Earn the advanced knowledge to become a competent school psychologist. Advocate and serve the educational and mental health needs of children of diverse backgrounds to transform their lives through clinical assessment, diagnosis and intervention.
School psychology is about becoming a skilled education professional who supports student success academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. In this graduate program at USD, you'll learn how to evaluate learning, emotional and behavioral problems, as well as design and implement academic and behavioral interventions that address these problems. Strengthen your sense of professional identity through training founded in social responsibility, self-awareness, diversity and inclusive excellence that prepares you to be an advocate for students. Along the way, you will form close mentorship with faculty that allows you to self-direct your program and develop professional expertise. Our students have a 100 percent pass rate on the Praxis School Psychologist examination.
Pursing your specialist degree (Ed.S.) in school psychology from USD prepares you to primarily work in public and/or private school settings. The program requires 69 credit hours and two years of in-residence study where you will gain individualized, hands-on training in evaluation, assessment, intervention, collaboration and more. It does not require the GRE for admission.
The nationally accredited doctoral degree at USD prepares you to work in clinical and research institutions, universities or school districts as a senior school psychologist. The program requires 110 credit hours which includes independent research, internship, clinic practicum, dissertation and additional opportunities to customize the coursework through a wide range of electives to match your professional goals. This program does not require the GRE for admission.
Program Details
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We'll train students to make a difference and impact the lives of others as mental health counselors, school psychologists, or human development and educational professionals.
Community resources provided by supervised USD students.
If you live in South Dakota, be sure and take advantage of the 50% reduced tuition program for currently contracted elementary/secondary teachers and vocational instructors.
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GA (Resident*)
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Resident
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Online
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Non-Resident
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Tuition (1 cr.)
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180.3
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340.15
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470.45
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654.05
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GAF Fee (1 cr.)
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55.3
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55.3
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0
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55.3
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Total
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Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs page for more information.
* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.
** Resident rates may be available to you through the SD Advantage, Child of Alumni or Western Regional Graduate Program. To see if you quality, visit usd.edu/grad-tuition.
As a refugee who has faced various challenges, I am aware of the significance of the support provided by school psychologists and educators within the system. As I familiarized myself with the dedicated staff members at the program, I felt that USD’s school psychology program was like a home to me. These professionals are committed to helping students achieve their goals and fostering their personal growth.
Hser Lar Kpaw Htoo
Ph.D. School Psychology '24
