About the Program Links

School Psychology Master of Science
Pupil Personnel Services Credential

An advanced degree and credential program preparing school psychologists for a career that makes a difference in leadership and service in today's schools.

School Psychology Advanced Degree and Credential Program

These programs offer training in counseling and psychology and prepare school psychologists to work with age groups from infancy through adolescence.

School Psychology offers an ideal career for those interested in:

Using psychological knowledge and practices to impact learning in the school setting
Helping children develop their full learning potential
Changing school practices and policies to reduce barriers to student achievement
Collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to improve student learning
Developing personal leadership skills including effective interpersonal and communication skills
Working effectively as a student support services team member
Engaging in flexible professional roles through challenging and diverse activities
Demonstrating professional behavior and ethical standards

Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the University of La Verne's School Psychology program requires the following:

A 2.75 or above undergraduate GPA and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for graduate work
A completed School Psychology Preparation Program application
Possession of ONE of the following:

A bachelor's degree in psychology or another behavioral science
A valid teaching credential with a minimum of one year of full-time classroom teaching experience
Successful coursework or experience demonstrating basic knowledge of general psychology, human learning and development, and human behavior
A pupil personnel services credential in school counseling

A completed Personal Statement that includes an autobiography and explains the applicant's motivation for seeking admission to the program and previous experience working with children or adolescents.
Applicants without previous teaching or counseling experience are strongly encouraged to have at least one year of volunteer or paid experience working with children or adolescents.
Three letters of reference addressing the candidate's potential as a school psychologist. One of these references must be from the candidate's immediate supervisor.
A personal interview with the Lead Professor of the School Psychology Program.
Internet access capability and technological literacy are required prerequisites.

Additional Program Requirements

By the completion of EDUC 578 and prior to entering EDUC 589a, students must have demonstrated suitability for the school psychology program.
Evidence of a Certificate of Clearance or a valid credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing must be on file with the University of La Verne before candidate registers for EDUC 586a.
Evidence of having passed the CBEST prior to registering for EDUC 586b.

Master's Degree and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology

The Pupil Personnel Service (PPS) Credential requires 61 units of course work, including 450 hours of practicum and 1200 hours of fieldwork. Therefore, for students pursuing the PPS Credential in School Psychology, the University automatically awards the M.S. degree at the conclusion of the Credential program. A Pupil Personnel Services Credential qualifies individuals as professional school psychologists for grades preschool-12 in California.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Students who have previously completed a master's degree and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling will be required to complete 29 units of course work, including 225 hours of practicum and 1200 hours of fieldwork.

Program Requirements

Combined M.S. and Pupil Personnel Services Credential- 61 Semester Hours

Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology (after completing PPS credential in School Counseling) - 29 Semester Hours

Courses

Requirements (Semester Hours)

EDUC 501	Educational Assessment (3)
EDUC 502	Learning Disabilities and Neurology (3)
EDUC 503	Educational Psychology (3)
EDUC 504	Methods of Research (3)
EDUC 535	Child Psychopathology (3)
EDUC 547	Introduction to School Psychology (3)
EDUC 548	Program Planning and Evaluation (3)
EDUC 549	School Counseling Theories (3)
EDUC 550	Human Development (3)
EDUC 564	Instruction and Achievement (2)
EDUC 567	School Safety and Crisis Prevention (2)
EDUC 571	Individual Counseling Skills (3)
EDUC 572	Group Counseling Skills (3)
EDUC 573	Counseling Diverse Populations (3)
EDUC 574	Facilitation, Consultation, and Collaboration Skills (3)
EDUC 577	Individual Assessment (3)
EDUC 578	Advanced Assessment (3)
EDUC 579	Alternative Assessment and Behavior Intervention (3)
EDUC 586a	Practicum A (1) (225 Clock Hours)
EDUC 586b	Practicum B (1) (225 Clock Hours)
EDUC 589a	Supervised Field Work*--Level I (2) (600 Clock Hours)
EDUC 589b	Supervised Field Work*--Level II (2) (600 Clock Hours)
EDUC 598	Graduate Seminar in School Psychology (3)

* The field experience is typically completed within one (1) academic year but shall be completed within no more than two (2) consecutive academic years.

Degree Program Requirements

No more than 12 semester units of coursework may be taken at the University of La Verne and applied to the School Psychology Preparation program (except for students who have already completed a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling and Master of Science degree) before the student is formally admitted to graduate standing.

Students in the master's degree program must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. All degree coursework must be completed within five years of registration as a graduate student. To accommodate students' professional schedules and personal needs, courses are offered in late afternoons and evenings.

Pupil Personnel Services Internship Credential

If a student has passed the CBEST, has a Certificate of Clearance, has successfully completed EDUC 501, EDUC 502, 503, 504, 535, 547, 548, 549, 550, 564, 571, 572, 573, 574, 577, 578, 586a, and 586b with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the Program coursework, has the appropriate letters of recommendation, as well as a detailed, personal statement describing his/her qualifications and background to be a school psychologist intern; he/she may qualify for admission to the PPS Internship Program.

The field experience must be completed within no more than two (2) consecutive academic years. (This is a mandate from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.)

Transfer Credit

Up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from an accredited university or college into the University of La Verne's School Psychology Preparation Program if:

The units were acceptable as graduate degree coursework in the transferring school and/or met that institution's PPS credential requirements,
The courses are comparable to courses offered in the School Psychology Preparation Program,
A grade point average of 3.0 or better was earned in the coursework, and
The coursework was taken from an accredited institution within five years prior to transfer to the University of La Verne.

Credit By Challenge

Since the University of La Verne's School Psychology Preparation Program is competency-based, credit for courses may be gained by challenge. A challenge exam and other specific activities are required to demonstrate student knowledge and/or skill in a particular course or content area. An application letter outlining the applicant's challenge to an approved course must be filed with the Program Chair.

School Psychology Master of Science Pupil Personnel Services Credential