School psychology

Use scientific thinking to help students succeed

School psychologists create learning environments where students, families and school staff feel safe, welcome, and supported. Our program approaches school psychology from a scientific perspective and will prepare you to become a change agent and critical thinker.

As a school psychology student, you'll learn the foundations of psychology, its research methods, use of statistics, and application. Your training in research-based prevention, intervention, consultation, and assessment will prepare you to work with teachers, parents, and other school staff to determine the level of support needed to help all students succeed.

You'll also contribute to the advancement of school psychology practices and policies by conducting research that addresses current issues in the field.

Why study school psychology at the U?

100% of our students are fully funded and employed in their field within a year of graduation*
Challenging, cutting edge training
One of the strongest, most established programs in the nation
Young, innovative faculty who are leaders in research
Over $8.5 million in research and graduate training grants
85-100% of students present and publish research each year*
Fieldwork in diverse, urban schools
Accredited/approved by APA and NASP
More information on program goals and competencies
View the University of Minnesota's School Psychology Diversity Statement.

*Percentages of students since 2012

#10 in U.S. among educational psychology graduate programs by U.S. News and World Report in 2019

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Dates and deadlines

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Careers

Specialist-level school psychologists: work in public and private schools, preschools, and state departments of education. Recently, our students have found internship placements with Minneapolis Public Schools, Mahtomedi Public Schools, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, North Suburban Special Education District (IL), and Summit School District (CO).

Doctoral-level school psychologists: work in universities (as faculty), mental health agencies, research centers and think tanks, clinical settings, state departments of education, and independent practices. The program emphasizes preparation of future faculty, so all students are trained not only as researchers, but in higher education teaching, supervision, and mentoring.

School psychologists: in-demand and well-compensated

100% of our students are fully funded and employed in their field within a year of graduation*
Expected employment growth: 11% between 2012 and 2022**
Mean 9-month salary (full-time, school-based practitioner): $64,000-$71,000***
Mean 9-month salary (university faculty): $77,800***
Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data

*Percentages of students since 2012
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
***National Association of School Psychologists

Programs & degrees

Coursework for both degrees includes a year-long internship. Choose between two degree options:

MA & Specialist Certificate (SC) in Education and School Psychological Services (60 credits):

You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential to work with students in schools.

Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) (90 credits):

You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential, and the license to practice psychology. You can become a university faculty member, conduct research, work with students in schools, or work with children and youth in other settings as a licensed psychologist.

Tuition

Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.

Funding

Diversity

The Department of Educational Psychology is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of our undergraduate and graduate programs, of our teaching and learning, of our research and clinical practice, and of our outreach and service across fields of educational psychology. Visit our diversity page to learn more about our commitment to diversity and resources for supporting diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Alumni profile

"Going to college wasn’t necessarily valued and wasn’t something my parents made me consider, but here I am now as the first person in my extended family to have a PhD."

Lynn Edwards, PhD '16 Post-doctoral research associate and school psychologist