Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, Education Specialist in School Psychology, Combined with a PPS Credential-School Psychology

The LMU School Psychology program is approved by both California (CTCC) and national (NASP) accrediting agencies. Program content is informed by the School of Education Conceptual Framework, and social justice is a strong emphasis of the program. Almost all courses have service learning assignments in which candidates learn and serve in schools and in the greater community. Field placements in the schools are required during year two (practicum) and year three (internship). Passing the Praxis exam in School Psychology at the program cutoff score (160) is required for graduation, and passing the exam at the national cutoff score (165) will result in candidates becoming Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP). After two years in the schools, program graduates will qualify to sit for the Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) exam administered by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

An undergraduate major or minor in Psychology, or major in a closely related field is required for admission. Applicants whose undergraduate major is other than psychology may apply but are required to have completed 18 selected undergraduate semester hours (6 courses) in psychology before beginning the program.

Psychology Prerequisites:

Plus two courses from the following areas:

This program admits as a cohort in the fall semester only. The application deadline for admissions is February 15.

For additional information about the School Psychology program and admission information, please visit the SOE website or contact the School of Education at soeinfo@lmu.edu for an admission packet.

Admission Requirements

The items below should be submitted in one complete packet to the Graduate Division, unless otherwise noted:

1. A complete Graduate Division application, submitted online using the University’s application system.

2. Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. These should be included in your complete application packet to the Graduate Division.

3. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The requirement is waived for those who already possess a Master’s degree from an accredited university.

4. Completed and signed Technology Requirement Form.

5. A Statement of Intent, attached to your online application. The prompts to address are included in the School Psychology application packet.

6. Three letters of recommendation. At least one of these should be from a practicing school psychologist, Director of Psychological Services, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, or licensed psychologist familiar with the role of a School Psychologist.

7. Certificate of Clearance (COC): Completion of fingerprint clearance (Livescan) must occur prior to formal admission and enrollment in classes. Instructions on how to complete this process are included in the School Psychology application packet.

After the complete application has been received, it will be reviewed by the School Psychology Admissions Committee to determine the applicant pool for the next step: a 1-hour group interview that will take place in early March. Participation in this group interview is mandatory for admission. Candidates selected for admission will be notified by no later than the end of March. A commitment to attend is expected by April 15, with a non-refundable commitment deposit that will be applied to candidate’s tuition.

After being admitted to the School Psychology program, candidates must fulfill several post-admission requirements.

Formal Admissions Requirements

1. Pass all 3 sections of the CBEST no later than the end of the first semester in the program.

2. Receive CTC Certificate of Clearance by the end of the first semester. Instructions on how to complete this process are included in the School Psychology application packet.

The PPS credential in School Psychology is only available to those concurrently enrolled in the School Psychology M.A. and Ed.S. program, and passing the Comprehensive Examination (ETS Praxis II Series, School of Psychology).

Program Learning Goals and Outcomes

• Goal 1: To provide candidates with a high-quality training program consisting of a meaningful and relevant curriculum and structured field experiences informed by research and practice.
  Outcome: Program graduates are school psychologists who practice with a scientist-practitioner mindset in all areas of service to students, teachers, and families.

• Goal 2: To equip our candidates with comprehensive knowledge and skills to enable them to provide a full range of direct and indirect services to support student achievement as highly qualified school psychologists.
  Outcome: Program graduates are versatile school psychologists able to provide a comprehensive range of services to schools.

• Goal 3: To develop and train candidates to become highly qualified school psychologists who promote social justice, are responsive to the needs of the diverse populations in schools, and advocate for fair and equitable educational practices.
  Outcome: Program graduates are school psychologists who practice with culturally relevant and responsive practice to help close the achievement gap among various diverse student groups.

• Goal 4: To provide our candidates with high expectations and a high level of support, which includes attention to the development of all aspects of candidates to promote academic excellence and lifelong learning.
  Program graduates are school psychologists who are lifelong learners and are always mindful of service to others.

Course Requirements

• EDSS 6500 Foundations of Ethical, Professional, and Legal Practice in School Psychology 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6504 Statistics, Assessmnt, and Research Methods in Education 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6506 Seminar in Counseling and Interpersonal Relations 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6508 Serving Diverse Students with Exceptional Needs 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6510 Seminar in Instruction and Learning 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6512 Group Counseling and Intervention with Children and Adolescents 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6514 Diversity in Community and School Psychology 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6520 Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation in Pupil Personnel Services 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6526 Social Responsibility, Violence Prevention, and Crisis Intercention in Schools 3 semester hours
• EDSS 6524 Practicum in School Psychology I 2 semester hours