College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

School psychology

Our graduates lead, innovate, and transform the field

School psychologists help create learning environments where students, families and school staff feel safe, welcome, and supported. Our program approaches school psychology from an anti-racist scientific-practitioner orientation and will prepare you to become a leader, innovator, and change agent.

Our program has always been on the leading edge of the field. Today, our focus is on practices and systems change to advance justice and equity. As a school psychology student, you'll learn the foundations of psychology and school psychological research. Your training in research-based prevention, intervention, consultation, and assessment will prepare you to work with teachers, caregivers, community members, and staff to help students thrive and to support social justice by dismantling ineffective, harmful systems. 

You'll also contribute to the advancement of school psychology practices and policies by creating scholarship that addresses current issues and pushes the field forward. Through two recent grants, we are proud to offer funding for 28 graduate assistantships per year, so learn more today!

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 $12 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): $72,000-$84,000***
  • Mean 9-month salary (university faculty): $77,800***
  • Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data

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

Programs and degrees

Coursework for both degrees includes a year-long internship. Choose between two degree options:

Master's of Arts and Specialist Certificate in education and school psychological services (MA and SC) (60 credits)

You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential to work with students in schools.

What to expect

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

Core program 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

Annie Hansen-Burke

Senior lecturer

Jessie Kember

Teaching assistant professor, fieldwork coordinator, and director of clinical placements
Currently accepting specialist advisees

Mollie Weeks

Lecturer
Currently accepting specialist advisees

Sarah Wollersheim Shervey

Lecturer
Currently accepting specialist advisees

Affiliates

Alisha Wackerle-Hollman

Assistant research professor

News

The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: 
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 
American Psychological Association 
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 
Phone: 202-336-5979 / Email: apaaccred@apa.org  
Web: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/