Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Associate Professor of School Psychology
Educational Leadership & Support, Department Chair
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
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:
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Faculty
Catalog
Program Director: Eileen Whelan, Ph.D., BCBA-D
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.
3. Passing CBEST scores or BSR verification.
4. Successful passing of the Program Exit Oral Examination and Portfolio Review.
5. 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
- Two current reference forms
- All official transcripts from colleges/universities attended. An official transcript showing the bachelor's degree conferred is required.
- Letter of explanation if your GPA is under 3.0
- Evidence of application for a Certificate of Clearance or a valid CTC credential.
- Prerequisite courses (all must be passed with a grade of a 'C' or better):
- Child Development
- Educational Statistics and Research Design
- Introduction to Psychology
- Interview with program director and committee*
- Child Development
- Educational Statistics and Research Design
- Introduction to Psychology
*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 8-9 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 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.
Must complete 3 units total
or
Must complete 3 units total
*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, 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
- Interview with program director
- Impromptu writing sample
- Statement of intent*
- Two reference forms
- CBEST score of 100 (credential requirement)
- Official transcripts verifying BA/BS degree** (all other institutions attended)
- Valid California credential or Certificate of Clearance
- Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
- Letter of explanation if GPA is under 3.00
*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
* 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.
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 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