Tarleton State University is proud to announce the launch of its new Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) graduate program, beginning this fall. Tarleton’s Specialist in School Psychology graduate program offers a dynamic and integrated curriculum designed to prepare future school psychologists for meaningful careers impacting children, families, schools, and communities. With a combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on, supervised field experiences, students will gain the skills necessary to excel professionally and obtain state licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) and national certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).
Why School Psychology? A Growing and In-Demand Profession.
The demand for school psychologists is exceptionally high and continues to grow. Currently, 99% of school psychology program graduates secure employment within a year of graduation. However, there remains a critical shortage of school psychologists nationwide, particularly in Texas. While the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of 1 school psychologist per 500 students, Texas currently has only 1 per 2,338 students. With many Texas counties, including Erath and surrounding areas, designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health Services, Tarleton’s SSP program is designed to address this urgent need and provide career-ready professionals to fill this critical gap.
Is This Program Right for You?
If you have a background in psychology, social work, counseling, or education and are passionate about supporting children outside of the traditional classroom setting, this program could be the perfect fit. The 63-hour specialist degree is between a master’s and a doctoral degree, offering highly specialized training with extensive supervised experiences. Students may also benefit from a paid internship in their fourth (and final) year of enrollment. Additionally, state funding opportunities are sometimes available for school personnel interested in obtaining additional training and certification in school psychology.
What Sets Tarleton’s SSP Program Apart?
Tarleton’s SSP program is uniquely focused on training professionals to serve rural and underserved communities. Developed in collaboration with the Tarleton Center for Child Well-Being (TCCW), a multidisciplinary training clinic on Tarleton’s Stephenville campus, students have the opportunity to collaborate with counseling and social work students under the supervision of both clinical and school psychologists. This interdisciplinary approach enriches training and clinical experiences, preparing students to provide comprehensive mental health support.
Furthermore, Tarleton has established partnerships with 15 surrounding rural school districts, offering students unparalleled real-world training opportunities that specifically address the unique needs of rural communities. Unlike many programs, Tarleton’s hands-on approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for school psychologists in underserved areas.
Benefits of Earning a Specialist in School Psychology Degree.
- Earn Dual Credentials: Students can earn credentials for two respected professional designations, the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential and Texas Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) licensure.
- Strong Job Market: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% growth in school psychology jobs through 2030, with a nationwide shortage of approximately 63,000 school psychologists.
- Extensive Practical Experience: Students complete 1,800+ hours of fieldwork, including a 600-hour practicum and 1,200-hour internship in various school settings.
- Serving Critical Needs: Specialized training prepares graduates to work in rural and underserved schools, addressing a major workforce shortage.
- Strong Earning Potential & Work-Life Balance: The median starting salary in Texas is just over $65,000 for the academic calendar year, and you get summers off!
- Meaningful Impact: School psychologists play a vital role in improving academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes for children through evidence-based assessments, interventions, and consultation services.
- NASP-Aligned Curriculum: Taught by experienced, practicing school psychologists, the program ensures that students receive the highest-quality education aligned with industry standards.
Learn More and Apply Today!
If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in children’s lives, Tarleton State University’s Specialist in School Psychology program is the perfect opportunity. To learn more about the program, visit our YouTube Channel or contact Program Advisor Dr. Stephanie Robertson at srobertson@tarleton.edu. Click here to apply today!