School psychologists can work in both public and private school settings to assist students with cognitive (learning and motivation), psychosocial, and behavioral problems. They also counsel parents, teachers, as well as other school staff in addressing individual student needs more effectively.

School psychologists conduct psycho-educational assessments in areas which can include attention deficit-hyperactive disorders, learning disabilities, conduct disorder, and separation anxiety. Their expertise in such areas is often used to modify a student's learning environment in order to maximize individual student potential.

Prerequisites

The absence of any conviction for a felony or any communicable or contagious disease, which would prevent the student from teaching or performing other certified services, must be attested to. Students should apply for state criminal clearance immediately following admission to any of the state credentialing programs.

A preadmission interview and writing test are to be scheduled when possible with at least two faculty members in the Department of School Psychology and Counseling who will evaluate the applicant's expressiveness, commitment, values, cultural affirmation, and professional attitudes. When admission is granted without a prior interview, an appointment must be made with the department chair during the first few weeks of residence before program approval. Continuation in the program is contingent upon a satisfactory rating by the interviewers.

Requirements applicable to the credential listed in the Master of Arts, Counseling (M.A.) degree or their equivalents must be met.

NOTE: Applicants who are lacking any of the above prerequisite coursework may be admitted to the program with the understanding that the deficiencies must be removed at the earliest possible date prior to entry to advanced practicum or fieldwork. If taken at the graduate level, credit thus earned may be used for degree purposes if all other program requirements are met. Undergraduate-level units are not applicable to the Educational Specialist degree.

The Program

The program for an Ed.S. degree in school psychology must include all of the coursework and field experiences listed below. (When a school psychologist credential is sought without a degree, core courses EDAD 687, EDFO 606, and EDAD 688 are not required.)

Prerequisites

The curriculum for a Specialist in Education degree in the School of Education comprises a minimum of 90 quarter units beyond an approved baccalaureate degree, or 45 units beyond the Master of Arts degree. For course descriptions click here.

Core Requirements

Content Specialization

NOTE : Remember that the units outlined above do not total 90 units. In order to receive an Ed.S. degree, you must accumulate 90 units beyond an approved baccalaureate degree.

Additional Requirements

1. California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) . Out-of-state applicants must take this test no later than the second available administration date following their enrollment in the program.
2. Application for field practice six seeks prior to placement.
3. The Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS)-Specialty Area for the School Psychologist is required as an exit examination. An unsatisfactory score will necessitate taking a departmental comprehensive examination. A satisfactory score report for the PRAXIS must be received by the University at least four weeks prior to graduation or the issuance of a diploma. Early registration for the test is essential.
4. Application to the School of Education Credential Office for a state credential, if eligible.