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. It is meaningful, complex work and SFA's Master of Art in school psychology prepares you to do it well.
Adopt a practitioner-scientist model
You’ll build a wealth of applied experiences while learning to interpret scientific literature and employ research methods. Our program prepares you to excel in the essential areas of functional assessment, consultation and intervention.
Built around experience
This 63-hour program is fully approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. It includes two years of coursework and a one-year full-time internship.
Clinical experience
You’ll gain essential hands-on experience through required practicum hours and a 1,200-hour internship. These experiences ensure you are fully prepared to meet the professional standards of the field and serve diverse student populations.
Licensing and certification
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for state testing to become a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. By achieving a passing score on the Praxis Series School Psychologist Examination, you’ll also be eligible to apply to become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Applying to the school psychology master's program
Requirements for admission
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.
Note: If you don't meet the minimum requirements, you may be admitted on a provisional basis under the guidance of the program coordinator.
Ready to complete your application?
Submit the following by Jan. 31 for Fall semester enrollment:
- Apply to the Graduate School.
- Submit the following directly to the program coordinator:
- current résumé
- 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.
To complete your application, apply to the Graduate School.
See curriculum
Curriculum requirementsCan I participate remotely?
Yes. Classes are livestreamed via Zoom.
How long will it take to complete?
63 semester credit hours, including one-year, full-time internship.
Is the program accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the NASP.
What is the application deadline?
Jan. 31 for Fall semester admission.
Does this program help me become licensed?
Yes, you'll become eligible to earn your Texas licensure.
Graduates of this program go on to work as school psychologists in public and private school systems across Texas and beyond, supporting students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs. The paid internship in your third year gives you a running start in the field before you even graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Zoom-track students must attend campus one-to-two days per semester during their first year to demonstrate assessment competency.
All students must also attend at least one (off campus) professional school psychology convention.
You can work during parts of the program, but keep in mind that academic standards remain the same regardless of your personal 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 non-internship duties and 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.
Transfer Credit Overview
- Maximum Credit: You may transfer up to 12 semester hours.
- Grade Requirement: You must have earned a grade of B or better.
- Time Limit: The course must have been taken no more than six years before your application.
- Degree Applicability: The course cannot have been used to fulfill requirements for a prior degree (with the exception of hours earned in an SFA certificate program, which are eligible for transfer).
Required Documentation for Request
To initiate a transfer request, you must submit the following materials:
- A memo formally requesting the course transfer.
- The official syllabus for each course under consideration.
- Official transcripts documenting the course credit.
Approval Process
Your request must be approved by three distinct levels:
- Program faculty member
- Department chair
- Academic dean’s office
Important Note: Any accepted transfer credits will count toward your total degree hours, but they will not be factored into your SFA grade-point average. Additionally, if you do not complete your SFA degree within the six-year window, your transfer credit will no longer apply.
Questions?
Get in touch! We're here to help.
Department of Allied Health Studies
Norton HPE Complex, Suite 204