Prepare to work as a licensed school psychologist and make a lasting impact on students and families! In our nationally accredited program, you’ll gain the expertise to fill a critical need in K-12 schools. 

Program Overview

Our Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists, affirming our commitment to rigorous professional training standards. This graduate program is the next step after a bachelor’s degree, combining online and face-to-face courses with a yearlong internship to give you real-world experience helping children and adolescents succeed academically, socially and emotionally. 
 
Graduates of our NASP-accredited program meet the academic requirements for the Texas Licensed School Psychologist (LSP) credential, allowing you to practice as a school psychologist in K-12 public or private schools across the state. You’ll also be eligible to apply for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential from NASP, expanding your opportunities nationwide. 

At-A-Glance

Highlights of the Specialist in School Psychology program:

• Format: Hybrid (mix of online and face-to-face classes)
• Location: Katy Campus
• Completion time: Typically, 3 years (with full-time enrollment)
• Semester start: Fall
• GRE: Not required (waivers available)
• Deadline to apply: Find all application deadlines.

What You’ll Learn 

Through coursework, field experiences and mentorship, you’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills to become a confident school psychology professional. Our 63-hour program emphasizes best practices, cultural competence and real-world application so you’re ready to meet the diverse needs of today’s schools. 

You’ll build expertise in: 

• Assessment — conducting psychological and educational evaluations to identify student strengths and needs
• Intervention — designing academic, behavioral and counseling strategies that promote student success
• Counseling — supporting children and youth through individual and group services
• Collaboration — consulting with families, teachers and administrators to improve outcomes
• Professional practice — applying ethics, school law, and culturally responsive approaches
• School climate & crisis response — fostering safe, supportive environments and responding to challenges 

Career Opportunities

School psychologists are in high demand, with strong job growth expected throughout Texas and the country. With your SSP degree and LSP credential, you’ll be ready to serve as a licensed school psychologist in 1,200-plus districts and numerous private schools across Texas. In the Southeast region, the average salary for school psychologists is more than $65,395, according to NASP website.

Credentials

• Licensed School Psychologist (LSP), required for school-based practice in Texas
• Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), to bolster your job prospects across the U.S.  
• Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), after completing additional requirements post-graduation 

Why Choose UH?

• National Accreditation and Flexibility: UH offers the only NASP-accredited Specialist in School Psychology program in Greater Houston that offers online learning. You’ll benefit from the rigor of a nationally recognized program paired with flexible course delivery.
• Experienced Faculty: Learn from licensed specialists who actively connect research to practice and have direct experience working in schools.
• Unmatched Location and Opportunities: Train in one of the nation’s largest, most diverse metropolitan areas, with access to 1,200+ school districts and charter schools across Texas.
• Proven Career Preparation: Our program aligns with state and national standards, preparing you for licensure in Texas and the opportunity to seek school psychology opportunities across the U.S. 

Contact Us 

For questions about the Specialist in School Psychology program at UH, please contact Program Director Elise Hendricker, Ph.D., at enhendri@cougarnet.uh.edu. We’re happy to help!