Become a School Psychologist in Florida: Earn Your Ed.S. While You Work

NLU's NASP-aligned Ed.S. in School Psychology prepares you for Florida Department of Education certification as a school psychologist, through a low-residency format of virtual classes, weekend residencies, and field experience, built so you can keep working while you study. Campus presence in the Tampa area.

  • NASP-Aligned (NCSP-Eligible)
  • Prepares for Florida DOE School Psychologist Certification
  • Low-Residency: Keep Working While You Study
  • Full-Year School Internship

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Our stunning Tampa Florida Campus is conveniently located on West Hillsborough Ave. just west of Tampa Airport

Map showing the campus location
Map showing the campus location

Why Choose NLU for School Psychology?

Work While You Study
Low-residency, part-time format

Virtual classes and weekend residencies let you keep your job while you train to become a school psychologist.

Florida Certified
Prepares you for FLDOE school psychologist certification

Graduates are eligible for certification by the Florida Department of Education; after three years in the field, you can apply for a Florida School Psychology License.

Real Schools
Practicum plus a full-time internship

Field-based, experiential training that culminates in a full-time school psychology internship in your final year.

$94,310
Median, psychology occupations (BLS, May 2024)

School psychology is a stable, in-demand profession with about 12,900 openings projected each year.

NCSP-Eligible
NASP-aligned; built on the ten NASP practice domains

The curriculum is aligned to the national standards that define what school psychologists need to know and do.

Get Started Today

Program at a Glance

How long?
68 SH
Ed.S. with practicum and a full-year internship
What format?
Low-Residency
Virtual classes plus weekend residencies
What salary?
$94,310
Median, psychology occupations (BLS, May 2024)
What demand?
6% Growth
Faster than average, about 12,900 openings a year (BLS)

What You'll Learn

  • Conduct cognitive, academic, and social-emotional assessments
  • Design and evaluate academic and behavioral interventions
  • Use data within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
  • Consult and collaborate with teachers, families, and systems
  • Apply ethical, legal, and professional standards in schools
  • Prepare for Florida Department of Education school psychologist certification

Full Course List

Assessment
Tests and measurement, cognitive assessment, educational assessment, and social-emotional and behavioral assessment for school-based practice.
Intervention
Methods of research-based instruction and tiered intervention, plus social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health interventions in schools.
Data-Based Decisions
Using data within a multi-tiered system of supports to identify needs and measure progress.
Consultation
Models and strategies for consulting and collaborating with teachers, families, and systems.
Foundations
The ethical standards, legal requirements, and professional foundations of school psychology practice.
Equity
Partnering across families, schools, and communities and serving all student populations.
Applied Behavior
Functional, evidence-based behavioral assessment and intervention in school settings.
Field Experience
Supervised practicum building to a full-time school psychology internship in the final year.

Next start: August 24, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Personal statement describing your interest in school psychology
  • Two signed letters of recommendation addressing your capacity for graduate work
  • Professional resume describing relevant background and experience
  • Faculty review
Request Info
Keep Working While You Study

A low-residency, part-time format of virtual classes and weekend residencies, built so you can stay in your current job while you train to become a school psychologist.

Built for Florida Certification

Graduates are eligible for certification by the Florida Department of Education as a school psychologist. After three years in the field, you may apply for a Florida School Psychology License to practice privately.

Real School Experience

Field-based, experiential learning and practicum build to a full-time school psychology internship in a school setting during your final year.

Where Will Your Ed.S. Take You?

$94,310
Median, psychology occupations (BLS, May 2024)
School Psychologist (PK-12)
Behavioral Specialist
MTSS or Intervention Coordinator
Assessment Specialist
Crisis and Mental Health Support
Licensed School Psychologist (after 3 years)

School psychologists are in steady demand across Florida districts, where they assess learning and behavioral needs, design interventions, and support student mental health within a multi-tiered system of supports. NLU’s Ed.S. prepares you for certification by the Florida Department of Education as a school psychologist, and after three years in the field you may apply for a Florida School Psychology License to practice privately.

Psychology occupations carry a median salary of $94,310 (BLS, May 2024), and the field is projected to grow 6 percent through 2034 with roughly 12,900 openings a year. NLU’s low-residency format lets you train for the role while you keep working.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU enrollment advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions about the Florida school psychology pathway and the low-residency format.

  2. Talk to an Advisor

    Your advisor will walk you through admission requirements, the practicum and internship structure, the weekend residency schedule, and how the program fits around your work.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Next start: August 24, 2026.

Get Started

Take the Next Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions and guide your next move.

Take the First Step
  • NASP-Aligned Program
  • Prepares for Florida DOE School Psychologist Certification
  • Low-Residency: Keep Working While You Study
  • Full-Year School Internship

*Salary and outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists (SOC 19-3030), May 2024.

**Program format, credit hours, and Florida certification pathway: National Louis University Ed.S. in School Psychology (Florida) program page and SmartCatalog, School Psychology Ed.S. Florida (nl.smartcatalogiq.com, current catalog).

***Florida certification is granted by the Florida Department of Education; the Florida School Psychology License (after three years) is granted by the Florida Board of Health.