Nazareth announces a school psychology master’s program
A new master’s degree in school psychology at Nazareth University will prepare professionals for a career that ranks #6 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Science Jobs list — based on salary, unemployment rate, and growth prospects.
There is a critical need for school psychologists, especially in rural areas and throughout the South. The number of school psychologists is less than half the number needed to provide one for every 500 students, according to the National Association of School Psychologists.
The 33-month, full-time, in-person Nazareth degree is one of only two programs in the region. Students will benefit from Nazareth School of Education’s strong tradition of educating top-notch school professionals.
“Nazareth’s School of Education has a reputation in our region and beyond for preparing highly qualified teachers and professionals in many of our school districts,” said Nazareth’s Tom Lappas, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education. “Pair that with the top-level expertise in Nazareth’s Psychology Department, and anyone interested in becoming a school psychologist is setting themselves up for a successful career. The school psychology master’s program is open to anyone with an undergraduate degree — so applicants could be career-changers or someone who earned a degree in a humanities, social sciences, or education field.”
Mental health needs are a major obstacle to learning for K-12 students, and school psychologists are in a key role to address the challenges — including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss. School psychologists work with students, families, and school colleagues on other issues that impact student learning, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and family issues.
In year two of the program, Nazareth students complete a practicum of 240 hours, and in year three, a full-time internship of 1,200 hours — providing hands-on experience in a school environment.
School psychologists earn a median (middle) salary of nearly $85,000 (2023) — which is higher than most other school-based educational roles, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The same data set includes the annual mean (arithmetic average) wage in New York state: $92,240-$111,720.
Learn more and apply. Apply by April 3 for priority action.
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
