Completing a school psychology master’s program online may open doors to a rewarding career working with secondary school 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.

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Graduate-level and educational specialist degree (EdS) programs that provide school psychology programs online 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:

Information collected in this table was last updated November 2021. For the most current information, it is always best to visit the university’s website.

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 is made up of 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.

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.

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

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, 711 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 might offer 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:

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 requirements for admission. Research diligently to understand what type of degree you already qualify for. If you lack 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 minimum standards as required by the accrediting agency.

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 was $78,780 in 2021 is $81,040. 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: August 2022