Best School Psychology Masters Programs in North Carolina

5 universities in North Carolina, NC offer master's degree in School Psychology

Duke University logo
Ranked as:  #10 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,140 per year
Total Cost:  $118,280 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  7.74%

Graduate training leading to a Ph.D. in the Psychology and Neuroscience is offered through a unique program that merges social sciences and natural sciences in the study of brain, behavior, and cognition in humans and animals. Program tracts are offered in Clinical Psychology, Cognition the Brain, Developmental (DEV), Social Psychology, and Systems and Integrative Neuroscience (SINS).

Psychology and Neuroscience: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics.

Psychology and Neuroscience : PhD Completion Rate Statistics.

Psychology and Neuroscience : PhD Time to Degree Statistics.

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details each Graduate School requirement.

For psychology majors, it is not necessary to take the subject test. No other area within Psychology and Neuroscience requires the subject test.

English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required for applicants whose first language is not Englishtest waiver may apply for some applicants.

Additional Components Applicants to the joint Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Allied Disciplines must submit an additional essay for admission to the program. Regardless of your selection of primary department, please respond to the following prompt:.

In 500 words or less, please explain your interest in the joint Ph.D. program offered between Public Policy and an Allied Discipline. Highlight how your research interests and past experiences lie at the intersection between Public Policy and the Allied Discipline and how participation in the joint program will facilitate your professional goals after receiving your degree.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance.

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Ph.D. in Psychology and Neuroscience - The Graduate School

  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  1008
  • Teaching Assistantships:  565
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo
Ranked as:  #29 in Best National University
Tuition:  $30,248 per year
Total Cost:  $60,496 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  25%

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Ph.D. course in the School Psychology program. It is a 64-credit-hour program and takes a maximum of five years to complete. Years one, two, and three typically consist of coursework and field-based externships, while years four and five are typically comprised of dissertation work and an internship.

This PhD program offers targeted training to support graduates’ agency to seek, understand and foster children and youth’s thriving across school, home and community settings.

In addition to the coursework on innovation development and research-based implementation practices, students can participate in programs such as the 'Certificate in Social Innovation'. Some of the social innovations that students have developed with the help of this program include:

  • a program to improve pediatric oncology patients’ transition from hospital to school
  • a novel CBT program to disrupt the “school to prison” pipeline for African-American high school students
  • and an online platform that utilizes behavioural activation strategies to support the mental health of new teachers

After completing the course, school psychologists work in a field that supports young people's social, emotional, and cognitive growth as well as their academic and cognitive development. In order to improve children's and youth's development, they also support families, schools, and communities operating well. Numerous locations, including schools, community centres, hospitals, and clinics, host these activities. Graduates can also apply for their psychology license in other states.

The course prepares students for licensure eligibility with both the N.C. Public Instruction and the N.C. Psychology Board.

The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). It prepares students to become licensed school psychologists, who are professionals who work with students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to promote the academic, social, emotional, and behavioural development of all students.

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Ph.D. in School Psychology

  • GRE Required:  No
  • Research Assistantships:  2232
  • Teaching Assistantships:  1264
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
logo
Ranked as:  #89 in Best National University
Tuition:  $18,432 per year
Total Cost:  $36,864 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  71.7%

This list is not exhaustive. Additionally, information may not apply to every program or type of degree research specific programs of interest carefully.

Individuals accepted to doctoral level programs may or may not earn a Masters degree along the way to the doctorate. For these programs, you need to understand that you have been accepted with the expectation of completing a doctorate (not stopping at the Masters). If your goal is a Masters degree only, apply to terminal Masters programs.

Institutions offering Terminal Masters programs typically do not offer a PhD. You are accepted into the Masters program. In some areas of study, such as MSW, the Masters degree is considered sufficient and typical for most related careers. In other cases, the Masters degree allows you to engage in practice under continued supervision (MA in clinical or counseling). Finally, you may earn a Masters degree and then apply to PhD level programs (note here that not all your Masters work may transfer to a doctoral program).

Programs with obvious links to specific careers.

Equipped to treat broadest range of disorders including the severe disorders. You may want to pay attention to specializations (e.g., child, substance abuse etc.) or strengths of particular programs.

Typically less intensive research required but it depends on the program. If you are interested in the PsyD, look for programs that are part of universities.

Therapy with less severe disorders. Programs may have different areas of specialization.

The application of psychology to business contexts.

Programs vary with some emphasizing clinical work and others emphasizing agency aspects of social work.

Broad training in experimental psychology. Most emphasize preparation for going on to obtain a PhD.

Programs with less obvious links to specific careers (Doctoral Level degrees).

Some programs are applied with emphasis on application to business, health, the law (some programs offer PhD JD) etc.

Programs may emphasize interpersonal communication based on methods and research similar to social psychology.

COE 375: Transitions Strategies for Careers in Psychology The majority of students who major in psychology do not go on to graduate school, or at least not right away. They may take a job or two while they figure out what they really want to do or they may launch a career. This course will focus on increasing career directedness, the ability to formulate workable career goals and act on them, by helping you assess your skills, knowledge, strengths and passions and by facilitating the acquisition of career decision-making skills (including identification of resources, job market research, networking, and marketing yourself successfully).

PSY 383: Graduate Studies in Psychology This course has been designed to provide a guided framework for exploring graduate school options in psychology and related mental health fields, and the process of successfully applying to such options. Although employment options may be highlighted at times, this is not a course careers in psychology. This course focuses on providing information finding programs and putting together a complete application. Students will engage in assignments that will begin their application materials. Ideally, students should consider this course in their junior year.

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  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  -
  • Teaching Assistantships:  -
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
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323 universities offer the Master's program in School Psychology.

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Ranked as:  #9 in Best Regional University in South Coast
Tuition:  $21,439 per year
Total Cost:  $42,878 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  79.51%

Appalachian State University has a course named MASSP in School Psychology consisting of 67 credits. The Master of Arts & Specialist in School Psychology Program embraces its mission to provide learning experiences grounded in the scientist-practitioner model. This enables the graduates to become well-rounded, effective School Psychologists who practice competently, and ethically in all domains of School Psychology practice and who are prepared to work effectively with diverse populations in a variety of settings. This 3-year program is committed to recruiting, admitting, and retaining student applicants who broaden the cultural, ethnic, gender, linguistic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of the program. The program faculty also provides training experiences that enrich student's awareness and understanding of diversity and enhance their ability to advocate for positive change in schools and other educational settings. Some program features include:

  • NASP-Approved since 1991
  • Early and ongoing school-based learning experiences
  • Faculty members are accessible and supportive
  • Cooperation and cohesiveness among faculty and students are fostered
  • 100% of the eligible students have received Graduate Assistantships in the past decade
  • 100% of the students have obtained third-year internship placements
  • 100% of the graduates who have sought employment as School Psychologists have been successful

The students progress through a rigorous, sequential program of study and are actively involved in school-based learning activities, beginning in the first weeks of their enrollment and culminating in the comprehensive third-year internship. As a result, by the time of their graduation, they have developed a broad range of knowledge and skills and are highly sought after by school districts, other employment settings, and doctoral programs across North Carolina and the US. Overall, the program ascribes to NASP's Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy

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MA/SSP in School Psychology

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logo
Ranked as:  #37 in Best Regional University in South Coast
Tuition:  $17,821 per year
Total Cost:  $35,642 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  48.48%

Western Carolina University Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Health Service Psychology (Combined Clinical School) is a three-year, post-Masters professional preparation program.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to provide culturally competent, evidence-based clinical services while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Professional psychologists will be trained to work in various settings serving underserved populations, particularly individuals living in rural communities in North Carolina.

The PsyD program at WCU ascribes to the practitioner-scholar model of professional training, which places greater emphasis on clinical preparation as opposed to research training. Students in the program will garner experience through formal coursework, supervised clinical experiences, and research requirements with the goal to prepare graduates for licensure.

A Masters or Specialist degree in clinical or school psychology or.

A Masters degree in a related area that includes at least 18 hours of coursework in psychology or similar area.

At the time of application, candidates must select a concentration are Clinical or School Psychology.

Candidates who are graduates of the M.A. Clinical Psychology program or S.S.P. School Psychology program at Western Carolina University will have satisfied all course prerequisites prior to admission to the PsyD program.

Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher (preferred criteria).

The GRE is not required for applicants whose cummulative graduate GPA is 3.7 or higher at the time of application. If this criterion is not met, an official GRE score report from test administration within the past five years is required documenting GRE scores at the 50th percentile or higher on both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections (preferred criteria).

Capacity for success in a doctoral psychology program.

Interest in the PsyD program and specific concentration identified.

The PsyD admission committee (PAC) will review all completed applications and invite top candidates for in-person interviews. Interviewee selection will be based on review of graduate coursework and GPA, GRE scores, quality of recommendations, and personal statement.

The application review process involves holistic evaluation, including fit with mission of the program as well as academic preparation and promise.

Consistent with APA Accreditation standards, the PsyD program curriculum emphasizes broad and general training in discipline-specific knowledge that informs health service psychology, such as the biological basis of behavior, social influences on behavior, history and philosophical systems of psychology, research and data analysis, cognitive affective aspects of behavior, and psychological measurement.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program Curriculum Effective Fall 2022Fall 1st YearPSY 841 Biological and Affective Bases of Behavior (3 hours)PSY 851 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics III (3 hours)PSY 888 Professional Supervision (3 hours)PSY 886 Internal Doctoral Practicum (McKee Clinic) (3 hours)PSY 668 Teaching of Psychology (For PsyD Teaching Assistants) (3 hours)12 (15) hours total.

Spring 1st YearPSY 878 Child Family Systems Intervention (3 hours)PSY 842 Multicultural Psychology (3 hours)PSY 823 Professional Consultation in Health Service Psychology (3 hours)PSY 886 Internal Doctoral Practicum (McKee Clinic) (3 hours)12 hours total.

Fall 2nd YearPSY 873 Ethics in Health Service Psychology (3 hours).

PSY 855 Advanced History and Systems (3 hours)PSY 887 External Doctoral Practicum (School or Clinic Based 3 hours)PSY 899 Dissertation (3 hours)12 hours total.

Spring 2nd YearPSY 810 Advanced Social Psychology (3 hours).

PSY 844 Advanced Cognitive Psychology (3 hours)PSY 887 External Doctoral Practicum (School or Clinic Based) (3 hours)PSY 899 Dissertation (3 hours)12 hours total.

Summer 2nd YearPSY 883 Doctoral Internship (School Concentration requires 600 hours in School (1 hour)1 hour total.

Fall 3rd YearPSY 883 Doctoral Internship (2 hours)2 hours total.

Spring 3rd YearPSY 883 Doctoral Internship (2 hours)2 hours total.

Summer 3rd YearPSY 883 Doctoral Internship (1 hour)1 hour total.

The PsyD program emphasizes mastery of profession-wide competencies that are grounded in evidence-based practices in core professional activities, such as assessment, therapy, consultation, and supervision. Our curriculum grounds all coursework and supervised clinical practice in both the empiricism of psychology and ethical competence.

PsyD candidates will demonstrate mastery of psychological research through the completion of a dissertation.

The PsyD program features an in-house training clinic, the McKee Psychological Services Center (McKee Clinic).

It depends on how well the graduate program aligns with either the MA Clinical Psychology curriculum or the SSP School Psychology curriculum. Critical components of WCU graduate programs include supervised practicum placements, research requirements, and core curriculum. If applicants do not satisfy curricular pre-requisites, it is possible for an applicant to be admitted conditionally to the PsyD program while pre-requisites are completed.

The PsyD Program is Accredited, on Contigency effective March 1, 2022.

Tuition for students differs according to North Carolina resident status. Please find current graduate tuition and fees information on their site. Additional estimated fees or costs to students (e.g., books, liability insurance) are $500.00 year.

The John Daniel Searcy Fellowship provides one year of support to an advanced psychology doctoral student who plans to earn a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. are members of the North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA) and whose doctoral programs, or pre-doctoral internship sites, are located within the state of North Carolina. The award is made to individuals who have demonstrated superior academic achievement and are committed to a career focused on working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and who also intend to work in the non-profit and or public sector. The fellowship pays a stipend of $5,000. Way to go Emily Rowe!

The Jerry and Laura Coffey Memorial Scholarship honors Jerry and Laura Coffey commitment to delivering mental health services to Western North Carolina and the advancement of the field of psychology.

August 8, 2022The American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation provided notification that our Program is now Accredited, on Contingency with an effective date of March 1, 2022.

April 2, 2021Haley Goller has been awarded the inaugural John Daniel Searcy Fellowship from the North Carolina Psychological Association.The John Daniel Searcy Fellowship will provide one year of support to an advanced psychology doctoral student who will earn a PhD, PsyD, or EdD is a member of the North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA) and whose doctoral program, or pre-doctoral internship sites, are located within the state of North Carolina. The award will be made to individuals who have demonstrated superior academic achievement and are committed to a career focused on working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and who also intend to work in the non-profit and or public sector.

The PsyD program is Accredited, on Contingency by the American Psychological Association (APA), effective March 1, 2022 with expiration date of March 1, 2027.

Effective February 14, 2019, the program is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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Doctor of Psychology

  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research Assistantships:  Register to view the details
  • Teaching Assistantships:  Register to view the details
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details

What kind of scholarships are available for Graduate Programs in School Psychology?

We have 3 scholarships awarding up to $3,000 for Masters program in for School Psychology, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.

Scholarship nameAmountCredibility
Malyon Smith Scholarship Research Award$1,000Medium
Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship$1,000Medium
Institutional aid at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago$1,000

Find scholarships and financial aid for School Psychology graduate programs

$500 $20000

How can I compare the School Psychology Graduate Programs?

Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 323 universities offering Graduate School Programs in School Psychology. Compare Graduate School Programs in School Psychology

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