Majors & Programs

School Psychology, MA

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Overview

Work where it matters most

School psychologists work directly with students, parents, teachers and communities. They support the improvement of academic and social-emotional environment of school communities. Our curriculum prepares you to excel in the essential areas of functional assessment, consultation and intervention. Applied experiences through required practicum hours and internship ensure you're prepared to meet professional standards.

An online program with dedicated faculty members

Distance is not a barrier to enrolling in SFA's specialist-level school psychology program. All courses are taught online via Zoom in a synchronous format. This means you will attend classes at their designated day and time, meeting with your professor and classmates via Zoom live-stream.

Licensing and certification

Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for state licensure. You also will be eligible to apply to become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

See curriculum

Curriculum requirements

Is this program fully online?
Yes. You'll attend class by joining a live-stream via Zoom.

Is the program accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the NASP.

What is the application deadline?
Jan. 31

Part of the College of Health Professions.

Career prospects

Recent data from the Texas Association of School Psychologists found that, on average, a Texas school psychologist earns $78,213.86 annually.

Whether in public or private school systems, you'll support students from different backgrounds with a wide range of academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs.

The 1,200-hour (typically paid) internship in your third year gives you a running start in the field before you even graduate.

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Apply to the school psychology program

To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:

  • meet the SFA Graduate School requirements
  • achieve an undergraduate 2.75 GPA or higher overall
  • and hold a completed bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited higher institution.

Specific undergraduate degree or coursework is not required. The GRE is not required.

Ready to complete your application? Apply to the Graduate School by Jan. 31.

You will submit the following with your application to the program:

  • current résumé
  • transcripts from all attended higher institutions
  • essay describing your view on the role of a school psychologist and how your background will impact your effectiveness in the field
  • and three letters of professional reference.

If you earned a grade of B or better and have taken the course within the past six years, you may be able to transfer a maximum of 12 credit hours for this nonthesis program.

The course(s) cannot have been used to fulfill requirements for a prior degree.

SFA certificate program: All hours earned in an SFA certificate program can be considered for transfer into a graduate degree program.

To transfer credits from other institutions, you’ll need to submit:

  • a message formally requesting the course transfer
  • the official syllabus of the course to be considered
  • and an official transcript that includes evidence of you earning credit for the course.

Approval process

Your request must be approved by the program coordinator, department chair and academic dean.

Transferred credits and GPA

Any accepted credits do not count toward your GPA.

This information is provided by the graduate school.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can work during parts of the program, but keep in mind that academic standards remain the same regardless of your personal responsibilities or work circumstances.

Here is a breakdown of work expectations by year:

  • Year 1: Working is generally possible.
  • Year 2: You must dedicate approximately 19 hours per week to practicum work (300 hours each in the Fall and Spring).
  • Year 3: You complete a full-time, 1,200-hour internship, which is typically a paid position.

Your practicum can be in the same district, but not the same campus. You cannot earn practicum hours in tandem with duties assigned as an employee for your district.

  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Classes meet once per week, with sessions offered from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and/or 7:15 to 9:45 p.m.
  • Summer Terms: Classes are typically held during the day, Monday through Thursday.

As a graduate-level program, there are specific expectations regarding your environment when live-streaming class. You should not be driving, caring for others, relaxing in bed, or engaging in similar unprofessional activities.

Yes, you're required to have your camera turned on and be engaged in course discussion during class time. Refer to Appendix C: Distance Education in the program's student handbook.

Yes. You must attend campus one-to-two days per semester during your first year to demonstrate assessment competency.

You also attend at least one (off campus) professional school psychology convention.

Questions about the program?

If you have questions about the Master of Arts in school psychology, contact the graduate program coordinator.

Daniel McCleary

Contact

mcclearydf@sfasu.edu

Physical Address
Human Services 215