School Psychology

Support mental health among youth

All young people can face problems from time to time related to learning, social relationships, making difficult decisions or managing emotions. School psychologists help students, families, educators and members of the community understand and resolve these concerns. The SFA school psychology program is dedicated to producing ethical, responsible and competent school psychologists who employ scientific knowledge and methods of critical and creative problem- solving.

Our philosophy of education is that you’ll learn best by engaging in practice. Through your coursework and field-based experiences, you’ll apply science knowledge and methods to the assessment and treatment of learning, behavior and psychosocial problems in regular and special education populations in public school. You’ll become a highly skilled and ready resource in the effort to ensure that all children and youth thrive in school, at home and in life.

What does a school psychologist do?

School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students grappling with mental health situations. They consult with teachers, families and other school-employed mental health professionals like school counselors and school social workers to improve support strategies. They work with school administrators to improve schoolwide practices and policies, and they collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.

Most school psychologists work in K-12 public schools. They also provide services in a variety of other settings, including:

• private schools
• preschools
• school district administration offices
• universities
• school-based health and mental health centers
• community-based day treatment or residential clinics and hospitals
• juvenile justice programs
• and independent private practice.

MA in School Psychology

To be admitted to the master’s program, you must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.75.

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 Aug. 1, 2025. This 63-hour degree includes two years of coursework and a one-year, full-time internship.