Specialist in School Psychology

Tarleton’s Specialist in School Psychology graduate program provides an integrated course of study that develops candidates’ strong affiliation with school psychology. It includes substantial coursework and supervised field experiences necessary for the preparation of competent school psychologists whose services will positively affect children and youth, families, schools, and other consumers. The program is designed to meet both the requirement for state licensure (LSSP) and national certification (NCSP).

What is a Specialist in School Psychology?

The Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) is a 63-hour graduate degree designed to prepare professionals to work as school psychologists in K–12 educational settings. This advanced program includes two years of coursework followed by a full-time, supervised internship. Students gain expertise in psychological assessment, academic and behavioral intervention, counseling, consultation, and special education law. The curriculum emphasizes both theory and practical application, preparing graduates to support the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of student populations.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for state certification as school psychologists and may also pursue the National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP), provided they meet national exam and internship requirements. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and collaborative problem-solving, SSP graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions in schools, educational service centers, and related settings

Admissions Requirements

  • 3.0 in last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework 
  • CV/Resume 
  • Letter of Intent and Essay Questions (answer all in one document): 
    • What experience or major life event most influenced your desire to pursue a degree in school psychology? 
    • How would you assess your fit for the Tarleton State University School Psychology Program? 
    • Describe your anticipated career trajectory after earning your degree. 
  • Zoom candidate interview – Interviews to be completed in March 

Credit for Prior Learning

Students with a completed in-field master’s degree may request to apply up to 30 hours credit toward the Specialist in School Psychology Program. The request must be initiated before starting coursework, and final approval of the request must be granted from the departmental doctoral committee and the Dean of the Graduate College.

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Estimated Completion

63 Credit Hours over 4 years, with year 4 as a full-time field internship

Cost

Locations Available

College

Related Programs

Application Deadline is July 30th

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Program Details

Benefits

  • Earn credentials for two respected professional designations: the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential and Texas Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) licensure  
  • Enter a high-growth field with critical workforce shortages—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth for school psychologists through 2030, with a national shortage of approximately 63,000 school psychologists  
  • Benefit from extensive supervised practical experience with 1,800+ hours of fieldwork, including a 600-hour practicum and 1,200-hour internship in school settings  
  • Develop specialized expertise in supporting rural and underserved school communities, addressing a critical need in Texas education systems  
  • Join a profession with strong earning potential—the median annual salary for school psychologists exceeds $78,000 nationally, with experienced practitioners often earning well above $90,000  
  • Make meaningful difference in children’s lives through evidence-based assessment, intervention, and consultation services that improve academic and mental health outcomes  
  • Complete a NASP-aligned curriculum taught by experienced faculty who are practicing school psychologists 

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Specialist in School Psychology program are prepared for the following career opportunities: 

  • Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in public or private K-12 school districts 
  • School Psychologist in educational service centers or regional cooperatives 
  • Assessment Specialist in early intervention programs or child development centers 
  • Behavior Intervention Specialist in educational settings 
  • Mental Health Consultant for school-based services 
  • Educational Diagnostician (with additional certification requirements) 
  • Program Evaluator for school-based intervention programs 
  • Crisis Response Team Member in school districts 
  • School-Based Research Coordinator for educational initiatives 
  • Adjunct Faculty teaching psychology courses at community colleges (with appropriate experience) 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Specialist in School Psychology program, graduates will be able to: 

  • Conduct comprehensive psychoeducational assessments using standardized and non-standardized measures to evaluate cognitive abilities, academic achievement, social-emotional functioning, and adaptive behaviors 
  • Design and implement evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions tailored to student needs across multi-tiered systems of support 
  • Apply consultation and collaboration skills with educators, families, and other professionals to address student concerns within educational settings 
  • Demonstrate competence in individual and group counseling techniques to support students’ social-emotional development and mental health needs 
  • Apply evidence-based practices that acknowledge and address the unique learning needs of all students from varied backgrounds and circumstances 
  • Analyze and interpret research to inform data-based decision making and program evaluation in educational contexts 
  • Apply ethical and legal standards in accordance with NASP principles and state regulations governing school psychology practice 
  • Demonstrate systems-level thinking to promote positive school climates, effective crisis response, and school-wide prevention programs 
  • Develop and implement comprehensive service delivery models that address the unique needs of rural and underserved school communities 

Specialist in School Psychology curriculum

Accreditation

This program will apply for Candidacy Status with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) in Fall 2025 

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