Requirements and Details

Total Program: 63 semester hours for M.S. and credential. Minimum 31 semester hours with PPS/M.S. in School Counseling (CCTC 2011 standards) or equivalent.
Core Courses: 60 semester hours
Code Course Title Units
ASCD 503 Educational Psychology 3
ASCD 550 Human Development 3
EDUC 501 Educational Assessment 3
SPSY 502 Learning Disabilities and Neurology 3
SPSY 535 Child Psychopathology 3
SPSY 547 Introduction to School Psychology 3
SPSY 548 Program Planning and Evaluation 3
SPSY 549 School Counseling Theories 3
SPSY 564 Instruction and Achievement 2
SPSY 567 School Safety & Crisis Prevention 2
SPSY 571 Individual Counseling Skills 3
SPSY 572 Group Counseling Skills 3
SPSY 573 Counseling Diverse Populations 3
SPSY 574 Facilitating/Consultation Skills 3
SPSY 577 Individual Assessment 3
SPSY 578 Advanced Assessment 3
SPSY 579 Alternative Assessment and Behavior Intervention 3
Elective from recommended CEOL classes 3
SPSY 586A Practicum I in School Psychology A 1
SPSY 586B Practicum II in School Psychology B 1
SPSY 587A Practicum III in School Psychology A 1
SPSY 587B Practicum IV in School Psychology A 1
SPSY 589A Supervised Field Work in School Psychology -Level I* 2
SPSY 589B Supervised Field Work in School Psychology -Level II* 2
SPSY 599 Independent Study in School Psychology 1-4
Culminating Activity: 3 semester hours
Code Course Title Units
SPSY 598 Graduate Seminar in School Psychology 3

Passing National School Psychology Praxis Exam for eligibility for PPS Credential in School Psychology.

  1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a GPA of 2.75 or above in undergraduate work and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for any graduate work.
  2. (a) An undergraduate major in psychology or another behavioral science, or (b) a valid teaching credential with a minimum of one year of full-time classroom teaching experience, or (c) successful coursework or experience demonstrating basic knowledge of general psychology, human learning and development, and human behavior or (d) a pupil personnel services credential in school counseling.
  3. Internet access and a course or the equivalent to demonstrate competence in word processing, database management, computer presentation, and internet skills. This prerequisite must be satisified before enrolling in SPSY 548.
  4. A statement of purpose outlining reasons for seeking admission to the School Psychology Program, together with an autobiography.
  5. Applicants without prior teaching or counseling experience are strongly encouraged to have at least one year of volunteer or paid experience working with children or adolescents. This experience should be described in the statement of purpose and autobiography.
  6. Three letters of reference addressing the candidate’s potential as a school psychologist. One of these references must be from the candidate’s immediate supervisor.
  7. A personal interview with the program chairperson or designated faculty member.
  8. An application for Certificate of Clearance or a valid California Teaching Credential.
  9. A writing competency sample.
Additional Requirements
  1. Candidates seeking the Pupil Personnel Services Credential must show evidence of having passed the CBEST prior to registering for SPSY 586B.
  2. Demonstrated suitability for the profession of school psychology by completing SPSY 578, prior to entering SPSY 589A.
  3. A Certificate of Clearance or a valid California Teaching Credential before registering for SPSY 586A.
  4. A signed CEOL Dispositions Agreement Form.