If you are considering a career as a school psychologist, your undergraduate major should be in psychology or education. It should include coursework or introductory courses in child development, special education, general and child psychology and educational philosophy and theory. If you already have your eye on a particular graduate program, check the specific admission requirements and tailor your undergraduate studies accordingly. Any teaching experience you can gather while studying at this level will be an advantage.
A master's degree is the minimum level of education you need to practice as a school psychologist, but it is important to distinguish between master's programs of less than 60 semester credits and specialist-level programs of 60 credits or more. To become certified, most states require you to have completed three years of specialist-level graduate training in school psychology, which must include a nine-month internship. At least half of the internship must be in a school setting. Ideally, you should choose a graduate program accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
If you are interested in pursuing a career in research, setting up an independent practice or obtaining an administrative position at the district level, enroll in a doctoral program. With a doctoral degree, you will be recognized under the title of psychologist by the American Psychological Association (APA), which will be important if you wish to set up your own practice. The three doctoral degrees awarded to school psychologists are: the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), which emphasizes research skills; the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), which leans toward educational skills and theory; and the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), which has a clinical focus. Choose a program approved by the NASP and preferably accredited by the APA.
With the appropriate specialist graduate training completed, get certified as a school psychologist at the state and national levels. Specific requirements for a state license vary slightly across the country but are generally based on successful completion of specialist-level graduate training. To become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) you must achieve a passing score of 165 in the Praxis National School Psychology Examination administered by ETS.