This certificate program is open to those who have earned Mason's MA in psychology with the school psychology concentration.
The certificate is not a stand-alone option that you can add to another degree or seek on its own. It does not provide all the requirements needed to practice school psychology in Virginia or other states. Only students who meet both the master's requirements and earn the certificate are eligible to apply for Virginia licensure in school psychology.
If you have additional questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.
School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
The majority of the graduates of the program are employed as school psychologists in public school districts across the United States. Our graduates also work in private and charter schools, universities, independent practice, and in educational research. More information about School Psychology as a career can be found at National Association of School Psychologists Careers.
George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.
Year 1
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
Year 2
FALL
SPRING
Year 3
FALL
SPRING
Total: 44 MA credits + 22 GCSP credits = 66 total credits
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: January 15
Space Available: February 15 |
Applications not accepted for this term |
Applications not accepted for this term |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
- Graduate application and fee
- Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores that are no more than 5 years old
- 750-1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation form directly to their recommender. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the U.S. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from outside of the U.S. could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
- An earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. The expectation of an earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the admissions policy here for information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
- Admissions Interview
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$727.00
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$927.00
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,641.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$617.95
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25.00 - $84.00 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$752.00 - $811.00 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$952.00 - $1,011.00 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$642.95 - $701.95 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $155.00
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
The school psychology curriculum is sequential with students who follow a cohort model taking classes at the same time. The sequence of classes is found under the courses tab. There is also a specific sequence of classes for students who elect to pursue the program part-time. Students who wish to enroll part-time are encouraged to discuss the sequence with faculty before enrolling.
Although students follow a set curriculum, advising from faculty is welcomed, frequent, and ongoing. The range of advising topics is broad. Common advising topics include practicum placements, student goals for a particular class or the program, how to obtain an internship, or maintaining a balance of school, work, and life. All the faculty in the School Psychology Program are involved in advising.
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.
Ellen Rowe
Academic Program Coordinator
Nicole Beadles
Holly Klee
Danielle Palmer