School Psychology Master’s program at James Madison University

Master of Arts Degree and Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology

gre,course

The School Psychology Program at James Madison University is housed within the Department of Graduate Psychology and the College of Health and Behavioral Studies. The program emphasizes the role of the culturally competent school psychologist as that of a facilitator of an individual's overall well-being and potential. Within an integrated theoretical framework, students are prepared to be culturally competent, interpersonally skilled, and data-oriented problem solvers. Students are trained in assessment for intervention, prevention, counseling, educational and mental health consultation, behavior management, and applied research. 

Central to the program’s focus is the understanding of children within the context of a system, including the family, the school, and the socio-cultural environment. The program emphasizes the role of the culturally competent and humble school psychologist as that of a facilitator of an individual's overall well-being and potential. They are prepared to be applied child and adolescent school psychologists in diverse educational and mental health settings. This 60-credit program expects students to commit to academic excellence, personal growth, professional responsibility, sensitivity to and understanding of human diversity, and effective interpersonal relationships. Specifically, graduates of this 3-year School Psychology program are required to be competent in the following areas: 

  • Students will achieve a breadth of understanding of the foundations in the knowledge base of psychology and related disciplines.
  • Students will achieve basic knowledge of educational issues, including instructional design, effective educational environments, and the organization and operation of schools. 
  • Students will possess the knowledge and expertise to collaborate with families and with community and school professionals in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that effectively respond to the educational and mental health needs of children and youth. 
  • Students will achieve basic knowledge and skills in research/evaluation methods, statistics, and measurement to evaluate professional practices and programs. 
  • Students shall have a knowledge base specific to school psychology and will apply this knowledge to promote a best-practice approach to professional service. 

The concentration in School Psychology is approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP). The NASP/CAEP approval and accreditation assures the graduates of the JMU program are eligible for certification/licensure in most states. The JMU School Psychology program is fully approved and accredited..

36 Months Duration
60 Credit hours
No GRE Required
Yes Scholarships Available

Composition of student population

20 Female Students
0 Internation Students
8 Graduate Students Enrolled

Master of Arts Degree and Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology: No GRE required

Admission requirements for Master of Arts Degree and Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology: 

  • Three letters of recommendation from professors and other professionals familiar with their academic work and relevant experiences
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended
  • General GRE scores are optional and can be submitted at the discretion of the applicant
  • Brief personal statement (750-1,200 words) describing the influences that have led you to consider school psychology as a career 

How does the School Psychology Master’s degree program tuition at James Madison University compared with other universities in Virginia?

Tuition for Master’s in School Psychology program at James Madison University

$11,976 In-state Tuition & Fees
$29,544 Out-of-state Tuition & Fees
UniversityIn state Tuition / Year
School Psychology Masters program at George Mason University$16,098
School Psychology Masters program at Regent University$17,052
School Psychology Masters program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University$16,030
School Psychology Masters program at Virginia Commonwealth University$15,200

Which other public university offers Master’s program in School Psychology in Virginia?

Here is the list of top 4 public universities offering School Psychology Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
School Psychology at University of Virginia-Main Campus

In-state: $20,184

Out-state: $32,394

School Psychology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

In-state: $16,030

Out-state: $30,547

School Psychology at George Mason University

In-state: $16,098

Out-state: $37,410

School Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University

In-state: $15,200

Out-state: $29,228

Which other private university offers Master’s program in School Psychology in Virginia?

Here is the list of top 2 private universities offering School Psychology Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
School Psychology at Shenandoah University$23,040
School Psychology at Regent University$17,052

Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in School Psychology

Employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 35,000 openings for school and career counselors and advisors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors was $58,120 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 322,000.

Employers prefer the candidate with a Master's degree.

Universities with similar Graduate Program

Program NameTuition / Year
School Psychology Masters program at Roberts Wesleyan College$14,694
School Psychology Masters program at Brandeis University$52,060
School Psychology Masters program at Regent University$17,052
School Psychology Masters program at Walden University$10,716

Are there Online Masters programs offered in School Psychology?

Here is the list of top-ranked universities offering online masters program in School Psychology

Program NameTuition
School Psychology Online Masters programs at The University of Alabama$11,470
School Psychology Online Masters programs at Rider University$20,958
School Psychology Online Masters programs at Capella University$14,767
School Psychology Online Masters programs at Alliant International University-San Diego$24,615