School Psychology, M.A. and PPS Credential

The Master of Arts in School Psychology with a California pupil personnel services (PPS) credential prepares you to work as a credentialed school psychologist in a public school setting and requires a minimum of 62 units of coursework in the advanced component listed below. A sequence of courses is determined by the program director. In addition to the 62 units, there are three prerequisites.

Program Highlights

• Small class sizes
• Faculty are current practitioners active in the field of school psychology
• Schedules include synchronous online options as well as in class options
• Includes both academic classroom training and applied field experience
• Our grads are sought by top districts
• Christian setting and value-centered curriculum
• 11 units of the BCBA program are embedded in coursework
• For a detailed program brochure, click here
   

Fresno Pacific’s School Psychology program was ranked one of the nation’s best and most affordable online master’s programs by Online Master’s Degrees. Take a look at the full rankings here:

Best Online Master's Degrees in School Psychology

Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Psychology

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Faculty

Catalog

Program Director: Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D

School Psychology

School psychology is a dynamic field that blends principles of psychology and education to support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students. School psychologists apply their expertise in assessment, evidenced-based intervention, and consultation to collaborate with educators, families, and communities, ensuring that all students—particularly those with diverse learning needs—have access to an equitable and supportive learning environment. Graduates in this field are prepared to work in a variety of educational settings, advocating for student success through a holistic, best practices approach.

Fresno Pacific University Education Unit's Mission 

Fresno Pacific University's Education Unit seeks to prepare educators 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

The school psychology credential/Master of Arts in School Psychology degree authorizes an individual to work as a credentialed school Psychologist in a public school setting and requires a minimum of 62 units of coursework in the advanced component listed below. A sequence of courses is determined by the program director. In addition to the 62 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 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 Credential:

1. A master's degree in school psychology or a related area.
2. 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. *(PPP 787 Praxis Tutorial - 1 credit must be completed after two failed attempts at passing PRAXIS.)
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.

Accreditation

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

Admissions Requirements

1. Two current reference forms
2. All official transcripts from colleges/universities attended.  An official transcript showing the bachelor's degree conferred is required. 
3. Letter of explanation if your GPA is under 3.0
4. Evidence of application for a Certificate of Clearance or a valid CTC credential.
5. Prerequisite courses (all must be passed with a grade of a 'C' or better):
   • Child Development
   • Educational Statistics and Research Design
   • Introduction to Psychology
6. 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. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO)

1: Candidates Demonstrate Data-based Decision Making and Accountability

2: Candidates Demonstrate knowledge of varied methods of consultation, collaboration, and communication. 

3: Candidates demonstrate direct interventions and instructional support to develop academic skills for children and families.

4: Candidates demonstrate behavior interventions and mental health services to develop social and life skills for children and families.

5:  Candidates demonstrate direct and indirect services school-wide practices to promote learning.

6:  Candidates demonstrate school-wide practices to promote behavioral and mental health.

7:  Candidates demonstrate principles, research, and strategies for family-school collaboration.

8:  Candidates demonstrate knowledge of human diversity in service delivery.

9:  Candidates demonstrate foundational knowledge in research and in program evaluation.

10:  Candidates demonstrate legal, ethical, and professional practice & disposition.

Locations Offered

North Fresno, Visalia, Merced, Bakersfield, and Synchronous Online.

Program Length/Semester Starts

The program ranges from 9 semesters, determined by the academic plan chosen. Cohorts begin in Fall and Spring.

Degree Pathway

School Psychology M.A. Degree Pathway  

Required Courses (62 Units)

• PPP 748 - School Psychology Supervised Practicum Experience I Credits 1
• PPP 749 - School Psychology Supervised Practicum Experience II Credits 1
• PPP 750 - Professional Theory and Practice: School Psychology Credits 3
• PPP 751 - Family School Collaboration and Support Credits 3
• PPP 752 - Legal and Ethical Practices in School Psychology Credits 3
• PPP 753 - Assessments in the Schools Credits 3
• PPP 754 - School Wide Practices to Promote Learning Credits 3
• PPP 755 - Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Assessment Credits 3
• PPP 756 - Interpretation Credits 3
• PPP 757 - Identify and Monitor Effective Interventions Credits 3
• PPP 758 - Intervention Based Instructional Support: Development of Academic Skills Credits 3
• PPP 759 - Human Diversity: Best Practices for Assessing Children Credits 3
• PPP 760 - Practices to Promote Behavioral and Mental Health in Today's Schools Credits 3
• PPP 761 - Mental Health Services to Develop Social and Life Skills Credits 3
• PPP 768 - School Psychology Internship I Credits 2 *
• PPP 769 - School Psychology Internship II Credits 2
• PPP 770 - Introduction Concepts and Principles ABA Credits 1
• PPP 771 - Experimental Design and Behavioral Research Credits 3
• PPP 776 - Behavior Assessment Credits 3
• PPP 777 - Behavior Change Procedures Credits 2
• PPP 778 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions I Credits 1
• PPP 779 - Behavior Change: Selecting Interventions II Credits 1
• PPS 772 - Issues and Values in Schools and Society Credits 3
• PPP 780PPP - Research: Single Subject Design I Credits: 1-3 and

• Must complete 3 units total

• PPP 781PPP - Research: Single Subject Design II Credits 1 and
• PPP 782PPP - Research: Single Subject Design III Credits 2

• or

• PPP 783PPP - Research: Quantitative Design I Credits 1-3 and

• Must complete 3 units total

• PPP 784PPP - Research: Quantitative Design II Credits 1 and
• PPP 785PPP - Research: Quantitative Design III Credits 2

• *Note: students may only register for PPP 768 Internship I after passing the Exit to Internship oral exam and Portfolio Review.

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, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event. 

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in School Psychology program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.
  • 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 envelope 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 M.A. in School Psychology program. These references should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
• 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, prior to your interview time.
• Evidence of application for a Certificate of Clearance for a valid California Teaching Commission credential.
• Pre-requisite classes for the M.A. in School Psychology program:
  • FPU requires students to have the following courses (all with a grade of a “C” or better) before starting the M.A. in 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 or sociology from from FPU or a CSU or UC school.
    • Please contact your admissions counselor about your options if you don’t have one of the pre-requisite classes.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure here.

 

Office of Graduate Studies

Phone: 559-453-3690

Email: Graduate.Studies@fresno.edu

Cost & Financial Aid

Student Financial Services

Phone: 559-453-2041

Fax: 559-453-5595

Cashier: 559-453-5586

Toll free: 866-321-7502

FAFSA code: 001253

Email: sfs@fresno.edu

Tuition & Fees

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as school psychologists in a variety of settings including public, private and child development organizations. Some graduates go on to work in higher education settings.

Career Development Center

Phone: 559-453-2073

Email: career.services@fresno.edu

Career Development Happens Here