weigh your preferences and priorities.

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

While industrial organizational psychologists and other general psychologists may expect to make $90,000 to $110,000 annually, the median annual salary for school psychologists is $78,200. School-based practitioners may earn less than those working in hospitals or government facilities.

There are also significant differences in school psychologist salaries depending on the region, with the Northeast and West reporting higher average wages than other U.S. regions. Your pay as a school psychologist will also depend on your experience and highest degree earned. The more extensive your experience and education, the greater opportunity for higher earnings.

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Last updated: March 2021