Master of Arts degree in School Psychology
School psychologists work directly with students, parents, teachers and the community as well as indirectly through consultation and collaboration to benefit the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional environment of school communities. The Master's program in School Psychology at SFA adopts a practitioner-scientist model of training that focuses on producing practitioners who possess a wealth of applied experiences, the ability to comprehend and interpret scientific literature and aptitude to employ applied research methods.
Prospective applicants to the Master's program must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75. The Student Handbook provides a comprehensive list of admission requirements and procedures, which can be found by clicking on the dropdown menus under Admission Requirements and Procedures on this webpage.
The Master’s program was authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in August 2000 and has full approval (national recognition) by the National Association of School Psychologists through February 1, 2026. This 63-hour degree includes two years of coursework and a one-year, full-time internship.
Face-to-Face and Zoom Program Tracks
Applicants to the MA School Psychology Program can apply to either the face-to-face (F2F) track or the Zoom track. F2F refers to the on-campus experience that has been the traditional method of collegiate learning. However, we also offer a Zoom track wherein students attend classes synchronously via Zoom. You can learn more about the Zoom track by reading the Student Handbook that is linked on this webpage. In particular, you will want to read the section titled Zoom Admission and Appendix D: Distance Education Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an online program?
We offer a Zoom track in which students can attend classes synchronously via Zoom. Students are required to have their camera turned on and engage in course discussion during class time.
Do I have to go to campus?
Students in the Zoom track must come to campus 1 to 2 days in the fall and again in the spring semester of their first year in the program to demonstrate competency administering and scoring assessments. Although not on campus, students are required to attend at least one school psychology professional convention (e.g., the Texas Association of School Psychologists [TASP] or the National Association of School Psychologists [NASP] annual convention).
Can I work while I’m in the program?
Working is possible during certain parts of the program. However, the standards and expectations of students in the program do not change based on their circumstances (e.g., working full-time and caring for children). It is possible to work during the first year of the program. In the second year, students complete a 300-hour practicum in the fall and another 300-hour practicum in the spring. This means you will need to be functioning as a school psychology practicum student approximately 19 hours per week. In the third year, students complete a full-time 1,200 hour internship. Internships are normally paid positions.
I already work in a school, can I complete my practicum where I work?
Students can complete practicum experiences within the district they work, but not on the same campus(es). Furthermore, you cannot log practicum hours for work you are doing as a non-practicum employee of the district. During internship, it is not possible to work in any other capacity.
What time are classes?
During the fall and spring semesters, classes are held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and/or 7:15 to 9:45 p.m. Each class meets once per week. In the summer, classes are normally held during the day. Summer classes are held Monday through Thursday.
Can I transfer course credits?
A graduate student may transfer a maximum of six semester hours. To transfer any credit from other institutions, the student’s application materials must include a memo requesting course transfer, the course syllabus/syllabi to be considered, the transcript(s) documenting a grade of B or better, the date of the course and the course could not have contributed to the completion of a prior degree. The exception is that all hours earned in an SFA certificate program can be considered for transfer into a graduate degree program. Course enrollment must have occurred no more than six years before application. Approval of the request must be received from the program faculty, the department chair, and the academic dean’s office. Any course accepted by transfer will carry credit but not grade-point value. If the student fails to complete work on the graduate degree at SFA before the expiration of the six years, the transfer credit will not be applicable toward a degree at SFA.
Are there any pre-requisites to apply?
To apply, you only need to have transcripts from prior institutions, three letters of reference, a copy of your vita or resume and a written response to the essay prompt. We do not require the GRE or any specific undergraduate degree or coursework.
If I’m in the Zoom track does this mean I can attend class while driving home, supervising children, or while relaxing in bed?
No, there is a detailed distance education policy that enumerates your responsibilities while attending class. In short, classes attended via Zoom are to be treated the same as face-to-face classes. The distance education policy can be found in the Student Handbook that is linked on the program’s website.
How much do school psychologists earn in Texas?
In 2022-2023, the statewide average was $71,945 according to data compiled by the Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP) Shortage and Workforce Committee.
Current Student Handbook
MA in School Psychology Student Handbook
Funding Options for this Program
Visit the TEA Small and Rural Schools Network website.
Visit NASP's Resources for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Learn about SFA's Graduate Assistantship opportunities.
Learn about SFA's scholarship opportunities.
Apply to the MA School Psychology Program (deadline is Jan. 31)
- Submit an online application to SFA Graduate Studies.
- The application process includes transcripts from prior institutions, three letters of reference, a copy of your vita or resume, and an essay response to the question: “Describe the role of a school psychologist as you see it and how your background/experience will impact your effectiveness as a future school psychologist.”
- Verify with SFA Graduate Studies that all items have been received.
SFASU Graduate Studies
gschool@sfasu.edu
Phone: 936.468.2807
Do you have questions?
If you do not find the answer to your question(s) on this webpage or in the Student Handbook, email MAspsy@sfasu.edu.
Learn More About School Psychology
Visit the Texas Association of School Psychologists website.
Visit the National Association of School Psychologists website.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Daniel McCleary
Email: mcclearydf@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.3940
Program Administrative Support:
Email: MAspsy@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.6401