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.
Resources
MA in School Psychology Student Handbook
Visit the Texas Association of School Psychologists website.
Visit the National Association of School Psychologists website.
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.
Learn more about scholarships for the Department of Human Services and Educational Leadership.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
Part 1: Apply to SFA Graduate Studies
- Submit an online application to SFA Graduate Studies.
- Mail the application fee to SFA Graduate Studies.
- Applications will not be processed without an application fee.
- Please make check/money order payable to: Stephen F. Austin State University.
- Send official transcripts from every institution you have attended (even if work appears on multiple transcripts) to SFA Graduate Studies.
- Verify with SFA Graduate studies that no other items need to be submitted.
SFASU Graduate Studies
PO Box 13024, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
Phone: 936.468.2807
Part 2: Apply to SFA MA School Psychology program (deadline is Jan. 31)
- Complete this application for the MA School Psychology Program.
- Email your completed application to the School Psychology program, MAspsy@sfasu.edu.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Daniel McCleary
Email: mcclearydf@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.3940
Program Administrative Support:
Email: MAspsy@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.6401