Psychology encompasses all stages of life and works to help us understand human behavior and human psychological traits. This is precisely why school psychology is so important. As children grow older and start attending school, their crucial developmental stages are beginning and they leave a lasting impact. Children are blank canvases with so much to learn and there is so much to question. Their most basic components are being developed and they need support.
A school psychologist may be sought out for multiple reasons. A child may not have a healthy and stable home life and it is being reflected in their poor behavior. They may have trouble learning or getting along with others and their parent was unaware of their mental health issues. Their parent may reach out to the school seeking someone who is skilled in child psychology because their child is in mental distress. Regardless of why a school psychologist is needed, their job is extremely important and they will always be in high demand.
What is a School Psychologist?
Online school psychology programs is a specialty area rooted in psychology and education. When it comes to the mental health of children, school psychologists are not only well educated…they care. They understand the social behavior of children, can predict their mental processes, and are well versed in mental disorders and mental illness.
Due to their education in cognitive psychology and likely clinical psychology, they conduct assessments and interventions. They create, implement, and evaluate preventive programs such as psychological research and behavioral research to help children create better coping mechanisms, alter their internal mental processes, treat their mental health issues, and so much more. Found in the community as well as in school systems, they are trained to work with children and youth, within the scope of schools and families.
How Can I Affordably Become a School Psychologist?
There are many quality low-cost school psychology programs online that incorporate coursework, practicum experience, internships, and professional development opportunities into their curriculum to help students prepare to work with children in school.
While there are numerous great school psychology programs online out there, this article only lists the best of the best. Continue reading to learn more about the 10 most affordable school psychology online degree programs…
What To Expect From an Affordable Online School Psychologist Degree Program
School psychologist programs online are efficient and flexible. They’re designed to meet the needs of professionals already working in the field or those with scheduling challenges. Several master’s degree options are available, including a master’s educational psychology online and an online master’s in school psychology. Program requirements differ depending on desired licensure and type of position the student wants after graduation.
After researching school psychology online programs we developed this list of the most affordable based on the net price given by College Navigator. Schools selected for our list are accredited institutions offering master’s level degrees with the majority of the curriculum available online. Schools are listed in order of cost with the #1 school being the cheapest of the online school psychology programs.
10. Eastern Michigan University-Ypsilanti, Michigan
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$15,120/year in-state and $27,840/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
Eastern Michigan University offers an affordable online master’s in Educational Psychology. The program has two different concentration options: the Developing Learner and Research and Assessment. The Developing Learner concentration can be completed entirely online. The Research and Assessment concentration is a blend of online and in-person classes.
Students learn to understand educational psychology concepts and effectively apply them in an educational environment. Graduates have gone on to work in research organizations or educational settings. Many go on to earn their Ph.D. level and teach at colleges and universities.
Courses:
Multicultural Teaching and Learning; Nature and Identification of the Gifted; Piaget for Educators; Motivation to Learn; Cross-cultural Counseling; Self-Concept, Self-Esteem and Individual Difference; Psychology of Adolescence
9. Eastern Washington University-Cheney, Washington
Educational Specialist in School Psychology Respecialization (EdS) (Online)
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$10,953/year in-state and $25,438/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
Eastern Washington University offers an online Educational Specialist in online school psychology degree. It provides a School Psychology certificate and an Educational Specialist degree in school psychology. Students who have earned their bachelor’s degree can complete the program in three years while those with a master’s can finish in just two.
The program operates as a cohort model. Students complete asynchronous program components through discussion boards and assignments. They are required to complete a 1,200 hour full-time internship experience. Students need to be on campus each fall they are enrolled to complete a four-day long weekend session to meet each other, complete certification trainings, and engage in live classes.
Courses:
Professional School Psychology; Academic and Social/Behavioral Interventions; Academic Assessment for School Psychology; Psychoeducational Groups for Children and Adolescents; Advanced Research and Statistics
8. The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, Alabama
MA in Educational Psychology-Learning and Assessment
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$10,470/year in-state and $26,950/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
The NCATE accredited, affordable online educational psychology master’s program at the University of Alabama is 30 credit hours. It’s focused on Learning and Assessment. Students from a variety of backgrounds are eligible to apply and graduates have included business managers, youth ministers, government leaders, and social science professions. Professors are the same faculty who teach the rigorous on-campus program. One of the program’s biggest strengths is the diverse student population and the mix of experienced professionals.
Courses:
Authentic School Learning and Teaching; Multicultural Education; Counseling: Theories and Process; Cognitive-Academic Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making; Introduction to Exceptional Children
7. University of Northern Colorado-Greeley, Colorado
Educational Psychology Master of Arts: Teaching Applications Emphasis
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$9,774/year in-state and $18,968/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
The affordable online school psychology degree master’s program at the University of Northern Colorado features an emphasis in Teaching Applications.The 30 credit hour program can be completed online in about 19 months, or five terms. The online program starts each summer term and is designed for teachers who want to help students become better, more confident thinkers. There is no thesis requirement, but students must pass a comprehensive examination to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Graduates have gone on to work as educational consultants, business and industry trainers, measurement and assessment professionals, and teachers in the K-12 or community college environment.
Courses:
Educational Psychology for Teachers; Graduate Research Methodology; Life Span Developmental Psychology; Cultural Issues in Educational Psychology; Motivation in Education
6. University of Memphis-Memphis, Tennessee
Online MS in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$8,820/year in-state and $17,604/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
The University of Memphis offers a master’s in educational psychology online for students who need an advanced degree but are unable to attend a traditional program. Students come from a variety of backgrounds including school psychology, social work, healthcare, and the military.
Applications are reviewed April and November, allowing students multiple start dates each year. This online school psychology program is ideal for educational leaders looking to develop an in-depth understanding of areas of psychology such as human development, research and statistics, and learning and cognition.
Featured Programs
Courses:
Life-Span Human development; Learning and Cognition; Statistical Methods Applied to Education; Individual Differences; Cultural Diverse Students
5. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania-Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Online Educational Specialist in School Psychology
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$8,694/year in-state and $13,050/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
The affordable school psychology program online Educational Specialist program at Edinboro University is a three year, NASP approved online program leading to recognition as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Students complete online courses during the week and one Saturday face-to-face meeting each month. A field and school experience are required during the first and second year of the program, with a full-time internship experience completed during the third year. This top affordable school psychology program includes a structured curriculum and small class sizes, ensuring individualized attention.
Courses:
Psychoeducational Assessment of Behavioral and Developmental Disabilities; Cultural, Social, and Biological Bases of Personality Development; Collaborative Consultation in Educational Setting; Individual Development through Adolescence; Psychoeducational Counseling and Interviewing
4. University of Georgia-Athens, Georgia
Master of Education in Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition and Development (M.Ed.)
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$8,492/year in-state and $24,090/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
This affordable school psychology master’s program at the University of Georgia offers an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Applied Cognition and Development. It’s offered through the College of Education. The program follows a cohort format of 10 students who move through the 34 credit hour program together as a unit.
Students are allowed to select coursework from a desired focus area including: learning with technology
learning across the lifespan,
qualitative approaches to education
development of high intellectual capability.
The University of Georgia is ranked sixth in the country by U.S. News and World Report for its online graduate education programs.
Courses:
Foundations of Human Development for Education; Foundations of Cognition for Education; Seminar in Educational Psychology; Foundations of Motivation for Education; Methods of Research in Education
3. Ball State University-Muncie, Tennessee
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$8,386/year in-state and $20,698/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
Ball State University’s affordable online masters in school psychology allows students to earn their degree while keeping up with professional and personal responsibilities. The program can be completed online in about 18 months of full-time study. Students can select from three different specializations including:
gifted and talented
human development
statistical and research methods.
Faculty are nationally recognized and offer individualized attention to students taking courses online.
Courses:
Human Learning and Achievement Motivation; Psychology of Human Development; Child Development; Adolescent Development; Adult Development and Aging
2. Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas
Educational Psychology: Emphasis in School Counseling (M.Ed.)
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$5,784/year in-state and $15,953/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
The online affordable master’s in educational psychology at Texas A&M University features both synchronous and asynchronous courses with no residency requirements. It’s 36-credit hours. Full-time students can earn their degree in just two years of study. While there is no thesis required as part of the program, students do complete a practicum experience during the second year of study. Graduates are prepared for certification as school counselors in the state of Texas when they complete the coursework, practicum, and field placement.
Courses:
Multicultural Counseling in Schools, Career Counseling in Schools, Techniques of Research, School Counseling Theories and Techniques, Issues in Child and Adolescent Development
1. Fort Hays State University-Hays, Kansas
Master of Science and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology Online
School Profile
Average Graduate Student Tuition:$3,398/year in-state and $9,676/year out-of-state
What’s Unique:
Fort Hays State University offers both an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology and an online Master’s in Psychology (school emphasis) for students unable to attend a traditional on-campus program. The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time study.
Students complete a 500 practicum experience in their home school district during the second year of the program. This affordable online master’s in school psychology can be completed with 66 credit hours of coursework. Students complete their master’s in 30 credit hours and their Education Specialist degree in 36 credit hours. To meet licensure requirements in Kansas, students must complete a supervised internship of 1,200 clock hours.
Courses:
Behavior Therapy; Development Psychology; Advanced Learning and Motivation; Professional Ethics; Appraisal of Children
If you liked our ranking of the most affordable online school psychology programs, you may also be interested in our ranking of the Top 50 Online Psychology Master’s Degree Programs.
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