School Psychology - Graduate Certificate
Just a Few Credit Hours Away From Licensure?
This post-master’s graduate certificate is designed for those who have completed graduate degrees in some area of psychology or counseling and who require no more than 15 credit hours of additional specialized training to meet the licensure requirements to practice as a school psychologist. Students who are interested in School Psychology but have not completed a graduate degree in psychology or counseling should apply to the 62-hour M.Ed. in Educational Psychology with the School Psychology Concentration.
This certificate does not represent licensure or certification in school psychology. It is intended to supplement an existing graduate degree. Individuals who have less than 45 hours of graduate coursework are ineligible for the school psychology graduate certificate.
Learning Model
Hybrid
Credit Hours
15 credits
Prerequisites
45 credit hours of graduate coursework
Tuition Estimates
Average In or Out of State
$415-500 per credit hour
Tuition rates are based on your residency determination of Texas Resident, Non-Resident, or Foreign. Please consult the Admissions site for more information.
About this Program
The Graduate Certificate in School Psychology is a unique option for individuals to respecialize in school psychology. While the certificate option is attractive for many individuals who already work in public education, most require more coursework than they realize in order to meet the licensing requirements to become a school psychologist. This program is most appropriate for individuals who have a graduate degree in psychology or professional counseling and have already taken several foundational courses in psychology.
Upon acceptance into the certificate program, each student will receive an individualized plan indicating which courses they need to meet the licensure requirements. Certificate students follow the same course sequence as the school psychology master’s-level students, but they only enroll in courses on their individual plan. Although the certificate consists of 15 hours, courses are spread across three years because of the practicum and internship requirements.
Career Opportunities With This Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in School Psychology alone is insufficient to apply for licensure as a school psychologist. Instead, it is intended to provide supplemental coursework for individuals who have an advanced degree in another discipline, related to psychology or counseling, and are interested in respecializing in school psychology. Students must have an advanced degree consisting of at least 45 graduate hours to be eligible for the certificate and licensure.
How Do I Become A School Psychologist?
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) licenses school psychologists in the State of Texas as Licensed School Psychologists (LSP). Licensure can be obtained with a graduate degree in psychology, or related discipline when combined with a graduate certificate in school psychology, with the completion of at least 60 hours, including a practicum and internship in school psychology. The Texas licensure requirements can be found on the TSBEP website. Information on licensing and credentialing requirements in other states can be found at NASP's website.
Why School Psychology?
Quality
Fewer credits do not reduce expectations. The certificate program adheres to rigorous training standards for individuals respecializing to become school psychologists.
Innovation
The hybrid model accommodates individuals who need more flexibility to balance work and family life. Many courses meet online, and some meet in-person on select weekends throughout the semester.
Connection
Using a cohort model, students progress through the course sequence together. Within the first semester, cohorts build working relationships and personal connections with their peers and faculty.
More info about this program
- The school psychology program at Texas Tech University is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP); however, the program standards align with those set forth by NASP.
- The licensing board ultimately decides if previous coursework is deemed acceptable to meet the licensure requirements. Certificate program completers who have successfully obtained licensure as school psychologists had backgrounds in clinical psychology, educational psychology, and counseling.
- Certificate program completers have a 100% pass rate on the Praxis Examination for School Psychologists.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start your journey with Texas Tech today and unlock a flexible, career-focused education tailored to your needs. Have questions? We’re here to help!
College of Education
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Address
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Email
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