College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

School psychology MA and Specialist Certificate

Become certified to practice school psychology

The MA and specialist certificate (SC) in education & school psychological services program is designed for future practicing school psychologists. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential to work with students, teachers, families, and other school staff to help all students succeed—academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

Our program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Why study school psychology at the University of Minnesota?

  • Challenging, cutting edge training preparation with a focus on justice and equity
  • 100% of our students are employed in their field within a year of graduation*
  • One of the strongest, most established programs in the nation
  • Innovative faculty and students who are state and national leaders
  • Faculty commitment to and expertise in diversity, educational equity, student mental health, and social justice
  • Over $10 million in research and graduate training grants
  • Compassionate, nimble in responding to COVID-19
  • Committed to advancing antiracism

*Percentages of students since 2012

Careers

    School psychologists: In-demand and well-compensated

    • 100% of our students are employed in the field upon graduation*
    • Expected employment growth: 11% between 2012 and 2022**
    • Mean 9-month salary (full-time, school-based practitioner): $64,000-$71,000***

    *Percentages of students since 2012 
    **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 
    ***National Association of School Psychologists

    Specialist-level (MA and Specialist Certificate) school psychologists

    As a specialist-level school psychologist, you’ll work in public and private schools, preschools, and state departments of education. Recently, our students have found internship placements with Minneapolis Public Schools, Mahtomedi Public Schools, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, North Suburban Special Education District (IL), and Summit School District (CO).

    What to expect

    Note: We no longer require GRE test scores for application and admission to the program.

      All application materials must be received December 1 for admission in September of the following year. Files not complete by December 1 will not be reviewed.

      School psychology MA and Specialist Certificate (SC) in Education and School Psychological Services students complete two years of coursework followed by a year-long internship. All students are prepared to be scientist-practitioners through courses and fieldwork emphasizing research-based practices, coursework in research methods and statistics, and completion of a supervised research project.

      Still have questions? Review our frequently asked questions or program handbook.

      Faculty

      Lisa Aguilar

      Assistant professor
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Faith Miller

      Associate professor
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Kirsten Newell

      Assistant professor
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Amanda L. Sullivan

      Birkmaier Education Leadership Professor, program coordinator
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Instructors and supervisors

      Annie Hansen-Burke

      Senior lecturer

      Jessie Kember

      Teaching assistant professor, fieldwork coordinator, and director of clinical placements

      Mollie Weeks

      Lecturer

      Sarah Wollersheim Shervey

      Lecturer