Program Director: Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D
School Psychology
School psychology is a dynamic field that blends principles of psychology and education to support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students. School psychologists apply their expertise in assessment, evidenced-based intervention, and consultation to collaborate with educators, families, and communities, ensuring that all students—particularly those with diverse learning needs—have access to an equitable and supportive learning environment. Graduates in this field are prepared to work in a variety of educational settings, advocating for student success through a holistic, best practices approach.
Fresno Pacific University Education Unit's Mission
Fresno Pacific University's Education Unit seeks to prepare educators to be scholars, peacemakers, professionals, and leaders who carry out the beliefs of the Fresno Pacific University Idea in their diverse educational settings.
The Fresno Pacific Idea
The Fresno Pacific Idea reflects the university's interpretation of what it means to be a community of learners committed to a distinctive vision of Christian higher education. The Idea serves as a center for reflection and action and as a guide for forming a vision of the future. Rooted in the past and continuously re-shaped by the present, the Idea provides a foundation for the university's understanding of itself and of the mission to which it is called.
Program Overview
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 62 units of coursework in the advanced component listed below. A sequence of courses is determined by the program director. In addition to the 62 units, there are three prerequisites. (Please note, if you have obtained your bachelor's degree in psychology from FPU, a UC, or a CSU all prerequisites will be waived).
Students will be required to obtain liability insurance before school site-based work can begin.
Up to 9 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 recommended to the CTC for a School Psychology Credential:
- A master's degree in school psychology or a related area.
- A passing score of 155* on the NASP PRAXIS exam. This exam will serve as the program's comprehensive exam and follows most of the credential coursework. *(PPP 787 Praxis Tutorial - 1 credit must be completed after two failed attempts at passing PRAXIS.)
- Successful passing of the Program Exit Oral Examination and Portfolio Review.
- Once the internship, program exit exam and master's degree requirements are completed the individual may apply for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Psychology.
Accreditation
State of California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, California 95814-4213
Admissions Requirements
- Two current reference forms
- All official transcripts from colleges/universities attended. An official transcript showing the bachelor's degree conferred is required.
- Letter of explanation if your GPA is under 3.0
- Evidence of application for a Certificate of Clearance or a valid CTC credential.
- Prerequisite courses (all must be passed with a grade of a 'C' or better):
- Child Development
- Educational Statistics and Research Design
- Introduction to Psychology
- Interview with program director and committee*
*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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO)
1: Candidates Demonstrate Data-based Decision Making and Accountability
2: Candidates Demonstrate knowledge of varied methods of consultation, collaboration, and communication.
3: Candidates demonstrate direct interventions and instructional support to develop academic skills for children and families.
4: Candidates demonstrate behavior interventions and mental health services to develop social and life skills for children and families.
5: Candidates demonstrate direct and indirect services school-wide practices to promote learning.
6: Candidates demonstrate school-wide practices to promote behavioral and mental health.
7: Candidates demonstrate principles, research, and strategies for family-school collaboration.
8: Candidates demonstrate knowledge of human diversity in service delivery.
9: Candidates demonstrate foundational knowledge in research and in program evaluation.
10: Candidates demonstrate legal, ethical, and professional practice & disposition.
Locations Offered
North Fresno, Visalia, Merced, Bakersfield, and Synchronous Online.
Program Length/Semester Starts
The program ranges from 9 semesters, determined by the academic plan chosen. Cohorts begin in Fall and Spring.
Degree Pathway
School Psychology M.A. Degree Pathway
