Psychology in the School System

Careers in Educational & School Psychology

By Morgan Grotewiel

Education and Careers

Educational Psychology School Psychology Other closely-related fields

School psychological examinerSchool guidance counselorSchool social worker

Educational Psych vs. School Psych

EducationalPsychologists Researchers and theorists Study how students learn and

develop Often focus on subgroups, such

as gifted students or students with disabilities

Usually work with other academics, school administrators, and teachers

School Psychologists Practitioners in school or school-

related settings Apply principles of clinical

psychology and educational psychology

Address the needs of students facing educational, emotional, social, and behavioral challenges

Usually work with students as well as with school administrators and teachers

Education for Educational Psychology A graduate degree (MA, MS, M.Ed, Ed.S, PhD,

PsyD, or Ed.D) in Educational Psychology or in a closely-related field is required. A doctoral degree is recommended.

Educational Psychology graduate programs are usually housed in education departments and are occasionally housed in psychology departments.

Careers in Educational Psychology

In a university setting, Educational Psychologists may conduct research on the cognitive and social processes of human development, learning, and education. They may teach in departments of education or psychology.

In a school setting, Educational Psychologists may work as consults in designing curriculum, educational materials, classroom programs, and crisis intervention strategies.

Education for School Psychology

A Specialist (Ed.S) or Doctoral (PhD, PsyD, Ed.D) Degree in School Psychology or a closely-related field is required. An Ed.S is considered the most appropriate level of training needed for an entry-level School Psychologist.

School Psychology graduate programs are usually housed in education departments and are occasionally housed in psychology departments.

Careers in School Psychology

In a school setting, School Psychologists conduct psychological and educational assessments and develop individualized success programs for students. They are actively involved in district and school crisis intervention teams. They advise teachers on other personnel on how to best approach students with psychological conditions and learning disorders.

Careers in School Psychology

Many School Psychologists, especially in smaller towns, don’t work solely within the school system. School Psychologists, particularly those with doctoral degrees, may also practice in clinics, hospitals, forensic settings, correctional facilities, universities, and private practices.

School Psychological Examiner

A Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Counseling, or Education is required.

School Psychological Examiners administer and interpret standardized tests that measure cognitive and academic abilities or that describe behavior, personality traits, attitude, or aptitude. They use the results of these tests to determine students’ eligibility for special education or gifted programs, to determine placement, or to provide occupational guidance to students.

School Guidance Counselor

A Master’s Degree in Education, School Counseling, Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or a closely-related mental health discipline is required. School Guidance Counselors must also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or complete a curriculum in teaching methods and practices.

School Guidance Counselors advise students on academic, career, college preparation, and personal and social competencies. They may also meet with troubled students’ and/or their families. Additional duties vary depending upon the setting in which a School Guidance Counselor works (Elementary, Middle, High, or Alternative School).

School Social Worker

A Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) is required in most states, but some states certify individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW).

School Social Workers work with students with social and emotional difficulties, as well as with their parents. School Social Workers may act as mediators, negotiators, consultants, and advocates for both students and school personnel.

Any Questions?