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School Counseling / School Psychology Dual Program

School of Education

Explore School Counseling / School Psychology Dual Program

With the school counseling and school psychology dual program, you can complete your California pupil personnel services (PPS) credentials in school psychology and school counseling, and earn your master of arts in school counseling and school psychology.

You’ll gain expertise in assessment and intervention, as well as the knowledge and skills to develop and implement comprehensive guidance and counseling programs. The third year of the program includes a 1,200-hour school psychology internship, along with master’s-level courses.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

Program Highlights

  • Small class sizes
  • Experienced and highly rated university faculty
  • Blended schedule with courses in class and online
  • Includes both academic classroom training and applied field experience
  • Our grads are sought by top districts

Catalog

Program Director: Eileen Whelan, Ph.D. and Dena M. Fiori, Ed.D.

Overview

In the dual school counseling/school psychology program candidates will complete separate credentials in school psychology and school counseling as well as earn a single 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.

A 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). 

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 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 and School Counseling Credential:

  1. A master's degree in school psychology/school counseling or a related area.
  2. A passing score of 147 on the NASP PRAXIS exam. This exam will serve as the program's comprehensive exam and follows most of the credential coursework.
  3. Successful passing of the Program Exit Oral Examination and Portfolio Review.
  4. 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 and School Counseling.

Accreditation

State of California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, California 95814-4213

Admissions Requirements

  1. Two current reference forms
  2. All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
  3. Letter of explanation if your GPA is under 3.0
  4. Prerequisite courses (all must be passed with a grade of a 'C' or better):
    • Child Development
    • Educational Statistics and Research Design
    • Introduction to Psychology
  5. 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. In the event that program prospects are judged by the Graduate Admission Committee to have writing deficiencies (provided they have met the other requirements) they may be accepted under the condition that they take a professional writing class.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes as based on the CCTC Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) standards as well as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Each of those standards are listed below in their independent section:

Locations Offered

Synchronous Online

Program Length

The program ranges from 8-9 semesters, determined by the academic plan chosen. Cohorts begin in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Following the sequence of courses provided, students will complete the requirements for their clear school counseling credential and the requirements for their clear school psychology credential as well as the master's degree at the end of the third year.

Required Courses

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.

First Steps to Admission

  • Apply online
  • Submit 2 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
    These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form.
  • Include statement of intent.
    You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field.
  • Request official transcripts.
    Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702.
  • Complete program requirements.
    These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable.
  • Apply for financial aid.
    You can apply for FAFSA.  Use FPU school code: 001253
  • Schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.

Program Requirements

*One to two typed pages providing a statement of career goals and a description of how participation in the graduate program will contribute to your growth and development of these goals.

* *Candidates must bring unofficial transcripts from all universities/colleges attended to interview with program director.

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Statistics
  • General Psychology
  • Child Growth and Development
  • *BA in Sociology, Social Work, or Psychology from Fresno Pacific University, the UC or CSU system will waive these requirements.

 

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500
2022-23
Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $705
Teacher Education $705
MBA $757*
MSN and LEAD $720
KIN $570
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

View Graduate Private Scholarships

Career Opportunities

Graduates are 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 as school counselors and school psychologists.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center