Graduates of this program will meet the requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology and earn a Master of Science in Education degree. Approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, this program will prepare students to provide effective psychological services to pupils within the school system.
Admission to the graduate program in School Psychology requires:
- Completion of application for admission with graduate application fee.
- Official transcripts of all college coursework verifying completion of a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a miniumm GPA of 3.0 or presentation of a minimum combined score of 1,000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or passing score on the CSET exam to overcome a low grade point average.
- Three recommendations from professional souces who can address the candidate's potential for success in education.
- Prerequisites: 12 units of undergraduate or graduate semester hours in general psychology, abnormal psychology or theories of personality, introductory statistics, and life span development or growth development and learning.
- Proof of having taken the CBEST. (A passing score is required by the end of the second semester of enrollment.
- Proof of a valid Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing which can be obtained through the School of Education.
- Write a statement of at least 500 words that includes your reasons for choosing school psychology as a profession, your reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University and why you are personally suited for working with special needs and/or at risk students.
- An interview by the director of the graduate program in Pupil Personnel Services is required upon completion of your application file.
Student Status
Applicants admitted to the program will be considered according to the following classifications:
- Unconditional Graduate Standing--Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who have completed the necessary prerequisites and whose admission file is complete may be admitted as a student with full graduate standing.
- Conditional Graduate Standing--Applicants with a GPA of 3.0, who possess undergraduate prerequisite dificiencies, but who must:
a. Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
b. Remove prerequisite deficiencies
c. Have the recommendation of the graduate program director in order to attain full graduate standing.
d. Provide Graduate Services with any lacking documents, forms or fees.
Denial--Denial may occur when a person does not qualify for admission in any of the above categories. California Baptist University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant who is antagonistic with the philosophy and purpose of the University.
WHAT IS A SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST?
Who Are School Psychologists?
School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school. School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They must complete a minimum of a post-Master's degree program that includes a year long internship and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, shool organization, learning styles and processes, behavior, motivation, and effective teaching. School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work.
What Skills Do School Psychologists Have?
School psychologists' unique training builds a broad range of skills that enables them to:
Work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals.
Use problem solving approaches to address student issues.
Improve school practices and policies to reduce impediments to student achievement.
Exhibit strong team member and leadership skills.
Promote appreciation and support for human diversity.
Employ good interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrate the highest standards for ethical and professional behavior.
Where Do School Psychologists Work?
The majority of school psychologists work in schools. However, they can practice in a variety of settings including:
Public and private school systems.
School-based health centers.
Clinics and hospitals.
Private practice.
Universities
Community and state agencies, and other institutions
Courses Required for a Master of Science in Education with a Specialization in School Psychology:
Prerequisites:
PSY213 - General Psychology
PSY346/PSY322 - Abnormal Psychology OR Theories of Personality
BEH383 - Introductory Statistics
PSY320/EDU302 - Life Span Development OR Growth, Development & Learning
First Semester:
PPS501 - Introduction to School Psychology
PPS503 - Counseling Theory
PPS515 - Practicm: Role of the School Psychologist
Second Semester:
PPS512 - Counseling Techniques for Exceptional Children
PPS513 - Advanced Psychopathology
PPS545 - Practicum: Counseling and Clinical Diagnosis
Third Semester:
PPS521 - Developing Culturally Competent Practice
PPS555 - Intervention, Consultation, and Collaboration
PPS550 - Practicum: Educational Interventions for Diverse Groups
Fourth Semester:
SPE553 - Educational Assessment
PPS542 - Advanced Research Methods
PPS535 - Practicum: Educational Assessment
Fifth Semester:
PPS541 - Human Communication in Group Process
PPS562 - Legal and Ethical Practice in Diverse Groups for School Psychologists
PPS525 - Practicum: Counseling in the School Setting
Sixth Semester:
PPS544 - Individual Intelligence Assessment
PPS533 - Crisis Response, Behavior Intervention & Management
PPS524 - Seminar in Report Writing
Seventh Semester:
PPS563 - Assessment of Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
PPS564 - Introduction to School Neuropsychology
PPS565 - Practicum: Behavioral Assessments & Interventions
Eighth Semester:
Ninth Semester:
Please Note:
Courses taken at other institutions are subject to transfer eligibility.
Degree requirements should be completed within a 5-year period commencing with semester of earliest course listed above. Student may petition the School of Education for an extension.
Candidates who complete all program requirements successfully, including 61 units of course requirements (or electives to replace transfer courses) successfully including a 1200-hour Field Experience/Internship, and who pass the required standardized PRAXIS exam in School Psychology may apply for the Master of Science degree with Specialization in School Psychology.
This course listing has been provided to assist you in completing your catalog degree requirements. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content of this course listing, it is the student's responsibility to verify the information with the requirements listed in the University Catalog and the degree guide available online.