What is the minimum educational qualification required for licensure as a school psychologist in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, to be licensed as a school psychologist, the minimum educational qualification required is a specialist-level degree, such as an Ed.S. or its equivalent in school psychology. This level of education aligns with the competencies and training necessary to effectively address the psychological and educational needs of students in a school setting.

The specialist-level degree emphasizes a balance of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping graduates for direct service roles within educational institutions. This degree typically includes supervised internship experiences, which are essential for developing applied competencies in assessment, consultation, and intervention.

While other degrees, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, provide foundational knowledge in the field, they do not meet the specific training and experience requirements mandated for school psychologists. Similarly, a doctoral degree, while it exceeds the necessary educational requirements, is not the minimum qualification needed for licensure in this role. Therefore, the specialist-level degree is the appropriate benchmark for licensure as a school psychologist in Massachusetts.