School Psychology M.A./School Psychology Credential

School Psychology Program Director: Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Overview

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The school psychology credential/Master of Arts in School Psychology degree authorizes an individual to work as a credentialed school Psychologist in a public school setting and requires a minimum of 73 units of coursework in the advanced component listed below. A sequence of courses is determined by the program director. In addition to the 73 units, there are four prerequisites.

Students will be required to obtain liability insurance before school site based work can begin.

Up to 15 units of credit from an accredited graduate program in counseling, psychology or a related area may be transferred into the school psychology program, where such courses are judged by the School Psychology Program Director to be equivalent to those required in the graduate program. All other provisions of the general graduate policy on transfer of credit shall apply.

The following additional program requirements must be met to be employed as a school psychologist:

1. A master's degree in school psychology or a related area.
2. A passing score on the NASP praxis exam. This exam will serve as the program comprehensive exam following the majority of the credential coursework.
3. Successful completion of the exit exam Interviews and Portfolio Reviews. 
4. Once the internship, program exit exam (and Master's Degree requirements if necessary) are completed the individual may apply for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential in School Psychology.

Accreditation

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State of California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, California 95814-4213

Admissions Requirements

1. Three current reference forms
2. All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
3. Copy of valid California credential or certificate of clearance (fingerprints)
4. Verification of current negative TB test (last 12 months)
5. Proof of passing score on the CBEST. (A minimum score of 100 will be accepted for admissions. However in order to exit the program a passing score of 123 or higher is required). 
6. Letter of explanation if your GPA is under 3.0
7. Prerequisite courses (all must be passed with a grade of a 'C' or better):
   • Child Development
   • Educational Statistics and Research Design
   • Introduction to Counseling Theories
   • Introduction to Psychology
8. Interview with program director*

*Program applicants will be required to submit an impromptu writing sample of approximately one page at the time they are scheduled to meet with the program director for an interview. The sample of written expression will be part of the documentation required to determine candidate competence. In the event that program prospects are judged by the Graduate Admission Committee to have writing deficiencies (provided they have met the other requirements) they may be accepted under the condition that they take a professional writing class.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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Program learning outcomes as based on the CCTC Pupil Personnel Standards (PPS) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) standards. Each of those two standards are listed below:

PPS Generic Standards

Standard 1 Program Design, Rationale and Coordination
Standard 2 Growth and Development
Standard 3 Socio-Cultural Competence
Standard 4 Assessment
Standard 5 Comprehensive Prevention and Early Intervention for Achievement
Standard 6 Professional Ethics and Legal Mandates
Standard 7 Family-School Collaboration
Standard 8 Self-esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility
Standard 9 School Safety and Violence Prevention
Standard 10 Consultation
Standard 11 Learning Theory and Educational Psychology
Standard 12 Professional Leadership Development
Standard 13 Collaboration and Coordination of Pupil Support Systems
Standard 14 Human Relations
Standard 15 Technological Literacy
Standard 16 Supervision and Mentoring

School Psychology Specialization Standards

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I. Core Knowledge Base and Foundation

• Standard 17 Psychological Foundations
• Standard 18 Educational Foundations
• Standard 19 Legal, Ethical and Professional Foundations

II. Professional Skills and Training

• Standard 20 Collaborative Consultation
• Standard 21 Wellness Promotion, Crisis Intervention and Counseling
• Standard 22 Individual Evaluation and Assessment
• Standard 23 Program Planning and Evaluation
• Standard 24 Research, Measurement, and Technology
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• III. Field Experience and Practica
• Standard 25 Practica
• Standard 26 Culminating Field Experience
• Standard 27 Determination of Candidate Competence

**NOTE: the CCTC standards, both Generic and School Psychology Specialization, will change in the Fall of 2021.  Any student who wishes to enter or return to the program will no longer be able to meet the above standards and will be subject to the new CCTC standards implemented Fall of 2021.

National Association of School Psychologists based Student Learning Outcomes 

1. Students will make accountable, effective data-based decisions.
2. Students will use effective consultation and collaboration strategies.
3. Students will use interventions and instructional supports to develop academic skills.
4. Students will use interventions and mental health services to develop social and life skills.
5. Students will use school-wide practices to promote learning.
6. Students will implement effective preventive and responsive services.
7. Students will use effective strategies to promote family and school collaboration.
8. Students will knowledgeably implement services sensitive to diversity in development and learning.
9. Students will utilize research and program evaluations effectively.
10. Students will implement programs effectively with knowledge of legal, ethical and professional practice responsibilities. 

Locations Offered

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North Fresno, Visalia, Merced and Bakersfield Campuses

Program Length/Semester Starts

The program is 8 semesters in length with cohorts starting in the fall.