School Psychologist

[KatBrainGeek]

hey everyone,
Im working on my undergrad in psych and theres so many areas that im interested in , but lately I was wondering if I would like working as a school psychologist. If there is anyone that could tell me anything about this position, especially what are good schools to go to (in Ca especially) that have good specialization programs for this position that would be great!! Thanks

Kat

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[JR in SB]

Very late, so this will be brief. School psychologists do a LOT of paperwork. Lots of assessments and program design/ evaluations. Very limited time working with students. As far as schools in CA....I don't know very many, but I do know UCSB has some great faculty in school psychology; their program is a combined doctoral in counseling, clinical, and school psychology.

 

[PhDshallsee]

School psychs at the PhD/PsyD level typically don't work in school systems. It's kinda of an overtrained, overqualified thing. A lot of them work in hospitals, clinics, treatment centers with children with varying disorders (autism, ADHD, etc). Still more do research, and more teach at the university level.

I don't know of any CA schools, sorry.

 

[KatBrainGeek]

Thanks a lot guys , your responses were very helpful!
kat

 

[Ihatethisgame]

http://www.nasponline.org/ is the National Association of School Psychologists. They have info on what a school psych does, salary ranges, etc. I have actually applied to some school psych programs this year but none in Cali.

 

[sicologia]

School psychs at the PhD/PsyD level typically don't work in school systems. It's kinda of an overtrained, overqualified thing. A lot of them work in hospitals, clinics, treatment centers with children with varying disorders (autism, ADHD, etc). Still more do research, and more teach at the university level.

I don't know of any CA schools, sorry.

This is very true. I hadn't thought of the "overtrained and overqualfied thing", but this is so true. Most school psychologists working in the schools are working with either a Masters or a Specialist degree. I'm currently working with a MA, EdS and working on my PsyD. My intention is to find work in exactly what you're stating....hospitals, clinics, treatment centers and eventually publish/teach.

Thanks for posting your insight!

 

[woody322]

I don't know which school systems you all are working in, but there are many school psychologists with doctorates working in school systems. As the field of private practice becomes less lucrative with limited third party billing payments, many licensed psychologists from other fields are looking at school psychology. (Hence the the proposed changes to the APA model licensure act with regard to eliminating the exemption for school psychologists)

I am a practicing school psychologist who works in a rather large school system where the majority of school psychologists have doctorates. School psychology is the hidden "gem" of psychology as few student really know what we are all about. Also, school psychologists do a lot more than paperwork as the field continues to evolve and change. I would say that an effective school psychologist should know how schools work, something about curriculum and instruction and resistance to intervention (rti) and evidence based practices.

 

[152364]

I don't know which school systems you all are working in, but there are many school psychologists with doctorates working in school systems. As the field of private practice becomes less lucrative with limited third party billing payments, many licensed psychologists from other fields are looking at school psychology. (Hence the the proposed changes to the APA model licensure act with regard to eliminating the exemption for school psychologists)

I am a practicing school psychologist who works in a rather large school system where the majority of school psychologists have doctorates. School psychology is the hidden "gem" of psychology as few student really know what we are all about. Also, school psychologists do a lot more than paperwork as the field continues to evolve and change. I would say that an effective school psychologist should know how schools work, something about curriculum and instruction and resistance to intervention (rti) and evidence based practices.

What state/city are you in? Location always plays a big role. Also, could you expound on the sentence in red, please? Thanks!

 

[myelin]

Definately check out the NASP website. Of the school psychology students that I know that want to work in the schools/school districts, they have a MA degree, go on 1 year of internship, then come back and graduate with their EdS. This takes them a total of 3 years, including the 1 year internship. Many of them travel away somewhere else in the U.S. to a school of their choice.

Woody322, are you being funny when you say resistance to intervention (RTI)?

 

[WestIndiPsych]

KatBrainGeek,
I don't mean to confuse you and make your decision harder.. but don't listen to the people who say that someone with a PhD can't work in the schools. They can and they do!
Sicologia, I thought you would know better about this.
Maybe this is a regional thing that is slowly spreading around the country, but School Psychology is a changing field, NOT just assessments and evaluations, testing, etc. Intervention and prevention is becoming big and so is less time spent on testing and more time doing prevention work.
The career requirements are moving from the Ed.S to a PhD/PsyD. So you would be in a better position to secure a job by the time YOU graduate from a doctoral program. I would also suggest getting a PhD if you want more options, (researcher, hospital work, professor) etc. The PsyD could do the same, but prospects are better for the PhD in those areas. Just want to work exclusively in schools or hospital? Get a PsyD, keep in mind, the funding will not be good!
So all in all, for you right now as an undergrad do your research and see how much the field is changing. I don't have the time to to tell you everything about the field.
Don't listen to those people who are saying, "school psychs do this," "school psychs do that," "you'll be overqualified in schools with a PhD," yadi yadi ya.. as if it doesn't take that much to become an SP!
All I can say is that if you do your research you will see how "hot" School Psychology is becoming, how and why it's needed. Counseling Psych programs are being phased out (no offense to Counseling Psychs) and Clincal Psych (managed care, social workers)... well you get the idea.
If you love working with children, you'll eat well in School Psychology!

Want some more in depth info? PM me, I'll be glad to speak with you further.

Best Wishes in whatever you choose!


By the way, he's a link to the program Im in, tells you exactly what the Ed.S/PhD fuss should be about!
http://www.psychology.ilstu.edu/school/faq.html

 

[myelin]

It would seem that school psychology is going to be a hot field by their addition of RTI, or evidence-based approaches to intervention. We had a school psychologist present this information to our intellectual assessment class and I was shocked to hear that many schools don't use evidence derived from research to guide their decisions. A major victory for school psychology will be the day that RTI is federally mandated. It sure beats the IQ/achievement model or "wait to fail."

 

[sicologia]

KatBrainGeek,
I don't mean to confuse you and make your decision harder.. but don't listen to the people who say that someone with a PhD can't work in the schools. They can and they do!
Sicologia, I thought you would know better about this.
http://www.psychology.ilstu.edu/school/faq.html

I never said doctoral school psychs don't work in the schools. If you look at the numbers across the country, it just so happens that the majority are not PhDs and PsyDs.

School Psych should never be a "hot" field due to the stability of the money. That's a laugh. Most of us get paid on the teachers scale (at least that has been my experience). In fact, when did a school psych's salary ever strike you as well paid? It sounds as if you have a very good job, but it's best to go after a career that rewards your soul in addition to your pocket.

 

[WestIndiPsych]

Sicologia,

Who said anything about School Psychs making a lot of money???
Maybe you got this from when I said, "you could eat well with School Psychology." It doesn't mean that I will be buying a lot of food with my checks.. It's a saying.. meaning it's a good field to get into overall and yes, lucrative if you get your PhD. You can have more impact on a broader scale and do more.

In order to be an effective School Psychologist you must love working with children, families and the school system. You must somehow enjoy writing reports too and conducting assessments.. whats the issue?

School Psychology is indeed one of those "hot" fields, not perfect, but growing .. maybe I should have rephrased it http://www.usnews.com/features/business/best-careers/best-careers-2008.html

It's not only expressed on this website. It's all over when you research the field.

One more thing.. Of course the majority of School Psychologists are not PhDs and PsyDs.. thats because the field is changing. It takes time for there to be a significant amount of doctoral psychs in schools but it's happening and the field is encouraging it. 10 years from now School Psychology will be so much different than it is today. A lot of states now are raising the bar and are hiring the PhD ..or PsyD They probably will get paid the same amount as the Ed.S or maybe a few thousand but they're getting into the schools allright!


By the way.. 2 of my mentors are PhD School Psychologists with their doctorates working in schools and they love what they do.. so it's being done.. just not on a broad scale yet.

 

[OasisStudent]

Sicologia,

Who said anything about School Psychs making a lot of money???
Maybe you got this from when I said, "you could eat well with School Psychology." It doesn't mean that I will be buying a lot of food with my checks.. It's a saying.. meaning it's a good field to get into overall and yes, lucrative if you get your PhD. You can have more impact on a broader scale and do more.

In order to be an effective School Psychologist you must love working with children, families and the school system. You must somehow enjoy writing reports too and conducting assessments.. whats the issue?

School Psychology is indeed one of those "hot" fields, not perfect, but growing .. maybe I should have rephrased it http://www.usnews.com/features/business/best-careers/best-careers-2008.html

It's not only expressed on this website. It's all over when you research the field.

One more thing.. Of course the majority of School Psychologists are not PhDs and PsyDs.. thats because the field is changing. It takes time for there to be a significant amount of doctoral psychs in schools but it's happening and the field is encouraging it. 10 years from now School Psychology will be so much different than it is today. A lot of states now are raising the bar and are hiring the PhD ..or PsyD They probably will get paid the same amount as the Ed.S or maybe a few thousand but they're getting into the schools allright!


By the way.. 2 of my mentors are PhD School Psychologists with their doctorates working in schools and they love what they do.. so it's being done.. just not on a broad scale yet.

This is true..

 

[sicologia]

It appears the previous 2 posters know all there is to be known about what makes this field so amazing and "lucrative". I would have to agree, otherwise, I probably wouldn't have chose it myself. To WestIndie, last I checked, "eating well" in a profession implies making a good living, which implies making money. Sorry, if I misunderstood your intentions. These things happen.

 

[bigdodge53]

Maybe a good way of qualifying the statement about the "lucrative" salaries of school psychologists, is that currently a master's/ES practitioner makes as much or more than many PhD's across the field of psychology. That is why I stated that the master's degree is a good financial deal relative to the time it takes to earn a doctoral degree. Another aspect of the field is that, like it or not, assessment, FBA's, etc. are a large part of what school psychologists are asked to do in the current school environment. It's in demand. There are a lot of PhD's going into schools now but no one has yet to make a strong, reliable case that the skills of a new PhD level school psychologist are any better than a master's level practitioner with several years of experience; hence, PhD's are going to have a harder time arguing for a higher salary except for in the case of specialty-related expertise ( can you school neuropsychology. . . .$$$!!!). The role of school psychologists may be changing currently in school districts, but, as we all know in the field of psychology, change occurs at a snails pace.

 

[WestIndiPsych]

Maybe a good way of qualifying the statement about the "lucrative" salaries of school psychologists, is that currently a master's/ES practitioner makes as much or more than many PhD's across the field of psychology. That is why I stated that the master's degree is a good financial deal relative to the time it takes to earn a doctoral degree. Another aspect of the field is that, like it or not, assessment, FBA's, etc. are a large part of what school psychologists are asked to do in the current school environment. It's in demand. There are a lot of PhD's going into schools now but no one has yet to make a strong, reliable case that the skills of a new PhD level school psychologist are any better than a master's level practitioner with several years of experience; hence, PhD's are going to have a harder time arguing for a higher salary except for in the case of specialty-related expertise ( can you school neuropsychology. . . .$$$!!!). The role of school psychologists may be changing currently in school districts, but, as we all know in the field of psychology, change occurs at a snails pace.

When I finish my doctoral degree in NY I will be making starting salary, almost, if not $60,000. Not high for NY but good enough to start especially to the other psych PhD fields. That is a good salary, not even mentioning the additional assessments I can do on the side since I am single and have no kids!! As a licensed psychologist I can open up my own practice in the summer, for example, Im working along with my mentors in developing a summer program for children (social skills training.)
So I can do a lot with my degree to positively impact communities and (not to sound selfish) make it work for me.

Obtaining a PhD though is not about the "higher salary" because it is true that the difference in salary of an Ed.S and a PhD is not that different in most places. The PhD should serve as a personal accomplishment, the assurance of more options and flexibility. The Dr. in School Psych does the EXACT same thing as on the masters level.. the reason schools are pushing has a lot to do with broader training and the goal of exemptions being proposed by the APA..

Like I've said before, the field is pushing masters level people to go ahead with their doctorates. If you don't believe me.. wish you the best once you find out.

 

[WannaBeDrMe]

Maybe a good way of qualifying the statement about the "lucrative" salaries of school psychologists, is that currently a master's/ES practitioner makes as much or more than many PhD's across the field of psychology. That is why I stated that the master's degree is a good financial deal relative to the time it takes to earn a doctoral degree. Another aspect of the field is that, like it or not, assessment, FBA's, etc. are a large part of what school psychologists are asked to do in the current school environment. It's in demand. There are a lot of PhD's going into schools now but no one has yet to make a strong, reliable case that the skills of a new PhD level school psychologist are any better than a master's level practitioner with several years of experience; hence, PhD's are going to have a harder time arguing for a higher salary except for in the case of specialty-related expertise ( can you school neuropsychology. . . .$$$!!!). The role of school psychologists may be changing currently in school districts, but, as we all know in the field of psychology, change occurs at a snails pace.

Where I live, specialist level school psychs do not make as much as doctoral level psychologists. In fact, it's not even close!

Now, within the schools, specialists versus doctoral is something like $2000/year difference. So, for working in the schools, it makes no sense to get your doctorate. Compared with private practice, or even hospital work, doctoral level clinicians pull down an hourly rate of about 3x (if not more) than school psychologists.

I'm not knocking it... In fact, I'm looking at school psych myself... I'm just saying. In my state, "lucrative" is not a word to describe it by any form of the definition. The people who choose school psychology do so because they enjoy working with children and their families within the schools. There are only a finite number of positions because there are a finite number of schools. Competition for these positions makes it necessary that a newly minted school psych be willing to relocate just to find a job whereas a clinical psych could just join a practice almost anywhere...

My 2cents.

 

[WestIndiPsych]

Where I live, specialist level school psychs do not make as much as doctoral level psychologists. In fact, it's not even close!

Now, within the schools, specialists versus doctoral is something like $2000/year difference. So, for working in the schools, it makes no sense to get your doctorate. Compared with private practice, or even hospital work, doctoral level clinicians pull down an hourly rate of about 3x (if not more) than school psychologists.

I'm not knocking it... In fact, I'm looking at school psych myself... I'm just saying. In my state, "lucrative" is not a word to describe it by any form of the definition. The people who choose school psychology do so because they enjoy working with children and their families within the schools. There are only a finite number of positions because there are a finite number of schools. Competition for these positions makes it necessary that a newly minted school psych be willing to relocate just to find a job whereas a clinical psych could just join a practice almost anywhere...

My 2cents.

What you are saying makes a lot of sense WannaBeDr, that is why if someone, like you said, "enjoys working with children and their families within schools," go for the doctorate. They'll be in a better position, have more options and more flexibility in what they can choose.. Can't find a job in a school? Well you have more options now...(not gonna repeat them, you know what options there are for doctoral SP's)


But for real though? clinical psych could just join a practice almost anywhere...???

Well maybe they do, they just won't be eating as well as me with managed care..

(it's a joke)

 

[deleted176373]

When I finish my doctoral degree in NY I will be making starting salary, almost, if not $60,000. That is a good salary, not even mentioning the additional assessments I can do on the side since I am single and have no kids!! As a licensed psychologist I can open up my own practice in the summer, for example, Im working along with my mentors in developing a summer program for children (social skills training.)
So I can do a lot with my degree to positively impact communities and (not to sound selfish) make it work for me.

A quick point.

$60K is not a good salary, especially in NY! My sister with an associates degree makes a good deal more ($90k) than that in the insurance business (and can barely afford a small house!)

No offense, but the fact that you are single and have no kids doesn't mean that you should be willing to accept less than your education should merit.

Mark

 

[WestIndiPsych]

A quick point.

$60K is not a good salary, especially in NY! My sister with an associates degree makes a good deal more ($90k) than that in the insurance business (and can barely afford a small house!)

No offense, but the fact that you are single and have no kids doesn't mean that you should be willing to accept less than your education should merit.

Mark

Yeah, I've been living in NY my whole life to know it's not the best. I won't be rich but I will love what I do and live decently! Thats all that matters. Not everyone in the psych field can say that...(i.e those here in NY who are struggling starting off at $35000 cause social workers can be hired to do their jobs... saddening but true.) Those people can't even afford to breathe in NY let alone eat!

To each his own.
But anyways, I've had enough trying to prove my point..


Good luck to all of you!

 

[missmagnolia]

I appreciate all the information posted within this thread. I currently have my master's degree in clinical psychology and am preparing my doctoral program applications. I am specifically looking at school psychology programs. My reasoning for continuing to the doctoral level is that I will have more flexibility and will have more career opportunities, as well as gain abundant knowledge and training. I am assuming that this reasoning is valid?? My ideal job situation would be to work within a school, directly with children. I am actually interested in working in an outdoor/experiential school setting, incorporating psychology and the environment, working with at-risk youth. I want to pursue a doctorate, but do not want to be overqualified for this type of position. I am not concerned with salary at this time. I know several of you have touched upon these points, but any additional information is greatly appreciated!! I am new to this forum thing.

 

[Music333]

So, this might be a stupid question, but can one do school psychology-related research w/ an EdS?

 

[sicologia]

So, this might be a stupid question, but can one do school psychology-related research w/ an EdS?

Yes. You should have plenty of opportunities to conduct research with masters, specialist, and doctoral level psychologists with an Ed.S. I have one and I've just completed a study for publication.

 

[dekared82]

I appreciate all the information posted within this thread. I currently have my master's degree in clinical psychology and am preparing my doctoral program applications. I am specifically looking at school psychology programs. My reasoning for continuing to the doctoral level is that I will have more flexibility and will have more career opportunities, as well as gain abundant knowledge and training. I am assuming that this reasoning is valid?? My ideal job situation would be to work within a school, directly with children. I am actually interested in working in an outdoor/experiential school setting, incorporating psychology and the environment, working with at-risk youth. I want to pursue a doctorate, but do not want to be overqualified for this type of position. I am not concerned with salary at this time. I know several of you have touched upon these points, but any additional information is greatly appreciated!! I am new to this forum thing.

This is a very common reason, especially for those who already have their Masters or their EdS (Specialist) degree. I was in an EdS program prior to enrolliing in a doctoral program, and thought the PhD would give me more opportunities besides working in school settings. My goal was still to work primarily in the schools, but lately I am becoming more interested in academia. I don't think you need to worry about "overqualification" at this point, but I would probably ask myself if I were you is whether you are devoted to spending an additional 3-5 years (depending on whether your credits transfer), studying for your Ph.D. We definitely need more doctoral level school psychs out there, and your rationale appears to be perfectly legit.

Best of luck to you!

 

[sicologia]

I agree with dekared82. The future of the better positions in school psychology will belong to the Doctoral level psychologists. But, you must weigh out your pros and cons before taking on such an endeavor. 3-5 years may seem like nothing, but it IS a lot of hard work. Good luck.

 

[TheWheeler]

I applying to PhDs and PsyDs in School Psych in the NYC area and in California. I know about alot of school's reputations, but it's hard to know which schools are the best because this is such a new/small field that I can't find any rankings. I believe I am applying to St.John's, PACE, Rutgers, Yeshiva and Fordham (the only PhD). Does anyone know how to rank these programs or which are really excellent? I want a really high quality of teachers and students, like I know there will be at Berkeley, but know less about New York. Thanks.

 

[schoolpsych]

I applying to PhDs and PsyDs in School Psych in the NYC area and in California. I know about alot of school's reputations, but it's hard to know which schools are the best because this is such a new/small field that I can't find any rankings. I believe I am applying to St.John's, PACE, Rutgers, Yeshiva and Fordham (the only PhD). Does anyone know how to rank these programs or which are really excellent? I want a really high quality of teachers and students, like I know there will be at Berkeley, but know less about New York. Thanks.

I got into all of those programs you listed except for Yeshiva (which I did not apply to). I even attend one of them. I don't know how to rank them, so I can't really answer that question, but you can PM me if you have any other specific questions about those programs.

 

[CELL07]

Where are you-what state? Im thinking about psyd but want to work primarily within the school system...is a pps credential enough--i dont want to graduate with a mountain of debt and no job

i don't know which school systems you all are working in, but there are many school psychologists with doctorates working in school systems. As the field of private practice becomes less lucrative with limited third party billing payments, many licensed psychologists from other fields are looking at school psychology. (hence the the proposed changes to the apa model licensure act with regard to eliminating the exemption for school psychologists)

i am a practicing school psychologist who works in a rather large school system where the majority of school psychologists have doctorates. School psychology is the hidden "gem" of psychology as few student really know what we are all about. Also, school psychologists do a lot more than paperwork as the field continues to evolve and change. I would say that an effective school psychologist should know how schools work, something about curriculum and instruction and resistance to intervention (rti) and evidence based practices.

 

[sabaijae]

Ive recently been accepted to a MA School Psychology program with a pretty good scholarship-stipend package (a rarity for MA degrees from what Ive noticed), but am interested in going for the PhD. However, Im 30, and want to 'get on' with this career (and my life) rather than spending the extra amount of cash and time in grad school.

The dilemma: I enjoy research, writing papers, teaching, etc - in other words, I would enjoy the world of academia, and the amount of 'influence' this would give me/the doors this would open. But since I dont have a psych background (majored in Anthropology), Im pretty much thrown out of the PhD funding pile (money/funding is a pretty big issue). Any suggestions?

Thanks...

 

[aagman01]

A few ideas:

Hopefully your MA program you got into has a PHD program. If so, start in the MA, prove yourself, and apply in year 1 or 2 into the PHD program. If you want to go for PHD but your program doesn't have a PHD program, prove yourself by getting involved in research, get good grades, etc. and apply for PHD in year 2. Or, option 3, complete MA, complete 1 year internship, and while in internship apply for PHD programs (while getting involved in research etc in your MA program). Or, just be happy with the MA and a career in the schools, which frequently pays better than a clinical position you would get with a PHD or academic position anyways.

A lot of folks in school psych ge their phds but aren't really interested in research and don't get clinical and other experiences/background to enter clinical areas, and just wind up in the schools anyways. So, unless you are certain you have the time, commitement, or goal trajectories that would be aided by a phd, I would STRONGLY consider just doing the MA.

Ive recently been accepted to a MA School Psychology program with a pretty good scholarship-stipend package (a rarity for MA degrees from what Ive noticed), but am interested in going for the PhD. However, Im 30, and want to 'get on' with this career (and my life) rather than spending the extra amount of cash and time in grad school.

The dilemma: I enjoy research, writing papers, teaching, etc - in other words, I would enjoy the world of academia, and the amount of 'influence' this would give me/the doors this would open. But since I dont have a psych background (majored in Anthropology), Im pretty much thrown out of the PhD funding pile (money/funding is a pretty big issue). Any suggestions?

Thanks...

 

[paramour]

A few ideas:

Hopefully your MA program you got into has a PHD program. If so, start in the MA, prove yourself, and apply in year 1 or 2 into the PHD program. If you want to go for PHD but your program doesn't have a PHD program, prove yourself by getting involved in research, get good grades, etc. and apply for PHD in year 2. Or, option 3, complete MA, complete 1 year internship, and while in internship apply for PHD programs (while getting involved in research etc in your MA program). Or, just be happy with the MA and a career in the schools, which frequently pays better than a clinical position you would get with a PHD or academic position anyways.

A lot of folks in school psych ge their phds but aren't really interested in research and don't get clinical and other experiences/background to enter clinical areas, and just wind up in the schools anyways. So, unless you are certain you have the time, commitement, or goal trajectories that would be aided by a phd, I would STRONGLY consider just doing the MA.

^^ This.

Our department has a school psych program. Most folks are enrolled in the master's program, but every now & again, someone eventually sticks around for the PhD. If your program has both MA and PhD available, ask them if it's possible later for you to potentially continue on for your PhD.

There also are folks in the MA program who primarily conduct research... with their master's degrees. Not certain how common that is in school psych, but it's apparently possible.

 

[sabaijae]

Thanks for the helpful advice paramour & aagman, appreciate it.

 

[bluemoon2022]

Has anyone in this thread applied to programs this year? I just applied to Northern Illinois, Loyola of Chicago and Illinois State, and have a few more on the list as well. Where is everyone applying?

 

[urbanpsych]

I went to LMU in Los Angeles, CA. I had to respond to this thread b/c I do know many school psychs who do not make a teacher's salary. In CA (Los Angeles and NoCal), psychs make between 70-90k per year. I personally would only work in an area where I would make decent money, at least more than a typical teacher. I know that is not feasible for everyone, so it is probably important to look at the school psych salaries where you plan on living.

 

[FadedC]

I have actually seen some really low average salaries for school psychologists in some states. Oddly they are usually the states where school psychologists are in the shortest supply. You'd think demand would drive salaries up, but instead I guess practitioners are just avoiding those states and the salaries are remaining low. So this is probably an important point. On average school psychologists make more then clinical psychologists, but apparently there are some states where this is just not the case.

I went to LMU in Los Angeles, CA. I had to respond to this thread b/c I do know many school psychs who do not make a teacher's salary. In CA (Los Angeles and NoCal), psychs make between 70-90k per year. I personally would only work in an area where I would make decent money, at least more than a typical teacher. I know that is not feasible for everyone, so it is probably important to look at the school psych salaries where you plan on living.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I have actually seen some really low average salaries for school psychologists in some states. Oddly they are usually the states where school psychologists are in the shortest supply. You'd think demand would drive salaries up, but instead I guess practitioners are just avoiding those states and the salaries are remaining low. So this is probably an important point. On average school psychologists make more then clinical psychologists, but apparently there are some states where this is just not the case.

Perhaps what you've seen are listings for master's-level school psychologists?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I have actually seen some really low average salaries for school psychologists in some states. Oddly they are usually the states where school psychologists are in the shortest supply. You'd think demand would drive salaries up, but instead I guess practitioners are just avoiding those states and the salaries are remaining low. So this is probably an important point. On average school psychologists make more then clinical psychologists, but apparently there are some states where this is just not the case.

Do you have any data to back this up? I'd think this would be highly unlikely given that most school psychologists are non-doctoral.

 

[FadedC]

Well I should rephrase that as the average salary of doctoral level school psychologists is higher then the average salary of clinical psychologists.
For data you can just check the APA salary survey.

http://www.apa.org/workforce/publications/09-salaries/index.aspx

I can't find any full salary data on specialist degree school psychologists. From what numbers I have seen though I'd estimate that they definitely make less then clinical psychologists, although perhaps not all that much less.

Do you have any data to back this up? I'd think this would be highly unlikely given that most school psychologists are non-doctoral.

 

[aagman01]

Here is a better break down for school psych salaries:

According to NASP (the National Association of School Psychologists) the mean salary for a masters/EDS school psych is $287.03 per school day and $350.03 for a phd school psych per school day. This is based on on a 2004-2005 mean salaries. So if anything, the figures are a bit higher today. Here is a link to the data:

http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/salaries2004_2005.pdf

The school psych who works the standard 180 school year and nothing else earn mean salaries of:
Masters/EDS $51,665
PHD $63,005.

On page 4 of the slide, you can see most school psychs work 190-200 days. The average of respondents is 190 days.

Based on 190 day schedule, the mean salaries are:
Masters/EDS $54,535.70
PHD is $66,505.70.

Of course, one should also consider the 2 months+ summer vacation, ALL school holidays/conference days off, health insurance and benefits that one gets within the schools (many in PP don't get such benefits)---- the pay in light of benefits is quite good. I'm completing my pre-doc internship in a hospital setting and looking for post-docs in that area. Perhaps in light of the salaries/benefits, I should re-consider

Well I should rephrase that as the average salary of doctoral level school psychologists is higher then the average salary of clinical psychologists.
For data you can just check the APA salary survey.

http://www.apa.org/workforce/publications/09-salaries/index.aspx

I can't find any full salary data on specialist degree school psychologists. From what numbers I have seen though I'd estimate that they definitely make less then clinical psychologists, although perhaps not all that much less.

 

[ThirdLittleBird]

Here is a better break down for school psych salaries:

According to NASP (the National Association of School Psychologists) the mean salary for a masters/EDS school psych is $287.03 per school day and $350.03 for a phd school psych per school day. This is based on on a 2004-2005 mean salaries. So if anything, the figures are a bit higher today. Here is a link to the data:

http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/salaries2004_2005.pdf

The school psych who works the standard 180 school year and nothing else earn mean salaries of:
Masters/EDS $51,665
PHD $63,005.

On page 4 of the slide, you can see most school psychs work 190-200 days. The average of respondents is 190 days.

Based on 190 day schedule, the mean salaries are:
Masters/EDS $54,535.70
PHD is $66,505.70.

Of course, one should also consider the 2 months+ summer vacation, ALL school holidays/conference days off, health insurance and benefits that one gets within the schools (many in PP don't get such benefits)---- the pay in light of benefits is quite good. I'm completing my pre-doc internship in a hospital setting and looking for post-docs in that area. Perhaps in light of the salaries/benefits, I should re-consider

And don't forget a pension plan, which are virtually nonexistent with most professions/companies now.

 

[FadedC]

Yeah I did find that link, although as you said it's a bit old and it doesn't account for the extra salary that many school psychologists make during summer months (which will probably be more significant for doctoral level school psychologists given their ability to work outside of schools). But still it's a reasonable breakdown.

There was another previous APA study that I was trying unsuccesfully to find which listed average salaries for doctoral school psychologists in the high 60k range (not counting summer hours),and clinical psychologists in the mid 60k range.That's pretty consistent with both your estimates, and with the difference in salaries reported in the study I linked. But since I can't actually find that study any more you are of course free to take my memories of it with a grain of salt.

Here is a better break down for school psych salaries:

According to NASP (the National Association of School Psychologists) the mean salary for a masters/EDS school psych is $287.03 per school day and $350.03 for a phd school psych per school day. This is based on on a 2004-2005 mean salaries. So if anything, the figures are a bit higher today. Here is a link to the data:

http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/salaries2004_2005.pdf

The school psych who works the standard 180 school year and nothing else earn mean salaries of:
Masters/EDS $51,665
PHD $63,005.

On page 4 of the slide, you can see most school psychs work 190-200 days. The average of respondents is 190 days.

Based on 190 day schedule, the mean salaries are:
Masters/EDS $54,535.70
PHD is $66,505.70.

Of course, one should also consider the 2 months+ summer vacation, ALL school holidays/conference days off, health insurance and benefits that one gets within the schools (many in PP don't get such benefits)---- the pay in light of benefits is quite good. I'm completing my pre-doc internship in a hospital setting and looking for post-docs in that area. Perhaps in light of the salaries/benefits, I should re-consider

 

[audchik]

Hmm...the field of school psych is starting to interest me. How competitive is it to get into the MA programs (i.e. at state schools)? It's hard for me to figure out since there's no APA disclosure data. Seems somewhat research heavy in terms of what they are looking for but I assume it's nowhere near as competitive as clinical psych.

 

[aagman01]

Its definately less competitive on the whole than phd/university clinical programs. However, at least at my school, from what I have heard, the averages of accepted students into the Masters/EDS school psych program is a GPA of 3.6 and a GRE of 1100 (based on the old standard). So its still not a cake walk (and more competitive, it seems, than the professional school PSYD programs). The stated minimums required, from what I recall, are a 3.0 and a 1000.

Hmm...the field of school psych is starting to interest me. How competitive is it to get into the MA programs (i.e. at state schools)? It's hard for me to figure out since there's no APA disclosure data. Seems somewhat research heavy in terms of what they are looking for but I assume it's nowhere near as competitive as clinical psych.

 

[FadedC]

Getting into a specialist degree program in School Psych is definitely nowhere nearly as competitive as getting into a PhD program in clinical psych. As Aagman says, it's not a cake walk either, but having good grades and GREs will probably be enough to get into most programs, while that's not remotely true for clinical.

I'm not sure what you mean by being research heavy though, unless your talking about a specific school. In general school psych has less of a research focus then clinical psych, although it is still important. At least at my school though most research is done at the doctoral level and we don't have any research requirements for our specialist degree students (though some may still join research groups).

Hmm...the field of school psych is starting to interest me. How competitive is it to get into the MA programs (i.e. at state schools)? It's hard for me to figure out since there's no APA disclosure data. Seems somewhat research heavy in terms of what they are looking for but I assume it's nowhere near as competitive as clinical psych.

 

[audchik]

Thanks for the info, guys. I am getting really interested in school psych...aagman, would you mind if I PM you to ask a few questions?

 

[aagman01]

sure.....

 

[urbanpsych]

I know some states pay low, but a lot pay pretty well. CA, IL, GA, AL, MS, NJ pay well and others like MN, MT, OH, IN, etc. pay decent as well. WA and OR notoriously pay low - a teacher's salary - and suffer from a severe shortage of school psychs.

The fact that I make a good salary and get to work a school year really has kept me from getting a PhD. In reality, I would love to get my PhD and work at a children's hospital doing assessments...but I just cannot see spending the time and money without even getting much of a pay increase. I like my job, but working at a public school definitely has its limitations.

 

[sabaijae]

I went to LMU in Los Angeles, CA. I had to respond to this thread b/c I do know many school psychs who do not make a teacher's salary. In CA (Los Angeles and NoCal), psychs make between 70-90k per year. I personally would only work in an area where I would make decent money, at least more than a typical teacher. I know that is not feasible for everyone, so it is probably important to look at the school psych salaries where you plan on living.

For 70-90k per year are you referring to PhDs or MAs/Specialists?

 

[sabaijae]

Just a few questions for anyone currently working as a SP:

-Do SPs typically qualify for tenure like teachers (in some public schools)?

-Do SPs usually jump around from school to school (or district to district), or do they typically stay with a district/school for a significant number of years?

If you can give those a shot I'd really appreciate it.