School psychologists support student learning, behavior, and mental health through assessment, intervention, consultation, and program work. Typical preparation includes a specialist (Ed.S/SSP) or doctoral degree, supervised fieldwork and an internship, and state certification. NASP provides preparation standards and program approval; telepractice and integrated school mental-health services have grown in importance. Requirements, internship hours, and labor-market details vary by program and state and should be verified with NASP and state education agencies.

What a School Psychologist Does

School psychologists help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They assess learning and behavioral needs, design interventions, support special education decisions and IEP teams, consult with teachers and families, and respond to crises. Increasingly they lead schoolwide efforts such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and school mental-health initiatives.

School psychologists work in public and private K-12 systems, districts, state education agencies, university clinics, hospitals, and some community mental-health settings. Since 2020, telepractice and coordinated school-community services have become more common.

Typical Education and Credentials

Most school psychologists hold a specialist-level degree (commonly an Ed.S or SSP) or a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in school psychology. Specialist programs generally follow a master's and focus on applied skills for school settings. Doctoral programs emphasize research and advanced practice.

Preparation normally includes coursework in assessment, intervention, consultation, diversity and ethics, plus supervised fieldwork and a culminating internship. Many states require a state certification or license to practice in schools and specify the degree and supervised-experience standards.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) maintains graduate preparation standards and operates a program approval system. The American Psychological Association (APA) also accredits some psychology doctoral programs, though NASP approval is the primary recognized standard for many specialist-level school psychology programs.

Many specialist programs require roughly 2-3 years of graduate study after a master's and include a yearlong supervised internship; program credit and hour requirements vary. 1

Trends and Workplace Realities

Demand for school-based mental-health services has increased, and districts often report shortages of qualified school psychologists. Telehealth, trauma-informed approaches, culturally responsive practice, and integrated behavioral-health models are now common parts of the job.

Salary and job-growth estimates vary by state, district, and credential; local certification requirements also differ. Check your state education agency and NASP for current licensure, certification, and labor-market information. 2

Is This Career Right for You?

If you enjoy assessment, problem solving, teamwork, and working directly with children and families, school psychology is a practical way to apply a child-development background. The pathway typically requires several years of graduate study and supervised practice, but it offers diverse workplaces and roles across education and mental health.

  1. Confirm NASP versus APA accreditation roles for specialist and doctoral school psychology programs and update wording accordingly.
  2. Verify typical internship clock-hour requirements (e.g., 1,200 hours) and any minimum graduate-credit expectations for specialist (Ed.S/SSP) programs.
  3. Check current national/state salary medians and Bureau of Labor Statistics or comparable job-outlook data for school psychologists.
  4. Confirm state-by-state variations in certification/licensure language and required supervised-experience hours.

FAQs about Career In Child Psychology

Do I need a doctorate to become a school psychologist?
No. Many school psychologists hold a specialist-level degree (Ed.S or SSP). A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) is common for university or advanced research roles but is not required for most K-12 school positions.
How long does training typically take?
Specialist-level training usually requires 2-3 years of graduate study beyond a master's plus a supervised internship; doctoral programs take longer. Exact timelines vary by program.
Who sets training standards for school psychologists?
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) sets widely used preparation standards and offers a program approval process. APA accredits some doctoral psychology programs as well. Check program accreditation when applying.
Can school psychologists work outside K–12 schools?
Yes. They work in district offices, state education agencies, hospitals, university clinics, community mental-health centers, and sometimes private practice, depending on licensure rules.
Where can I check state requirements and job prospects?
Consult your state education agency for certification/licensure rules, and refer to NASP for program standards. For local salary and demand information, check state labor departments and school district HR postings.