School Counseling and School Psychology, M.A./School Counseling and School Psychology Credential

Program Director: Olivia Calvillo, Psy.D. 

School Psychology and School Counseling

Embarking on the journey to become a dual student in the School Counseling and School Psychology program is an exceptional opportunity to harness the strengths of both disciplines. By joining this program, you'll develop unique qualifications and skills crucial for making a difference in rural school districts, where professionals are urgently needed to foster students' academic success, career development, social-emotional well-being, mental health, and behavioral growth. Our dual program is designed to cultivate transformative leaders, passionate advocates, and effective collaborators who are committed to playing a role in creating safe and nurturing environments that empower all students, ensuring equitable educational opportunities. Together, we can shape the future of education and make a lasting impact on the lives of students in need. Join us in this rewarding journey to become the servant leader our schools desperately require. Becoming a dual student in the School Counseling and School Psychology program is a remarkable opportunity to integrate two vital professions.  

Fresno Pacific University Education Unit's Mission 

Fresno Pacific University's Education Unit seeks to prepare educators whose calling it is 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

In the dual-school counseling/school psychology program, candidates will complete separate credentials in school psychology and school counseling and earn a master's degree in school counseling and school psychology.

The marketability and flexibility of obtaining both the school counseling and school psychology credentials will provide many options for both students and school districts. Graduates will be equipped with the necessary expertise in assessment and intervention as well as the knowledge and skills to develop and implement comprehensive guidance and counseling programs. The sequence of courses for the dual program has been carefully determined to provide maximum utility and background experience for fieldwork experiences as well as sequential coursework.

Students will be required to obtain liability insurance through the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) before students can accumulate counseling hours. Students will also be required to obtain liability insurance before students can accumulate psychology hours. The Proof of liability insurance must be obtained by the program director prior to school site-based observations and PK-12 field experience. Students will need to have two separate insurances: School Counseling and School Psychology

The sequence of courses is determined by the program director. In addition to the 90 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). 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 prior to recommendation for a School Psychology and School Counseling Credentials:

1. Statement of Intent
2. A master's degree in school psychology/school counseling or a related area.
3. 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.
4. Successful passing of the Program Exit Oral Examination and Portfolio Review.
5. Once the internship, program exit exam, and master's degree requirements are completed, the individual may apply for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credentials in School Psychology and School Counseling.

*PPP 787 Praxis Tutorial - 1 credit must be complete after two failed attempts at passing PRAXIS.

Accreditation

State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

1900 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, California 95814-4213

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University dual Master of Arts in School Counseling/School Psychology program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the dual MA in School Counseling/School Psychology program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the dual MA in School Counseling/School Psychology program. These references should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Forms can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• Program Interview – After submitting your application materials including transcripts, a representative will contact you to schedule an interview.
  • Program applicants will be required to submit an impromptu writing sample, one page in length, during the interview time.
• Evidence of application for a Certificate of Clearance for a valid California Teaching Commission credential.

Prerequisite classes for the dual M.A. in School Counseling/School Psychology program

FPU requires students to have the following courses (all with a grade of "C" or better) before starting the dual M.A. in School Counseling/School Psychology program: Child Growth and Development, General Psychology, Introduction to Statistics and Research Methods. This requirement is waived for graduates with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or sociology from FPU or a CSU or UC school. Please contact your admission counselor about your options if you don't have one of the pre-requisite classes.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes as based on the California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Performance Expectations standards as well as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Each of those Performance Expectations are listed in the School Psychology and School Counseling sections.

Program Length/Semester Starts

The program ranges from 9 to 10 semesters. Coursework is primarily offered as an online synchronous option throughout the program. Cohorts begin in Summer. Attending full time, the 90-unit program will take three years to complete. Following the course sequence provided, students will complete the requirements for their school counseling credential, their school psychology credential, and the master's degree at the end of the third year. Once the student has passed the program exit exam and completed the master's degree requirements, the individual may apply for their Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credentials.

Locations Offered

Synchronous Online