School Psychology (MS)

Admission Requirements

  1. Completed admission application and application fee.
  2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a preferred GPA of 2.75 or above in undergraduate work and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in any graduate work.
    1. An undergraduate major in psychology, education, or closely related field is required. Applicants without prior teaching, counseling, or experience in education are strongly encouraged to have at least one year of volunteer or paid experience working with children or adolescents,
  3. A Statement of purpose that addresses the following points: your reasons for entering the school psychology profession and any personal or professional experiences and/or qualifications related to your intended field of study. Include a clear discussion of your perspective on the role, relevance, and implications of cultural competence in the field of school psychology. Your statement should be approximately 1,500-words in length, type written, and double spaced.
  4. Two letters of recommendation (on letterhead) from individuals qualified to objectively evaluate the candidate's ability to succeed in graduate school and the potential to be a competent educator. Letters must be from individuals who can knowledgeably comment upon the candidate's academic skills, employment/volunteer experience, leadership potential, and professional abilities.
  5. Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or Equivalent).
  6. Resume
  7. Current TB Clearance.
  8. Certificate of Clearance.

Following receipt and review of all application materials, an interview is required for candidates being considered for admission.

Additional Program Information

Grading

The Educational Counseling and School Psychology Programs requires students to earn a minimum of a B (3.0) in all coursework. Students must maintain an overall average of B (3.0) or better throughout the program.

Course Sequence and Availability

Candidates are directed to follow the course sequence as required by the program. Additionally, candidates are advised to be mindful that each course may only be offered once per academic year/term. Changes to the program course sequence are rare. If a change to course sequence is necessary, candidates must meet with the program academic advisor to ensure it matches the availability of courses and meets all pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements.

Dismissal from the Program

Candidates may be dismissed from the program under several circumstances, including but not limited to: academic dishonesty, academic disqualification, failure to maintain minimum academic standards, failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, unethical or unprofessional conduct, failure of program activities measuring student competencies/or dispositions, circumstances interfering with training or well-being of others, and/or felony conviction. Candidates dismissed from the program may not apply for readmission.

Credential Recommendation Time Limit

Students are expected to complete requirements for the master’s degree and graduate within three years from the date of matriculation. All credential requirement and recommendations must be completed within 5 years from the start of the student’s first course in the Educational Counseling and School Psychology programs.

Advanced Standing

Candidates must receive advanced standing in order to enroll in SPSY 576 Professional Seminar in School Psychology. Candidates must have completed all stipulations of admission in order to apply for Advanced Standing. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework, completed SPSY 550 Fieldwork Supervision in School Psychology I, be in good academic standing, and have attained a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all work applicable to the degree program.

Degree Requirements

Total Program: 64 semester hours

SPSY 510School Psychology Practicum I1
SPSY 511Legal and Ethical Foundations in School Psychology3
SPSY 512Counseling Theory: Developmental & Biological Foundations3
SPSY 513Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in School Psychology2
SPSY 514Professional Practice Foundations of the School Psychology Leader2
Total Semester Hours11
SPSY 520School Psychology Practicum II1
SPSY 521Intro to Psychoeducational Assessment3
SPSY 522Psychopathology & Social Emotional Learning3
SPSY 523Individual Counseling Children & Adolescents2
SPSY 524Group Counseling: Intervention & Strategies2
SPSY 528Multi-tiered Interventions & Instructional Supports3
SPSY 529Psychoeducational Assessment, Measurement, & Testing2
Total Semester Hours16
SPSY 530School Psychology Practicum III1
SPSY 531Psychoeducational Assessment & Achievement3
SPSY 532Consultation, Collaboration & Partnerships in Schools3
SPSY 533Crisis Intervention & Healing Centered Practices2
SPSY 534Neuropsychology of Learning Disabilities2
SPSY 540School Psychology Practicum IV1
SPSY 541Advanced Psychoeducational Assessment3
SPSY 542Behavioral Analysis & Classroom Intervention3
SPSY 543Diversity in Assessment, Evaluation, and Intervention2
SPSY 544Foundations & Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis2
Total Semester Hours22
SPSY 550Fieldwork Supervision in School Psychology I3
SPSY 556Data, Research & Program Evaluation3
SPSY 570Fieldwork Supervision in School Psychology II3
SPSY 576Professional Seminar in School Psychology3
One of the following:3
SPSY 580
Advanced Assessment in Neuropsychology
Elective from Recommended LFCE class
Total Semester Hours15

Passing score on the National School Psychology Praxis Exam to be recommended for the PPS Credential in School Psychology.

*Fieldwork/Internship must be completed within one academic year but shall be completed within no more than two consecutive academic years. (This is a mandate from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing).