School Psychologist
Support Student Wellbeing
Guide School Decisions
Improve Learning Outcomes
Undergraduate
Graduate
No degrees available
Post-Graduate
Ed.S
This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.
Popular Titles
Core Areas of Impact
Is this career right for you?
What is the role of a school psychologist?
A school psychologist evaluates students’ cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning, supports mental health needs, and helps schools develop intervention plans.
What does a typical day look like?
Conducting psychological assessments, writing evaluation reports, meeting with parents and teachers, supporting special education planning, and providing crisis or behavioral support.
Where do school psychologists work?
School psychologists work primarily in public and private K–12 schools and educational service agencies.
What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common roles include School Psychologist and Licensed School Psychologist. Career paths may lead to district leadership, private practice, or specialized assessment and consultation roles.
Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits individuals who are analytical, empathetic, strong in assessment and communication, and interested in supporting children’s academic and emotional development.
What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Rewards include measurable impact on student wellbeing, influence in educational planning, and meaningful collaboration with families and educators.
What is the difference between a school psychologist and a school social worker?
A school psychologist conducts psychological and cognitive assessments, determines special education eligibility, and develops academic and behavioral intervention plans. This role requires a graduate degree specifically in school psychology and state certification.
A school social worker provides counseling, crisis support, case management, and connects families with community resources. This role typically requires a Master of Social Work and social work licensure.
School psychologists focus on testing and evaluation. School social workers focus on counseling and support services.
What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth may include district leadership roles, private practice, advanced certifications, or supervisory positions in psychological services.
What is the educational pathway to become a school psychologist?
To become a school psychologist, you must complete a graduate degree specifically in school psychology and obtain state certification or licensure. In most states, this requires either a specialist-level degree such as an Ed.S. or a doctoral degree in school psychology, along with supervised internship hours.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides the necessary foundation in human development, research methods, and behavioral science. Sara Schenirer’s BA in Psychology builds this foundation for graduate study in school psychology.
A Master’s in Special Education strengthens expertise in learning disabilities, individualized education programs, and intervention planning, which are highly relevant to school psychology work.
Alternatively, a BA in Psychology with Social Work courses followed by a Master of Social Work prepares students for school-based mental health roles such as school social worker, but an MSW alone does not qualify someone to work as a licensed school psychologist. School psychologist licensure requires a graduate degree specifically in school psychology.
The standard pathway is a bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology, plus supervised internship and state certification.
