University of Indianapolis Launched New Psychology Program
A new graduate track aims to help working professionals address the growing shortage of school psychologists in Indiana.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Special Education
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The University of Indianapolis has launched a new hybrid graduate program designed to train future school psychologists. The initiative aims to address the current shortage of these professionals throughout Indiana.
Why it matters
School psychologists play a critical role in supporting student mental health and learning needs, yet shortages remain a challenge for districts. This program specifically targets the issue by providing a flexible pathway for working professionals to enter the field.
The program features 12 currently enrolled students and requires two years of coursework followed by a one-year internship. These figures represent the initial cohort for the hybrid degree track.
The players
University of Indianapolis
A private university in Indiana that provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines.
The details
The program utilizes a hybrid curriculum featuring night classes and weekend training to accommodate students who are working professionals. It leads to both a Master of Arts degree and an Education Specialist degree. Hands-on experience is integrated through in-person sessions and a required one-year internship.
Timeline
Fall 2026: The graduate program launched.
September 19-20, 2026: The first all-day training session occurred.
The Home Front
This program reflects a broader trend of institutions creating flexible, hybrid pathways to address professional shortages in specialized education roles. By reducing barriers to entry for working adults, the university aims to stabilize the supply of school mental health support.
If you are a parent interested in how school psychologists impact your child's learning environment, monitor local school board updates regarding district staffing needs. Consider discussing current mental health resources with your local school counselor if you have concerns about student support.
The takeaway
The addition of this program signifies a proactive step toward staffing local classrooms with essential mental health resources. Families should keep an eye on upcoming school board meetings, where future staffing projections for special education and support roles are often discussed.
Further reading
To learn more about how local districts are addressing mental health support, visit the Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox 59.
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