My Academic Journey | School Psychology

[@ryanzimny-schmitt1805]

Thank you for this video! I'm thinking about graduate school in school psychology or school counseling. I was curious about what you said about school psychology maybe being a better fit for introverted individuals compared to school counseling. I'm more introverted myself so that's why I am thinking more so about pursuing school psychology. If I could ask do you still feel this way now assuming you now have a few more years of experience in the field?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Ryan, I just started my first year as a fully credentialed school psychologist and I still feel that I made the right choice. I think it gives a good balance of interactions and alone time (report writing, data analysis, etc) which I like as an introvert :) lol

[@ryanzimny-schmitt1805]

@@MrsSchoolPsych Very good to know thank you!

[@thesavagegoat7747]

Thank you for this video, I’m grateful for your perspective

[@angelicamontes821]

Thank you so much for this!!! Is there any way I can reach out to you to ask you questions? I’m stuck with finishing my child and adolescent studies May 2025, and I was going to be a teacher but I am starting to think this is not the path for me. I feel like it’s too late, but I am intrigued by a school psychologist.

[@medievalbride2005]

Love your enthusiasm for the field. You’ll be a great school psych! No matter how stressful or overwhelming the job can be, just remember the impact you’re making on your students.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Aw, thank you so much!

[@beckyr6342]

How long does the report have to be? What does it consist of?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Becky, The length of the reports can vary. It depends on what area(s) of eligibility you are looking at, how many areas you are looking at, what age group you are working with, if the report is for an initial or a triennial, etc.

[@rosanamaya9575]

I am finally going back to college to get my Bachelor's; however, I am having a hard time looking for which child development class to enroll to. I am also very interested in the same path as you. Here comes a handful of school psychologist. lol. I work at school, and I knew I wanted to stay in the education field. However, I was wondering if you can help me . Would Behavioral Health Science in Infancy and Early childhood studies be the same as child development?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi! I would recommend meeting with an academic counselor and letting them know you are interested in getting your bachelors in child development so that they can show you what courses you would need. Colleges/Universities can have different names to their degrees but are similar as far as the content. Early childhood studies sounds like it would be in the child development realm.

[@aamariamason4562]

"Put them where they should be, in order for them to be successful." 🙌🏾 loved that! Put it on a tshirt ✨🌿

[@jra3978]

I went to SDSU and majored in Child Development too! I graduated 2017, and have been working as a preschool teacher. But now I want to get my masters and change focus. Your Videos have been super helpful in narrowing down what it is I want to do. Thank you!

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Yay for child development!

[@chelsariel]

We literally almost have the exact same story, from the interest in being ultrasound technicians, to contemplating the time commitment to the program. But here I am applying to be a school psychology program now! Wish me luck

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

How funny! What made you switch your mind? Good luck with your applications!

[@Kyanda24]

Hi goodluck on your journey!!!

[@marlennedoublen6050]

I am interested in becoming a school physiologist and I dont know where to start, but your videos are helping out thank you!!

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

I am so glad to hear that! That is one of the many reasons I create this content, in hopes that it will help someone out.

[@laliadomingo5077]

Thank you for sharing your journey 😊 Is it possible that you can share about your classes and assignments, and/or a day in the life as a School Psychologist Grad Student?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Lalia, Thank you for the ideas, I noted them down! I will try to do one, or all of these soon :D

[@lovelymel20]

Hey girly! Thank you for sharing your experiences +information about school psychology. It is very appreciated and I look forward to your videos. :) I just left my appointment with a school psychologist adviser for the Ed.S program and I am feeling a sorts of emotions and thoughts such as self doubt! It seems like a very challenging program to get into and on top of that they require so much! Which, I understand. They require you to do the GRE testing which I should take this summer/early fall but I am so scared. I am doubting myself through this process but I also want to challenge myself to reach my full potential.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hey! How exciting! At least you have taken a step forward in what could possibly be your future career. Don't get discouraged, nothing good in life comes easy! It will be challenging but if you are committed and really want this, you will get through it. If you can, look at other programs and compare to see which one fits you best. Self-doubt is something we all experience, trust me! There are times when I feel that way, especially going to grad school and working full-time. That is why it is very important to be 100% sure you want to do it... because if you do, you will! :) If you need ever need help, have questions, or just need some encouragement, don't hesitate to reach out to me on here or on IG or twitter.

[@lovelymel20]

Mrs. School Psych Hiii, thank you for the reply! I am looking into another school near my area that offers the school psychology in Masters of Arts but what is the difference of an Ed.S? Do schools hire with a Masters of Arts degree?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

An Ed.S is a little higher than a masters degree but below a PhD. To become a school psychologist your program has to be 60 graduate-level credits or more with an internship and sometimes masters degrees can be earned with less than 60 graduate-level credits and without an internship which wouldn't be accepted. There are guidelines that your program needs to follow and certain things that you need to complete in order to be able to receive your degree and license. I would recommend to get informed by checking out nasponline.org and your state requirements. If the masters program is 60 or more graduate-level credits with an internship and meets the requirements your state has (and nasp) than you might be fine, but I am not 100% sure so I can't give you a definite answer.

[@lovelymel20]

Mrs. School Psych hey 👋🏽 yes, the program is nasp accredited.. and i believe they said internships hours is about 900 now.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

@@lovelymel20 Oh ok. We need to complete 1200 hours of internship for my program. Not sure if that is just for California or not, but NASP also mentions 1200 hours on their site with at least 600 of those in a school setting. Sorry I can't really help you since I don't know your program or state requirements. The best thing you can do is look on the site I mentioned and make sure the program meets those requirements. You can also interview a few psychs in your area and see what degree they have and what they require in order to get hired there.

[@CassPerr219]

Thanks. Where are you attending?

[@quangnguyen-lx8ei]

Hay quá

[@alexandrag3834]

I am currently a freshman, soon to be sophomore, in undergraduate school and I am seriously considering school psychology. Do you have any suggestions on what kind of classes I should take? Also options in majors? I am currently a family and human services major.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Alexandra, Based on your major, you are probably already taking classes that will be useful if you decide to pursue school psychology. Any classes relating to children in regard to social, emotional, and cognitive development will all be very helpful. Also psychology classes, of course. You just want to build your foundation so that when you enter a masters program for school psychology you are familiar with some of the content (e.g. theories, vocabulary, etc.) that will come up in your courses. Hope that helps! :)

[@alexandrag3834]

thank you!

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

@@alexandrag3834 You're welcome!

[@stephaniegutierrez9942]

I was wondering what your GPA was when you were admitted into the masters program for school psychology. Also what did you score on the GRE?

[@asdfrewq6143]

Hey, Stephanie. I'm a school psych student right now so I thought maybe I could be of use here. I entered with a 3.0 overall GPA but a 3.5 GPA in Major and Minor (Psychology & History respectively). Get in contact with the program coordinator at the school you want to go to. They will be better able to tell you what they are looking for. In my experience the bar for entry is not too crazy high. My tip for the GRE would be to prepare most for the verbal section. I did very well on the verbal section but did pretty awful on the quant section and still got in. Best of luck!

[@sofialopes8671]

What online EdS school did you get accepted into?

[@nur_akmar]

Thank you so much for the video. This helped me to know more about the field of psychology 😇

[@julielemus584]

How did you decide on a master’s program?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Julie, I went about it a few different ways. I did my own research online to compare and contrast. I also looked at what would fit my life, if that makes sense. For example, commuting more than an hour was not something I could do so I looked at all the schools near by that had the program. I also work full-time so I looked for a program that was flexible. So things like that. I also spoke to school a few school psychs that attended the program I was looking into to get their feedback before applying. So in other words, I didn't look for a program that I would fit but also one that fit my needs. Hope that helps!

[@ozaybabiie]

Hey girl, thank you for sharing your story with us. I graduated with two B.A.s in Child Development and Psychology last June and I am looking into applying to grad school. I have many fears and many doubts but watching your videos makes this feeling normal. It made me realize that I am not the only one that is experiencing this. Sharing how you felt and how undecided you were made me not feel alone. I am interested in applying to a School Psychology program but I am still looking for the right university and program for me. Because I have decided to take a year gap...well now looking like two years, what type of employment do you recommend for someone like me to apply? Would you be able to share more on your current employments and how that has encouraged you to stick to the field? I have not heard of any jobs that offer those type of resources to students other than councilors. Once again, thank you for sharing your story and your experience as a grad student. You are inspiring !

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Zarahe, It is totally normal to feel different emotions about grad school, it is a big step to take! I took some time off before deciding to go to grad school. As far as employment, I would recommend finding something in a school district to get your foot in and start working with children (e.g. paraprofessional, substitute, etc.). If that is not possible, then somewhere like a non-profit organization that involves working with children and families (e.g. family resource centers). If you are really thinking of pursuing something like school psychology or even school counseling, you want to find a job ideally in a school district or somewhere that will allow you to gain experience working with children. and thank you for your kind words!!

[@ozaybabiie]

@@MrsSchoolPsych I appreciate your advise ! Thank you so much !

[@grrraciella]

Hello! So I’ve been doing research into programs and there is 1 NASP approved program in my city, and then there are I think 2-3 programs but not NASP approved programs. One is only a masters, and I was reading that to even work as a School Psychologist you need an Ed. S or higher degree. I’m finishing up my undergrad in elementary education, and am trying to plan ahead for applications. Would u think a non NASP approved program would be worth it for the career?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Graciela, I would recommend to look at your state's requirements to obtain your school psychologist license. Having an Ed.S is not mandatory in order to become a school psychologist, you can become one with just a masters degree. The important thing is making sure you meet all the requirements needed to apply for your state license since that is what you need to start practicing as a school psychologist. If your state requires you to have an Ed.S then yes, you will need to get an Ed.S. In regards to your question about NASP or NON-NASP approved programs, it really is a personal preference. I talk a little bit about this in one of my previous videos called "How to become a school psychologist"

[@zayamadin]

Did you work somewhere while getting your master degree?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Yes, I am currently in my second year and working. I work in a school district. I was working full-time last year but this year I have had to cut down to part-time to be able to do all of assignments and practicum hours

[@amandaogbureke2574]

Do school psycholigst work with special education?

[@melissabishop2119]

Hey! Can I go to grad school to become a school psychologist if I did my undergrad in something unrelated? I was a business major but want to change career fields.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Melissa, Yes you can, but I would recommend taking some courses in psychology or child development prior to applying for the program if possible, it will help you out!

[@maxbailey3087]

I am in the same spot as you with regards to my status as a student. First-year SSP second semester. Honestly been super let down by my program thus far and have not had as much support as I thought I might and had an opportunity to leave, but I am choosing to persevere. any advice for building relationships and comradery with your cohort? I am in the unfortunate situation to be the only full-time student in the program that is a guy so this has not been easy either. Thanks and keep up the videos!

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Max! Sorry to hear that you aren't having the best experience in your program. What state are you in? Something that helps me whenever I am doubting myself or feeling overwhelmed from the demand of being a student and working full-time, is remembering why I chose this career... find your "WHY". Being in a cohort isn't always easy as there are different personalities in the group. People are also busy with their own personal life that they are only there to learn and get through the program, which makes building relationships with people harder. Just remember why you are there, and although building relationships with your cohort would be nice and helpful, that isn't why you entered the program so don't let that be the reason you leave. However, if they are being rude and disrespectful or outcasting you, then that is a different story. My experience thus far with my cohort is good. We aren't super close either but we all are cordial and get the work done. I do have 2-3 people who I get a long with pretty well but we are not the best of friends lol it is only the second semester... Our cohort did get a group message started where we can communicate or ask questions if needed. I would encourage you to just be yourself. Try and build a good relationship with at least one other person in your cohort. It is only the second semester so it might take a little longer to really build connections, don't lose hope! :)

[@maxbailey3087]

@@MrsSchoolPsych I am in Texas, Firstly I wanted to say thanks for the response and the advice, I really appreciate a fellow school psych student not only making content for the field to have much-needed exposure (at least in my experience). I feel like a big reason I am having such a hard time is due to my academic past. I was always an average student in high school as well as college in undergrad and as I am sure you are aware average is not exactly an option so that is most likely the general root of the issue. I try my best to be plugged in with professors and other students in my cohort but with myself having a different schedule than literally every other student I have had a difficult time staying motivated as I do not feel like I can truly sympathize with others. Thanks for the reply and best of luck!

[@tiffanyx614]

Did you have research experience as an undergrad? The program I want to enter is competitive and I worry that my experiences are not as impressive.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

I didn't have any research experience as an undergrad. I think that all depends on the graduate program you are applying and their requirements. Having experience working with children, especially in school setting, is something I would recommend you get, IF you don't already have. If you have a strong application and do good in your interview then you should be ok (even without research experience).

[@211teitake]

Can you talk about the financing your graduate education?

[@221vballgirl]

Hi! Thanks so much for all of your videos, they are super helpful for me. I really can’t decide if I want to be a school psychologist or a teacher. I am currently majoring in psychology and minoring in early childhood education and development. I am super interested in psychology and development and I really want to work with children. I am still deciding but your videos have helped a lot!

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi! Thank you! I am glad they are helpful. How funny! My major in undergrad was child development and my minor was psychology. I hope you find your passion! Whatever career you choose, if it is working and helping children, it will be very rewarding!

[@yourlittlesecret7575]

I'm in the same boat. I know for a fact that I want to work in a high school but I didn't know which area, Teacher or School Psych. I'm studying psychology as an undergrad and still trying to figure it out. But I think school psych is what I'm going to do

[@221vballgirl]

@@yourlittlesecret7575 I agree! I’m in psych right now and love it. Have you ever thought of a school counselor?

[@yourlittlesecret7575]

@@221vballgirl I actually have! That was my original choice before school psychology or teaching. When I was in high school, I had the best school counselor and I found her job really interesting. She made a big impact on my life and I wanted to do that for other people. Unfortunately, the salary just wasn't realistic for where I live so I went for school psych instead. If the salary for a school counselor was as good as school psych, trust me I would go full force into school counseling. But I enjoy the idea of school psych just as much now

[@karolyn628]

Do you need to have a teaching credential and teach before you become a school psychologist because I was planning to get my undergraduate in psychology but in California it seems like you need to teach first and I don’t want to be a teacher just a counselor/ psychologist. Also like you said there aren’t much jobs for just a BA In psychology

[@karolyn628]

Oh is it just that you need to get a certificate of clearance?

[@karolyn628]

Don’t you need a teaching credential to do the ctc?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

@@karolyn628 Hi! No you don't need to be a teacher to become a school psych and you can get cleared through the CTC whether you are a teacher or not. I am not a teacher and I have my clearance from the CTC.

[@nala2747]

Does any one know if i can be a school psychologist with early childhood education bachelor?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Samar, You can become a school psych with your BA degree in early childhood education as long as you get your masters degree in school psychology. I have my BA in child development and I am currently in grad school for school psychology :)