UIndy Launches New School Psychology Degree Program

The program aims to address Indiana's shortage of school psychologists by targeting current school employees.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph of a school hallway, with the silhouettes of students visible through a hazy, warm-toned wash of light, capturing the importance of mental health services in an educational setting.UIndy's new school psychology program aims to address Indiana's shortage of mental health professionals in schools, providing critical support for student learning and well-being.Indianapolis Today

The University of Indianapolis is launching a new three-year Education Specialist Master's Degree in school psychology this fall. The program is specifically designed for people already working in schools who want to transition into a school psychologist role. UIndy's interim program director, Dr. Aerin Welch, says the goal is to help fill the gap of school psychologists in Indiana, where the current ratio is one psychologist per 1,869 students, far below the recommended standard.

Why it matters

Indiana, like many states, is facing a shortage of school psychologists, which can negatively impact the ability of schools to provide critical mental health and learning support services to students. UIndy's new program aims to address this shortage by making it easier for current school employees to obtain the necessary credentials to become licensed school psychologists.

The details

The new UIndy school psychology program will be offered through evening classes and asynchronous work over two years, followed by a third year of hands-on work in schools. Interim Director Dr. Aerin Welch says the program is targeting people already working in schools who want to transition into a school psychologist role but stay within their school communities. Franklin Township Community Schools preschool psychologist Melissa Duvall, who didn't originally intend to become a school psychologist, says the new program could open doors for others like her.

  • UIndy is launching the new school psychology degree program this fall.
  • Applications for the program are now open, with acceptance letters expected to be sent out this summer.

The players

University of Indianapolis

A private university in Indianapolis, Indiana that is launching a new three-year Education Specialist Master's Degree in school psychology.

Dr. Aerin Welch

The interim director of UIndy's new school psychology program.

Melissa Duvall

A preschool psychologist at the Wanamaker Early Learning Center, part of Franklin Township Community Schools, who didn't originally intend to become a school psychologist.

Dr. Chase Huotari

The superintendent of Franklin Township Community Schools and a UIndy alum who says he'd like to have one school psychologist at every building in his district.

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What they’re saying

“'One of our goals is to work with districts. [They may] have people within their districts who…want to stay within their school communities, but also want a change of pace and to try a new position.'”

— Dr. Aerin Welch, Interim Director, UIndy School Psychology Program

“'My job is to just kind of work with students to figure out how they best learn, so that we can work with the rest of the staff, so that they can continue to fill their toolbox with things that make sense to that child.'”

— Melissa Duvall, Preschool Psychologist, Franklin Township Community Schools

“'If you look at the school psychologists we have, it goes way beyond just them doing the work with the kids. They're a key part of the entire school community.'”

— Dr. Chase Huotari, Superintendent, Franklin Township Community Schools

What’s next

Applications for UIndy's new school psychology degree program are now open, and the university hopes to send out acceptance letters this summer.

The takeaway

UIndy's new school psychology program aims to help address Indiana's shortage of school psychologists by making it easier for current school employees to obtain the necessary credentials. This could open up new career paths for educators and improve access to critical mental health and learning support services for students across the state.