Specialist in School Psychology (SSP)
As a school psychologist, you can play a key role in shaping a positive climate where every student feels heard, respected and valued, laying the groundwork for their long-term success.
Fostering a Positive School Culture
East Texas A&M's school psychology program explores how to support student learning, emotional well-being and positive school climates. Through a blend of academic and practical experience, you'll examine strategies to help schools become more supportive, responsive and student-centered.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
Graduates of our program often work in K-12 schools and educational agencies. Additional opportunities include private practice, research and policy development.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our program is designed to empower you to lead transformative change in education by fostering academic achievement, emotional resilience and social development in many school settings.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Master the design and implementation of research-driven strategies to address academic and behavioral challenges effectively.
Crisis Management
Ensure student well-being and gain skills in managing critical situations, including bullying, trauma and emotional crises.
Data-Driven Insights
Utilize data collection and analysis to assess student progress, measure intervention effectiveness and inform decision-making.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Develop expertise in fostering emotional intelligence, resilience and self-regulation to support students' overall success.
Taking Classes
Online and Face-to-face
Designed for current educators and working professionals, our School Psychology program delivers flexible learning options through online courses and in-person classes at the Mesquite Metroplex Center and main campus. Course enrollment follows your degree plan, regardless of location, ensuring a clear and focused path to completion.
For course offerings, locations and times, please check the schedule of classes, which is subject to change.
Curriculum
At East Texas A&M, the School Psychology program leads to a Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degree aligned with Texas State Board standards for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP). Our program also holds national recognition from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), reflecting our commitment to quality and professional preparation.
National Association of School Psychologists
Adding Value with Certificates
Earning a graduate certificate can enhance your skills and boost your career prospects in school psychology.
Psychology of Gerontology and Positive Aging Graduate Certificate
This certificate will enhance skills for persons working with older adults in business, medical or social settings. You will have a better understanding of physical, psychological and developmental impacts of aging and an enhanced understanding of ethical principles of dealing with potentially vulnerable population.
Instructional Coach Graduate Certificate
This certificate will prepare professionals to train and empower educator leaders to support and guide their colleagues in effective instruction within the classroom.
Special Education (MED) with Educational Diagnostician Certification
This program includes specific training in diagnosis and intervention strategies for individuals with special needs.
Educational Diagnostician Professional Certification
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Kendra Saunders, Ph.D.
Faculty
Anabel V. Meyer Ph.D., LP, LSSP, LBA, NCSP, BCBA
Alum Faculty
Student Organizations
Our campus has many ways to engage and get involved. As a graduate student, you’re invited to connect with student organizations like the Student Affiliates of School Psychology (SASP) and local chapters of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). These groups strive to offer valuable networking, professional development and leadership opportunities through workshops, conferences, and events, helping you connect with peers and professionals in the field.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 3.25
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
Admission Process
Deadlines
Note: This program accepts new students for the Fall Semester only
Priority admission consideration deadline: February 1
Final admission consideration deadline: April 15
Interviews by invitation only
The application and all required admission documents must be submitted by the deadline.
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “School Psychology, SSP” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Submit one document addressing the following in 500 words or less, no more than 2 pages:
- Please provide an autobiographical statement. Answer as if someone asked you to tell them something about yourself. This is an opportunity for you to provide the program with some information about yourself.
- Detail your experience in working with a variety of populations. Elaborate on how considerations related to individual differences impact your interactions within the world.
- Describe your research experience and interest.
- Describe how you envision the program meeting your training goals and interest.
- Describe your professional goals and aspirations for the future.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
You do not need to submit GRE scores if you have:
- a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.25 GPA overall or higher
- a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.25 GPA overall or higher
If you do not meet the GPA exemption criteria, request that your GRE® scores be sent to East Texas A&M University (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, y
Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
These individuals should:
Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scoresor
Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Deadlines
Note: This program accepts new students for the Fall Semester only
Interviews by invitation only
Priority admission consideration deadline: February 1
Final admission consideration deadline: April 15
Interviews by invitation only
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “School Psychology, SSP” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
Submit one document addressing the following in 500 words or less, no more than 2 pages:
- Please provide an autobiographical statement. Answer as if someone asked you to tell them something about yourself. This is an opportunity for you to provide the program with some information about yourself.
- Detail your experience in working with a variety of populations. Elaborate on how considerations related to individual differences impact your interactions within the world.
- Describe your research experience and interest.
- Describe how you envision the program meeting your training goals and interest.
- Describe your professional goals and aspirations for the future
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.
- At least one of the references should hold a doctoral degree.
Those individuals should
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
The Department of Psychology will contact you to schedule your interview.
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $33,601 USD which is less than six months old
See the Office of International Program'sam's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Psychology and Special Education
- 903.886.5940
- [email protected]