Before pursuing a master's in school psychology, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a related field.
Online school psychology programs feature courses in psychology, statistics, and child development. Some programs also require an internship. You can complete online psychology programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. But, you need an advanced degree to become a psychologist.
After earning an online school psychology degree and licensure, you can work as a school psychologist in public or private K-12 schools. You can also become a therapist, school counselor, or behavioral specialist.
This guide explores typical admission and graduation requirements. The ranking below lists the top online school psychology programs.
Featured Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
School Psychology Master's Quick Facts
- Credits Required: 30-66 credits
- Completion Time: 1-3 years
- Average Cost: $350-$1,350/credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, 2.75-3.0 minimum GPA, prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose
- Key Skills Learned: Legal, ethical, and professional practice; data-based decision-making; instructional and intervention skills; understanding, interpreting, and applying scientific literature
Frequently Asked Questions About School Psychology
What exactly does a school psychologist do?
School psychologists help students in grades K-12 improve their mental health, relationships, and coping strategies. These psychologists also collaborate with parents and teachers to support students.
How many years does it take to be a school psychologist?
School psychologists generally complete a four-year bachelor's program and a 1-2 year master's program. Some programs require an additional one-year internship.
Is a school psychologist a licensed psychologist?
Licensing requirements for school psychologists vary by state. Psychologists working in public schools often need licensure from their state's department of education.
Why Get a Degree in School Psychology?
For those who enjoy helping others and working with children in schools, earning a school psychology degree can lead to a rewarding career.
Along with an increase in mental health awareness, demand for school psychologists has grown in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school psychologists earn an average salary of $87,550 per year. The BLS projects employment for school counselors to increase 10% from 2021-2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Busy learners often choose online school psychology programs. The flexibility of online learning can help students balance coursework with full-time employment or family responsibilities.
Accreditation Is Important. View Our Guide Here.
How Much Does a School Psychology Degree Cost?
The cost of a school psychology degree varies by school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of graduate tuition and fees was $19,792 for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Along with tuition, learners pursuing their school psychology program online should budget for lab fees and textbooks. Degree-seekers may also need to cover transportation costs for programs requiring in-person components.
Most students need 1-2 years to earn a master's degree in school psychology. Some programs require an additional one-year internship.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learning often costs less than on-campus programs. However, students in online school psychology programs may need to pay for new technology or faster internet speeds. Online programs may also charge a technology fee to cover tech support and virtual learning platforms. Degree-seekers may also pay a graduation fee.
Some online school psychology degrees require campus visits or in-person meetings. Prospective students should budget for potential travel expenses.
Graduates typically need additional credentials to qualify for school psychologist positions. The cost of certification and licensure varies by state.
How Much Do School Psychology Graduates Make?
Common positions for school psychology majors include psychologist, social worker, and school counselor. School psychologists can work in school, healthcare, and government settings. They earn a median annual salary of $81,040. School counselors earn a median of $60,510 per year.
Graduates of master's programs can pursue a doctoral degree to increase their earning potential and job prospects. Doctorate-holders may secure high-paying psychology jobs such as psychiatrist, industrial-organizational psychologist, and clinical psychologist. Industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median $139,280 salary annually.
Courses in School Psychology
Psychology students develop skills in data collection and analysis and mental health interventions. They also hone behavioral assessment and consultation abilities. Degree-seekers gain interpersonal and communication skills.
Students pursuing an online school psychology degree can specialize in research or practice. They may also specialize in a certain age group.
The following sample curriculum features courses common to online school psychology programs. However, course availability varies by program.
- Developmental Psychology: Students in this class learn how human behavior changes with age. Participants learn to distinguish between normal and abnormal development and intervene when necessary. Coursework focuses on children and adolescents to prepare learners for roles in school settings. Degree-seekers explore research methodology, current observable evidence, and contemporary developmental psychology theories.
- Group Counseling in Multicultural School Settings: This course examines contemporary theories and historical perspectives on group counseling. Students participate in group counseling sessions. They learn to identify group dynamics that benefit children and families in multicultural environments. Learners practice techniques to resolve conflicts useful in school settings.
- Remediation of Learning Problems — Students With Special Needs: Students in this course prepare to assess various learning problems and intervene using individual and group techniques. Coursework covers drug treatment, diet modification, role-playing, and counseling. Participants learn to create optimal learning environments for students with special needs.
Online Master's in School Psychology
Doctorate in School Psychology
Featured Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Become a School Psychologist
School psychologists typically hold a master's degree or an Ed.S. degree. Some school psychologists hold a doctorate. Each of these degrees requires an internship or clinical hours.
School psychologists' responsibilities vary by employer. However, these professionals often conduct psychological tests and evaluations. They also discuss academic and personal issues with students and facilitate group counseling sessions. In addition, they might meet with parents, provide emergency and grief counseling, and help develop intervention plans.
Licensure for School Psychologists
Not all states require school psychologists to hold board certification. However, many schools prefer to hire certified candidates.
Graduates of school psychology master's programs can obtain the nationally certified school psychologist certification from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The certification fee costs $110 for NASP members and $210 for nonmembers.
Certification requirements include a series of supervised experiences and a 1,200-hour internship. At least 600 hours of the internship must occur in a school setting. Applicants must also pass the Praxis School Psychologist Exam.
Top Online School Psychology Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Online School Psychology Degrees
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
An online degree from National University helps professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. The psychology program provides online learners with a flexible learning environment. Learners receive specialized training and take core psychology courses.
Transfer students complete a bachelor's in 18-36 months. Learners pay the in-state tuition rate of $11,064 for bachelor’s degrees. Distance learners can finish a master’s degree in two years. To complete a doctoral degree, students usually need four or more years. Learners pursuing graduate degrees pay $16,983 for in-state tuition. About 34% of students take out loans to fund their education.
All applicants submit school transcripts. The institution delivers student support services including tutoring and career counseling. Students can explore the school’s website for details about internships and hands-on learning opportunities. National University has received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,064
Out-of-state
$11,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,983
Out-of-state
$16,983
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
12,471
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Online School Psychology Degrees
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Nevada Las Vegas is a leader in online learning. While earning major credits, students in the bachelor's in psychology program gain specialized knowledge in the field.
University of Nevada Las Vegas Fast Facts:
Student Graduation Percentage: 45%
Learners Receiving Financial Aid: 92%
Students Awarded Student Loans: 33%
Average Net Price With Aid: $12,403
Transfer Credits Allowed: No
The admissions department requires transcripts. Students can access support services, such as tutoring, online and in person. Prospective students can explore the school’s website to learn how to earn credit for practical experiences such as internships. The University of Nevada Las Vegas has received accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,747
Out-of-state
$23,398
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,675
Out-of-state
$21,328
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
31,142
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Online School Psychology Degrees
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Regent University educates students through 148 in-person and online programs. In the BS in psychology program, distance learners complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. The curriculum teaches core psychology topics and provides specialized training.
Regent University Fast Facts:
Students Awarded Financial Aid: 99%
Applies Transfer Credits: No
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Most students complete the bachelor's program in about four years. The institution may allow students to earn credit for internships and service-learning experiences. Working students can transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,552
Out-of-state
$15,552
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
10,483
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Online School Psychology Degrees
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Situated in Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado has one of the best online psychology offerings in the country. In the online BA in psychology program, students complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. The program curriculum explores core psychology topics and delivers specialized training.
University of Northern Colorado at a Glance:
Undergraduate Tuition Rate: $7,596 in-state; $19,854 out-of-state
Average Total Aid Per Learner: $7,971
Average Cost After Aid: $15,965
Undergrad Graduation Rate: 52%
Applies Transfer Credits: No
Degree-seekers gain knowledge and skills to impress employers. Bachelor's degree-seekers can add a minor to customize their undergraduate curriculum. Online degree-seekers watch lectures and complete assignments at convenient times. Students typically complete 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,596
Out-of-state
$19,854
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,867
Out-of-state
$19,620
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
11,460
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Accreditation
Yes
