School Psychology: Masters vs. Specialist vs. Doctorate

Hello everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by :D My name's Tiffany and I'm currently a school psychology student at George Mason University.

I've had several people ask about the differences between a master's and doctorate so here it is! Does it matter if you get a master's? What's a specialist degree? What kind of jobs can you get with each degree?

Here are some really helpful resources that you can check out:

NASP (National Association of School Psychologists)

Great gateway into the field
School Psychology for the 21st Century

[sunny]

Can you do a video about the difference between schools psychologist and school social worker?

[cmsmith]

7:41 I like how you add a little humor in there. My eyes were getting wider and wider as you continued talking about all of the requirements, then you go and say something to lighten the mood. Nice touch!

[skinnyjeans]

I really appreciate your videos on school psychology! I’ve been sitting on a BA in psychology for almost 5 years and I’m thinking this is the next step for me. Thank your for all the info and sharing your experiences!

[theresamacnaughton]

Just wanted to note that this info is not entirely correct. I have an M.S. in School Psychology and completed 60 units. In California Masters programs are 3 years because school psychs practicing here require a Pupil Personnel Credential which is another 24 units, an additional year. So, I have a Masters level degree with a credential for a total of 84 units. Additionally, masters students in California complete a year of practicum (2nd year) and work a paid internship their 3rd year/credential year. Just thought I would share. Best!

[droserowl]

This is so helpful!! I was struggling between whether to get a Ph.D. or a master's. But now it seems that I should be really focusing on getting a Ph.D. or a specialist degree!

[Pumpkinbeanlatte]

Could you do a video on School Psychologist v School Counselor?

[lalalozer]

I have an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and am currently working in Higher Education Student Services :) For my institution, to get promoted (i.e., to become an assistant/associate specialist), we need to get a 30 credits post master's in relevant field. Most of my colleagues opt for a PhD (Scientist route) or and Ed.D. :)

[Sunwrri]

I live how you simplified everything! Thanks love

[PrayThenHustle]

If your college program says it is 60 credits, is that the 60 hours you need before you can take the exam ?

[GiShinso]

If a student enrolls in the masters level only rather than the specialist track, usually those students plan to enroll in the doctoral program after. Sometimes they choose this to get their feet wet and make sure they really like it, get used to the research skills required, and some would rather wait until the doctoral level to undertake the internship requirement to work towards licensure

[madprole]

Do you know of any degrees and programs dealing with critical educational psychology and liberation psychology, or generally a more philosophically based psych department?

[elielis]

I really believed you could work in schools with a master's what the heck😅 everything is so confusing lol. For the time being i have been leaning towards sticking with my doctoral programs (I'm taking 2025 as a gap year to apply to school psychology, graduated in December from my bach). Been watching other videos generally speaking about masters and they all praise master's while saying PhD's are mostly for the big academia title and being able to become uni faculty. The specialist thing is completely new to me, I'll have to do more research on it omg :')
Just so overwhelmed and trying to figure out how so many ppl get into post grad right after finishing bachelor, there are so many things to do to apply, how do y'all manage that in the middle of a semester 😭😭

[feliperocha]

In Portugal, master degree programs in School Psychology have internship. The board requires this to be able to practice the profession.

[apollothirteen]

Vance McCoy from Atlanta Auction Gallery needs your help.

[lydiali]

really inspiring, thanks! love your voice, so comforting 😆

[kathyd]

I find the whole masters and Specialist thing kind of confusing . I guess it depends on the graduate program you go to because some have a masters & specialist program combined . In NYC for example, Colombia has the school psychology program but it’s either the Doctorate level with 90 credits or Ed.M with 69 credits.

[LordNoles]

I’m in a specialist program at Florida State this is a great video. Thanks

[nikitadonaldson]

Do you know if it matters if the Specialist program is approved by NASP? For instance a few schools I’ve checked out the Doctorate program is NASP approved but the specialist program isn’t

[natashandoloe]

can you do a video about the university who has a masters or specialist in psychology?

[Honestw]

Is a doctorate really worth the hype?
Not to minimize anyone’s pursuit. How important is the program / school you get into? graduates from all schools will flood the field. Each state has great graduate programs.