The Ed.S. in school Psychology is a 63 semester unit sequence program designed for students wishing to pursue a career in school psychology. In addition to the two years of coursework in assessment, consultation, evidence-based intervention, legal and ethical issues, multicultural counseling, research, measurement and cognitive assessment, students must complete 450 hours of applied practica.  A 1200 hour internship in a school setting is completed during the third year. A comprehensive examination given by NASP consistent with Nationally Certified School Psychologists must also be passed during the third year.

The Ed.S in school psychology fulfills all coursework needed to comply with the common and generic standards for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) as well as advanced coursework which meets the CA state standards for school psychology specialization.

Admission to the Program

Candidates are admitted for fall only. In addition to the general requirements of the university, specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, child development, or related social science field;
2. Official transcripts;
3. Personal statement of why candidate wants to pursue graduate degree in school psychology;
4. Two reference forms and letters of recommendation from persons having knowledge of the applicant's potential as a school psychologist;
5. Evidence of current negative TB test;
6. Submission of an application for a certificate of clearance or evidence of a credential or permit authorizing public school teaching in California;
7. Minimum grade point average of 3.0;
8. Prerequisite classes include one class in Child Development and one class in Statistics;
9. The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) must be completed before the end of the student's first year of classes.

Advancement to Candidacy

1.  Achieve classified status.
2. Submitted documentation of successful passing of the CBEST or other test of basic skills.
3. Completion of 24 semester units of coursework in the program.
4. Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 (“B”) or better and no grades below a B-.
5. File an approved Program Plan.  The Program Plan must be approved by the student, major advisor/program coordinator and filed with Student Services in the College of Education.

 

Requirements for Graduation

1. All courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the Ed.S. must be completed with a minimum of 3.0 ("B") or better;
2. 44 units of coursework must be completed at this university;
3. Advance to candidacy;
4. The Graduate Writing Assessment Requirements is met upon successful completion of EDSP 6607 with a grade of B or higher;
5. Completion of 1200 hour supervised fieldwork/internship;
6. Comprehensive examination that consists of a passing score on the Praxis exam put out by ETS for the National Association of School Psychologists;
7. Completion of a graduation requirement check.

Degree Requirements (63 units)

(Program Code: SPSY)

EDSP 6607	Research in School Psychology	3
EDSP 6619	Tests and Measurements in School Psychology	3
EDSP 6620	Introduction to School Psychology Practicum	3
EDSP 6632	Psychological Foundations of Education and Learning Theory	3
EDSP 6633	Advanced Child Development	3
EDSP 6647	Individual Testing and Case Study Techniques	3
EDSP 6648	Ecological Assessment and Case Study Techniques	3
EDSP 6656	Counseling Theories	3
EDSP 6658	Consultation in School Systems for School Psychologists	3
EDSP 6660	Child Psychopathology	3
EDSP 6678	Counseling in the School and Community	3
EDSP 6681	Counseling Practicum	3
EDSP 6685	School Psychology Practicum I	3
EDSP 6686	School Psychology Practicum II	3
EDSP 6687	School Psychologists as Change Agents: Theory and Practice	3
EDSP 6688	Behavioral Assessment and Intervention	3
EDSP 6691	Applied Research in Educational Settings	3
EDSP 6756	Internship in School Psychology (repeat twice for a total of 12 units)	12
Culminating Experience (0)		0
Total Units		63

Culminating Experience (0 units)

Ed.S. students take the Praxis exam put out by ETS for the National Association of School Psychologists, which indicates student knowledge level is equivalent to school psychology programs across the country. For this program, a passing score is one-half standard deviation below the national mean of 147. The Praxis exam can be taken any time after the  student advances to candidacy. Students who do not receive a passing score may petition the School Psychology Program Coordinator to retake the examination. Students who do not receive a passing  score the second time must petition Graduate Studies with the approval of the School Psychology Program Coordinator to retake the exam. Approval to retake the examination may be, at any time, contingent on completion of additional  designated courses and the development of a written plan.

EDSP 6980	Comprehensive Examination	0
Total Units		0