School Psychology: Masters vs. Specialist vs. Doctorate

[@sunny5935]

Can you do a video about the difference between schools psychologist and school social worker?

[@TiffanyLee]

sunny1haru I never thought about doing a video on that topic! I’ll definitely start brain storming 😊 thank you!!

[@skinnyjeans91]

I really appreciate your videos on school psychology! I’ve been sitting on a BA in psychology for almost 5 years and I’m thinking this is the next step for me. Thank your for all the info and sharing your experiences!

[@TiffanyLee]

Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad I could give a little insight into the field and program 😊 unfortunately, psychology is such a broad field in undergrad that it practically means nothing until you specialize.. which isn’t all terrible! I found psych to be really interesting in college

[@theresamacnaughton3990]

Just wanted to note that this info is not entirely correct. I have an M.S. in School Psychology and completed 60 units. In California Masters programs are 3 years because school psychs practicing here require a Pupil Personnel Credential which is another 24 units, an additional year. So, I have a Masters level degree with a credential for a total of 84 units. Additionally, masters students in California complete a year of practicum (2nd year) and work a paid internship their 3rd year/credential year. Just thought I would share. Best!

[@TiffanyLee]

Theresa MacNaughton hi there! Thanks so much for your input and experience! I’m sure there are huge differences among states, especially California because it’s so big. I got all the information straight off of NASP’s website and some of my previous textbooks (i.e. Merrell’s school psychology for the 21st century). Please feel free to add any of your own background and experience in the comments section of the video to share different policies and laws 👍🏻

[@LUISNINTENDO64]

I agree California is a whole other beast, so many regulations

[@kathyd6714]

I think you’re right because NY school psychology programs are different as well . I guess it’s all about the state you wish to practice in . I was looking at how NYC school psychology programs usually do it and it’s not like the video , they combine the masters with the specialist so basically you do 3 years and you’re a specialist (69 credits). So you either pick that or the doctorate which is 90 credits .

[@droserowl7633]

This is so helpful!! I was struggling between whether to get a Ph.D. or a master's. But now it seems that I should be really focusing on getting a Ph.D. or a specialist degree!

[@TiffanyLee]

It's really difficult to practice in the US without at least a specialist degree! some people think going through a doc program the first time around is well worth it but it depends on your end goal. thanks for watching!

[@Pumpkinbeanlatte]

Could you do a video on School Psychologist v School Counselor?

[@TiffanyLee]

Jennifer Chung omg yes!! There are too many times when people ask, “sooooo you’re going to be a counselor?” 😓

[@cmsmith2142]

7:41 I like how you add a little humor in there. My eyes were getting wider and wider as you continued talking about all of the requirements, then you go and say something to lighten the mood. Nice touch!

[@lalalozer]

I have an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and am currently working in Higher Education Student Services :) For my institution, to get promoted (i.e., to become an assistant/associate specialist), we need to get a 30 credits post master's in relevant field. Most of my colleagues opt for a PhD (Scientist route) or and Ed.D. :)

[@TiffanyLee]

That's great to know! Where do you live?

[@lalalozer]

@@TiffanyLee Hawaii :)

[@animemangaluv13]

That's so interesting !

[@GiShinso]

If a student enrolls in the masters level only rather than the specialist track, usually those students plan to enroll in the doctoral program after. Sometimes they choose this to get their feet wet and make sure they really like it, get used to the research skills required, and some would rather wait until the doctoral level to undertake the internship requirement to work towards licensure

[@animemangaluv13]

Yeah that's what I plan on doing!!! Masters before doctorate to honestly see if I like it. Shortter route , i can teach until i finish my phd

[@luminouswords3560]

How much research experience is typical before applying to a school psychologist PhD program? :)

[@GiShinso]

@@luminouswords3560 It would be helpful if a student has experience working in a lab, aided instructors in their research projects, presented research at professional conferences, and/or have completed a thesis. Usually, these things prepare a student for doctoral-level research and not to mention look great on CVs/resumes when applying to programs.

[@luminouswords3560]

@@GiShinso Thank you so much! I'm not sure how to get started because I am going to (a brick and mortar college) online. I figured that I would email a ton of researchers and graduate students in my local area to see if they want free help.

[@GiShinso]

​@@luminouswords3560 this website might be of help. Has videos of professionals and professors discussing the different fields in psychology www.drkit.org/psychology/

[@wattakesselly6463]

I live how you simplified everything! Thanks love

[@TiffanyLee]

So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@feliperocha1987]

In Portugal, master degree programs in School Psychology have internship. The board requires this to be able to practice the profession.

[@LordNoles]

I’m in a specialist program at Florida State this is a great video. Thanks

[@TiffanyLee]

Stephan Mitchell THANK YOU!! How do you like your program??

[@LordNoles]

So far so good! As you know the semester is really picking up right now so there is a lot of work but it’s great. The faculty is awesome and the environment is very team-focused which I like. Keep the videos coming.

[@AngelGuillermoGutierrez]

As someone that just finished, I want to add that recent (during/post pandemic) internship are likely not paid in upstate NY. That said, those supervisors of unpaid interns often go above and beyond for us.... overall, informative video!

[@Honest000w]

Is a doctorate really worth the hype? Not to minimize anyone’s pursuit. How important is the program / school you get into? graduates from all schools will flood the field. Each state has great graduate programs.

[@TiffanyLee]

I think a doctorate is only worth it in this field if you want to work in the university or supervise other doc students (you also get more respect but not sure if it really affects your pay). For other fields of psych, it's a big different since APA wants you to get your doctorate.

[@lydiali9030]

really inspiring, thanks! love your voice, so comforting 😆

[@TiffanyLee]

Ella lee aw thank you so much!!

[@kathleenronzio2170]

Many masters programs do require practicum and internship as well

[@TiffanyLee]

typically, if you have prac and internship, the credits add up to a specialist level degree. mine was a master's with an additional certificate that makes it essentially the same as a specialist. what program are you referring to?

[@PrayThenHustle]

If your college program says it is 60 credits , is that the 60 hours you need before you can take the exam ?

[@apollothirteen9236]

Vance McCoy from Atlanta Auction Gallery needs your help.

[@ddzziinngg]

Thank you for the video. You must have read mind! It was really great to have someone talk about the differences in the degree rather than just reading about it. What kind of work experiences have you had that helped you get into grad school? Are most people coming in with years of work experiences with kids or just a year or two? Thanks again!

[@TiffanyLee]

ddzziinngg I worked as an ABA therapist and program director at a small private school before applying to grad school. Half of my classmates came straight from undergrad so there’s definitely a mix! I would say that everyone has experience with kids though even if it’s just a year or two 😊

[@ddzziinngg]

@@TiffanyLee Awesome, this is great information to know. Thank you!

[@nikitadonaldson6861]

Do you know if it matters if the Specialist program is approved by NASP? For instance a few schools I’ve checked out the Doctorate program is NASP approved but the specialist program isn’t

[@mercedes4139]

What's the difference between educational psychology and school psychology?

[@TiffanyLee]

there's some overlap but ed psych is more research based and school psych is more practice based.

[@ruleighdy]

What a coincidence:-).... I live in Reston going to GMU in psychology( and pre-med but interested in school counseling(....keep up the good work!

[@animemangaluv13]

About to make the switch

[@TiffanyLee]

what are you switching from? :D

[@animemangaluv13]

@@TiffanyLee switching from masters in aba to lssp. Tbh the 2000 hours we need for the bcba now is tooooooo muchhhhhh. I've been an RBT for 2 years and still to this day cant find someone to supervise me. The work in and the payout dont add up in my opinion...

[@JNAllenstv]

No one can become a school psychologist in the USA withOUT having 60 credits plus taking classes in an NASP accredited program. With an MA in psychology from GMU.edu (NASP approved) one can become a school psychologist. My planned route is this, I will ascertained my 30 credits MS in educational psychology (that I am presently pursuing at GMU); then I will apply for my MA in psychology (which is approved by NASP) to get 30 more credits and eventually my school psychologist license. Notably, GMU has a 44 credits NASP approved MA in psychology for students who already have a master’s in psychology of some sort. In addition, once the degree is labeled MA or MS (it doesn’t matter if they are labeled specialized or not) they are ALL masters programs so it was kind of confusing to hear someone trying to differentiate a master’s in psychology degree and making it seems as if a 60 credits master’s degree in psychology isn’t just a specialized master’s degree but with NASP accreditation. My point is this, specialized masters’ degrees are still masters’ degrees; not doctoral degrees. 🥲As a Jamaican American, some of us were raised to look down on people who don’t have doctorate degrees etc, but in this life one’s happiness is more important than societal expectations of one. Therefore, having a master’s degree in any field is a great accomplishment and I commend those who are discipline enough to pursue their education at any level they want to. All the best! Peace & ♥️🤗!

[@TiffanyLee]

mason has a great program! good luck on your journey!😊

[@kathyd6714]

I find the whole masters and Specialist thing kind of confusing . I guess it depends on the graduate program you go to because some have a masters & specialist program combined . In NYC for example , Colombia has the school psychology program but it’s either the Doctorate level with 90 credits or Ed.M with 69 credits.

[@TiffanyLee]

I totally agree!! I wish all programs/states had a set standard for certification. Any NASP approved master's program should be at the specialist level (either EdS or MA+ cert).

[@rav3nclaw752]

Thank you for all of this information! I am just confused about one thing--I looked at the NASP list of accredited programs and underneath the names of the university, it would specify "SL" (specialist level) or "DL" (doctorate level). If a school is on the accredited list as "SL," does this mean that their specialist (Ed.S) program is approved by NASP and additionally accredited by APA? I have heard people say accreditation mostly matters on a doctorate level, so I was confused when I saw "SL" on the list of accredited schools.

[@TiffanyLee]

So I would check APA to see if programs are accredited by them. My understanding is that they only accredited doctoral programs so the NASP list only shows those that are approved by NASP. This gives you a better idea of whether a program meets NASP standards when they are specialist and/or doc programs.

[@rav3nclaw752]

@@TiffanyLee Ok, thank you so much!

[@a.live9274]

This confuses me because on the NASP website it lets you look at state requirements for school psychology and some of them DO allow for masters degree to be certified like in Idaho.

[@haley3656]

I'm an undergrad student majoring in psychology and I really want to become a school psychologist someday. Thank you so much for making these videos, they are very helpful and motivating :) EDIT: Quick question! Do you need to have a Master's degree before you can enroll in a Specialist program?

[@TiffanyLee]

So glad to hear that they're helpful! My program is a master's that includes additional classes (which makes it a specialist degree). Some of my classmates came straight from undergrad :)

[@natashandoloe9114]

can you do a video about the university who has a masters or specialist in psychology?

[@TiffanyLee]

Yes, I could definitely cover that topic! You can also check out the full list on the NASP website :)

[@natashandoloe9114]

@@TiffanyLee thank u so muchh

[@animemangaluv13]

@@TiffanyLee yes please in trying to narrow it down

[@madprole5361]

Do you know of any degrees and programs dealing with critical educational psychology and liberation psychology, or generally a more philosophically based psych department?

[@claudiamontoya4316]

Hi thanks for the videos! Keep them coming. I was just wondering, what is the difference between a SSP and an Ed.S?

[@TiffanyLee]

Claudia Montoya sorry I missed your comment before! I’m not sure if I have the right answer but I believe ssp is more psych specific while eds is a specialist degree that’s in education i.e. curriculum or counseling. Thanks for your comment and support!!

[@BucckeyTemple]

Is there a difference in degrees between a school psychologist and a school counselor?

[@TiffanyLee]

Yes!! Although there are some overlaps and they work together, the roles are pretty different. Psychologists help with special ed. eligibility (a lot of testing and report writing) while also aiding in mental health and prevention/intervention/consultation. Counselors work with all students and usually help with scheduling and overall wellbeing. They will also help with mental health and counseling.

[@karinamelendez7177]

I got accepted to the program for educational psychology/counseling, but I am confused if I can become a school psychology wit this degree?? Please any advice(;.

[@TiffanyLee]

Hi! In the US, ed psych is different from school psych. You would need a specific school psychology degree to practice in public schools. However, I’ve heard that in other countries, ed psych is what it’s called. Regardless, congrats on getting into a program!

[@karinamelendez7177]

@@TiffanyLee thank you so much for your advise, thank you so much 😊

[@ArbyEmannuel]

Hi @Tiffany Lee thank you for the videos. Can you make a video about non thesis and thesis based programs. I saw some schools offered online school and they also have non thesis and thesis based programs. Which is better?

[@TiffanyLee]

For a specialist program, they are typically more focused on hands-on training, so I don't think the thesis really makes a difference (unless it's something that you're interested in doing). My program does not have a thesis but it has a clinic for really good, in-depth training which I personally prefer. I'll look into this!

[@Latinax]

I'm really scared but watching your videos has me pumped.. what else can a person with an EdS degree do besides work at a school as a psychologist?

[@TiffanyLee]

c c I think it depends on your concentration but it looks like there’s a lot of options! Leadership positions like principals, school teachers, curriculum development, and counselors are some options

[@herminzahirovic7805]

I need your advice, please! I just did my general education (just two years of community college) about two years ago and I was wondering what steps should I take after this. Schooling, degrees, jobs, internships, experience, etc.? Thank you for all your awesome videos!!!

[@TiffanyLee]

Hey! I recommend getting your bachelor's degree and working with children in any capacity in the meantime. Then you should apply to graduate school for school psychology (which includes an internship at the end).

[@herminzahirovic7805]

@@TiffanyLee thank you so much!! You're awesome!

[@veRGe02]

What are the biggest pros and biggest cons of being a school psychologist?

[@TiffanyLee]

Hello! Thank you for the suggestion! I have a video on the pros of being a school psychologist (check my school psych playlist) but I'll have to work on the con list.

[@alexisraquelle7738]

Thank you so much Tiffany!

[@TiffanyLee]

Alexis Raquelle hope it was helpful!

[@marisa-pq6ob]

Hi! I’m going to be attending a specialist program that is NASP approved but not NASP accredited. Does that make a difference? Thank you!

[@TiffanyLee]

Nope I meant NASP approved!! 🙂 they don’t accredit programs

[@lydias4231]

Hello Tiffany, I was looking at a lot of programs that offer a Ed.S. However, I’m also looking into one that is the Psy.S. I was wondering is that more rare, if so, would employers recognize that credential or would it be harder to be employed?

[@TiffanyLee]

Hey Lydia! I do think Psy.S. are more rare but it should pretty much be equivalent to an Ed.S and most counties won't see them differently. I would double check with the counties in your area though just to make sure they hire people with a Psy.S. degree. It's similar to how Psy.D. and Ed.D. are now being treated like a Ph.D. (although in the past they weren't recognized as much)

[@lawallywonka]

Can you do a tips on studying for liscensure exam and your experience?

[@TiffanyLee]

Waleska Alves hi!! I can gather some info from my cohort and definitely put it on my list of videos to make. Thanks so much for the suggestion! Are you currently in internship?

[@lawallywonka]

Thank you!! I am actually pursuing my masters in special ed and thinking about doing the CAGS in school psych (but worried about how hard the lisencure exam is😅).

[@TiffanyLee]

I heard the exam isn't that bad as long as you take some time (a month or two) to study from the book!

[@TiffanyLee]

Also, a master's in special ed is amazing! It takes patient people with a big heart to pursue that path

[@crystinamarie1]

Thank you Tiffany!

[@TiffanyLee]

Thank you Chrissy for watching my content! Appreciate you and hope you're staying safe and healthy.

[@user-gs1dc8xt1d]

Hello - Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful. Can you kindly share top online masters in Psychology universities that have better program? I keep reading negative reviews for all of them and not sure if I can do any online masters course at all.

[@TiffanyLee]

I'm honestly not sure if they exist because NASP requires practicum hours which is all in-person. Let me ask around and get back to you!

[@benschmidt1353]

Hi Tiffany! Confused about the masters degree and specialist degree. Can you do a specialist degree alone after undergrad or do you have to do a masters then a specialist?

[@TiffanyLee]

you essentially need a specialist degree to practice. Some programs will provide an educational specialist degree (EdS) and others have a master's + graduate certificate program (MA + CAGS) which is equivalent to a specialist degree. They are the same, with different degree titles

[@TiffanyLee]

a lot of people go straight from undergrad to specialist program!

[@haleym3521]

I’m from Canada and 21 years old! Been with a guy in New Jersey. Planning to move out there to be with him! But, I just started a Medical Program (MD). I don’t want to pursue this anymore! I am working towards certification for Clinical Research.... I am wondering, what I need to do to get into MA/PsyD? Also I have C.Tech or Engineering Tech Certification that I finished when I was 19 years old

[@TiffanyLee]

You most likely need a bachelor's degree in psychology and then apply for a master's or PsyD program in psychology! Some schools may be ok with some extra pre-requisite classes- I suggest calling the schools you're interested in to get specific requirements

[@aymenmaluma9852]

Hi,I just wanna study psychology specialist degree and it takes 6 years. After that I have to study master's degree to apply for a doctorate degree?

[@TiffanyLee]

My specialist program was 3 years including internship. This was after I completed my undergrad degree. You can practice with a specialist degree but you also have the option to pursue your doctorate instead which is typically 5 years total (you can apply straight from undergrad or after your master's)

[@victoriacheco9197]

Hi Tiffany! I got accepted into an accredited MA program as a bilingual school psychologist. Do you have any suggestions for someone who is financially independent living in an expensive city. What do you do for income as a ft grad student? My program includes a year of internship.

[@TiffanyLee]

Victoria Checo hey! First of all, congratulations on being accepted!! I have some friends in my program that are working and paying rent and living expenses while attending full time. It’s definitely not easy but it’s doable! Babysitting or tutoring is good money or ABA therapy is good too. We have one guy who is a bartender and someone else who works on campus (assistantship) so she gets a tuition discount and living expenses paid for. Hopefully your internship is paid! It’s hard for me to specify because I don’t know which city but I hope this gave a little insight!

[@victoriacheco9197]

@@TiffanyLee Thank you! Im super excited. I am attending a private school in NYC! living expenses here are high and I just want to dedicate myself to my studies. I don't want to slack because Im working like crazy especially if I attend ft. thx for replying! super helpful. Are you on your second year? what has been your experience in the major ? difficult? stressful? thx for your posts because I feel not many people talk about this field.

[@TiffanyLee]

Victoria Checo I attended NYU for undergrad and living expenses can be crazy expensive. Having roommates or living outside of manhattan is a good idea. Although my program is full time, most of my classmates manage to work around 20 hours doing something on the side. There’s a lot of hands-on learning in my program- we have practicum every semester which has been a great experience going into the fields and working with children 👍🏻

[@SimplyyBrit96]

Hey I love your videos! I will be completing my bachelors degree in psychology in December and I’m currently starting to research school psychology programs. I’m planning on starting grad school in fall of 2020. I was curious to know if you could work under a dr in private practice with a Ed.s? I live in Michigan and I know they allow master level therapist and clinical psychologist to work in private practice under someone who has a doctorate degree, I’m just not sure if it’s the same for school psychologists.

[@TiffanyLee]

Brittany Tiara hey! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! I would hate to give you any misinformation... I know it’s possible in some states but I’m not sure if that’s allowed in all states. That’s a great question though, and I would love to ask my professors to give you an answer

[@biancaespertini7887]

Hi, I’m wondering how much do school psychologists earn with a Ms.Eds ? I’m considering switching majors because I’m concerned about the pay and job opportunities. I’m currently a psychology major with a BA.

[@TiffanyLee]

Hi Bianca! I had a difficult time looking for a job with just my bachelor's in psychology. I was able to work in behavior therapy for a little bit before starting my school psychology degree. The pay really depends on the district and contract and can range from 40-100k. Around my area starting seems to be around 60. There are plenty of opportunities right now because there is a shortage so I highly suggest pursuing the field!

[@sharyncross8445]

Very informative 🙂🙂

[@amandaogbureke2574]

I have a question. to be a school psychologist, I wanted to ask if you have to obtain a PHD or just a masters ?

[@TiffanyLee]

You can be a school psychologist with an EdS, master’s + certificate, or a PhD!

[@amrin1906]

Can I get a job with a masters of school psychology degree only??​@@TiffanyLee

[@octaviodelossantos5561]

So I got admitted to a Masters in School Psychology program this semester, and I love your videos! lol Quick question though, do you know how to abbreviate this type of degree? Is it an MSC? Or MSP? I keep trying to look for it but can never find an answer 🥺

[@TiffanyLee]

Hey! That's a great question. I believe most people use MS, MA, or MEd for their degree and Licensed School Psychology (LSP) for their certification. I don't see the abbreviation used often since it's usually written out. Also, congrats on getting into a program!!

[@TiffanyLee]

It also depends on your program since I will be receiving my CAGS certificate on top of my MA instead of an MEd. I would ask your program!

[@octaviodelossantos5561]

Tiffany Lee Thank you! The next three years is going to be an exciting endeavor :) I’ll be attending California State University, Northridge and their program is a Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in School Psychology. I’ll be getting a PPS Credential once graduated as well. I was just confused on the abbreviations but I suppose it differs in this field.

[@octaviodelossantos5561]

Tiffany Lee Thank you for your response though!

[@aboodabulaban2867]

love the content!! if someone decided to get a doctorate after having a specialist degree will the phd still have the same 5 years of work or will the specialist degree help to make it less years?

[@TiffanyLee]

i believe there are some programs that take master's credits so it would reduce the time to 2-3 years! i would call the school to make sure because it depends on the program

[@aboodabulaban2867]

@@TiffanyLee thanks for the reply 🙏

[@giannavillanueva9117]

what major do you recommend getting for someone who wants to be a school psychologist for elementary students?

[@TiffanyLee]

I think psychology is the best major for school psychology. I have a couple friends who studied elementary education or human development but a lot of programs require psych classes as a prerequisite

[@EvelyneMariee]

My program is also 66 credits in addition to 6 more credits for a bilingual extension! Making it 72😭

[@TiffanyLee]

Evelyne Velez wow that’s pretty rigorous! Does your program train you for bilingual assessment? 😯

[@EvelyneMariee]

Tiffany Lee I believe so! I also figured it’s a great way to make myself more marketable!

[@TiffanyLee]

absolutely! I wish they had bilingual assessments in Korean

[@jennaanne4025]

I thought you couldn't work as a school psych without the internship.

[@TiffanyLee]

Yes, you basically need your master's and one year of internship to be licensed or certified

[@rosemarybrient5256]

Lol you’re so cute! I love this ❤️

[@TiffanyLee]

Rosemary Brient thanks so much rose! ❤️❤️

[@EgleMakaraite]

You are so great. :)

[@TiffanyLee]

Egle Makar no, that’s you! Hope you’re doing awesome. Miss you 💓

[@katelynm5981]

How do you cope with getting higher education but also paying for it? Do you still work / get income while being a student?

[@TiffanyLee]

great question! before starting my grad program, i worked several years to save up money for tuition and also worked simultaneously during school for the first year and a half. It definitely was not easy and know a lot of people who have taken loans