School Psychology
Department of Educational Psychology
Designed For
This program is designed for students who want to become licensed school psychologists who support the academic, behavioral and mental health needs of children and adolescents in school settings.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to work as school psychologists in K–12 settings, providing evidence-based assessment, intervention and consultation to support student learning and well-being.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
January 10
Length of Program: 24 months
Schedule: Full time
Program Location: On campus
GRE Required? No
Prepare to Serve Students and Schools Through Evidence-Based Practice
Our master’s program prepares future school psychologists to support the academic, behavioral and mental health needs of children and adolescents in school settings. Grounded in the scientist-practitioner model, the program emphasizes evidence-based assessment, intervention and consultation, alongside a strong foundation in psychological science and research.
Students develop the knowledge and skills to translate research into practice, apply ethical and culturally responsive approaches and work effectively across school, family and community systems. Training prepares graduates to assess and support student learning and behavior, deliver preventive and intervention services, and collaborate with educators and families to improve outcomes for a variety populations.
Program Director
Courtney Swisher
Program Details
Admissions
Admission to the program is highly competitive, with 4-10 students admitted annually. Admission review is based on academic performance, letters of recommendation, alignment with program goals and the personal statement. Applicants with lower GPAs are encouraged to address this in their materials and demonstrate strength in other areas.
View deadlines, application requirements and eligibility, application instructions and FAQs on our How to Apply page.
Program Requirements
Our program coursework aligns with the National Association of School Psychologists Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services. Students benefit from a scientist-practitioner–focused curriculum that prepares them to earn an M.A. in Educational Psychology with a specialization in School Psychology.
Students seeking licensure as a school psychologist in Texas must complete a supervised 1200-hour internship (including 600 hours in a public school), pass the Praxis School Psychology Examination, and complete the Jurisprudence Examination. Visit the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for full licensure requirements.
Course requirements may vary from year to year. The courses below reflect those most commonly taken by students in the program. Admitted students receive an official Degree Plan to track their coursework when they enter the program.
Foundation Courses (16 Credit Hours)
These courses provide core knowledge in Educational Psychology:
- Prerequisite for all Methods area courses: EDP 380C.2 Fundamental Statistics (recommended prior to or during the first semester)
- EDP 480C.6 Statistical Analysis for Experimental Data
- EDP 381C.2 Research Design & Methods for Psych and Education (or approved alternative)
- EDP 382D Psychology of Learning
- EDP 382F.3 Life Span Development
School Psychology Program Courses (34 Credit Hours)
Coursework supports training in assessment, intervention and research. Some courses may be waived with approved prior graduate work.
Professional Development (3 credit hours)
- EDP 385C.8 Law, Ethics, & History of School Psychology
Psychoeducational Assessment and Intervention (7credit hours)
- EDP 483C.4 Individual Testing
- EDP 383C.6 Academic Assessment & Intervention
Social/Emotional Assessment and Interpersonal Intervention (6 credit hours)
- EDP 383C.30 Developmental Psychopathology
- EDP 383C.8 Social/Emotional Assessment with Children & Adolescents
Behavioral Assessment and Intervention (3 credit hours)
- EDP 384C.22 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Children & Adolescents
Family Intervention (3 hours)
- EDP 384C.12 Family Systems Interventions: Children & Adolescents
Consultation Theory and Process (3 credit hours)
- EDP 385C.2 Consultation, Collaboration, and Supervision
Neuropsychological Assessment (3 credit hours)
- EDP 382E.2 Biological Bases of Behavior
Multicultural Competency (3 credit hours)
- EDP 384C.18 Multicultural Counseling, or alternative approved by School Psychology Area Chair
School-based Practica and Internship (15 Credit Hours)
Practicum and internship are core components of the program’s scientist-practitioner model. Students complete three semesters of school-based practicum beginning the summer before their second year, gaining hands-on experience supporting the academic, behavioral and mental health needs of students while partnering with families and educators.
Practica (9 credit hours)
- EDP 383D Practicum in School Psychology: Level 1
- EDP 383E Practicum in School Psychology: Level 2
- EDP 383F: Practicum in School Psychology: Level 3
Students generally take the Praxis II School Psychology Exam while completing their practica coursework.
Internship (6 credit hours)
- EDP 393E School Psychology Specialist Internship (2 semesters)
During the final internship semester, students will complete a professional portfolio demonstrating competency across required domains, including assessment, intervention, consultation and applied practice.
Out-of-Specialization Courses (6 Credit Hours)
In addition to foundation and program area requirements, students must Students complete additional coursework outside the program area to broaden their academic experience. Courses must be approved by a faculty advisor.
- One course within another EDP program area or outside the department (3 credit hours)
- One course outside the EDP department (3 credit hours)
Funding
We understand that funding your education is a top priority. Many students in the program secure financial support through scholarships, fellowships, financial aid or academic student employment. Students are automatically considered for available departmental and university funding as part of the application.
Faculty
Examines ways that school psychologists can improve the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral outcomes for young children (i.e., preschool) from minoritized and marginalized backgrounds in early childhood settings.
J. Mark Eddy's primary area of expertise is the development, refinement and rigorous testing of culturally informed multimodal preventive and clinical psychosocial interventions to improve physical and mental health outcomes for children and families...
Supports the clinical training of doctoral students, teaches clinically-focused courses and prepares students for psychology internship training. Jane Gray does not serve as a research mentor for students in the School Psychology nor Counseling ...
Dr. Erin Rodríguez studies family, sociocultural, and contextual influences on childrens development and health outcomes, with a focus on understanding and reducing health disparities affecting low-SES Latinx youth.
Accepting new students
Investigates culturally and linguistically responsive interventions and assessments for Latiné students.
Accepting new students
Training in School Psychology Positive School Climate Home, School, and Community Partnerships
Affiliated Lab
Pediatric Coping and Language Lab
Studies family, linguistic, and sociocultural influences on children’s adaptation to stress and their mental and physical health outcomes.
Additional Information
