School psychology programs are designed to prepare graduates to work as professionals in schools, advocating for students’ mental health and well-being. With the increasing demand for school psychologists in educational settings, it’s important for aspiring psychologists to choose a program that will provide them with the best education and training. Here, we have compiled a list of the 11 best school psychology programs, including both traditional on-campus options and online programs.
1. University of California, Santa Barbara
The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a top-ranked school psychology program that focuses on evidence-based practices and research. Students in this program will have the opportunity to work with faculty members who are experts in the field of school psychology.
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s school psychology program is known for its strong emphasis on research and practical training. Students in this program will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships in local schools.
3. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota’s school psychology program is housed within the Department of Educational Psychology, which is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the country. Students in this program will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
4. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers a comprehensive school psychology program that prepares students to work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and community organizations. Students in this program will have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as child development, assessment, and intervention.
5. University of Oregon
The University of Oregon’s school psychology program is known for its strong commitment to social justice and equity. Students in this program will learn how to advocate for marginalized populations and promote diversity and inclusion in schools.
6. University of Florida
The University of Florida’s school psychology program is designed to prepare students to work as practitioners in educational settings. Students in this program will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships and practicum placements.
7. University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland’s school psychology program is known for its strong emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. Students in this program will learn how to work with students from diverse backgrounds and advocate for their needs.
8. Pennsylvania State University
Penn State’s school psychology program is housed within the College of Education and emphasizes a scientist-practitioner model. Students in this program will have the opportunity to conduct research and apply their findings to real-world settings.
9. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M’s school psychology program is designed to prepare students to work as practitioner-scholars in educational settings. Students in this program will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
10. Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University’s school psychology program is known for its strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making. Students in this program will learn how to use data to inform their practice and improve student outcomes.
11. Online Options
For students who are unable to attend a traditional on-campus program, there are also several online options available for school psychology programs. Some reputable online programs include:
– Capella University
– Walden University
– Touro University Worldwide
Overall, choosing a school psychology program is a crucial decision that will have a significant impact on your career as a psychologist. By considering factors such as program reputation, faculty expertise, and focus areas, you can make an informed decision that will set you up for success in the field of school psychology.