School Psychology Credential
Program Intro
The School Psychology Credential-only Program (SPCP) at California Baptist University is an accelerated professional pathway designed for licensed or credentialed mental health professionals—such as MFTs, LCSWs, LPCs and School Counselors—who wish to transition into the school setting. The curriculum emphasizes a Christ-centered approach to mental health, preparing "ambassadors of compassion" to serve in high-need, underserved school districts.
The Metcalf School of Education enjoys an excellent reputation with school districts across the Inland Empire and maintains strong relationships with district faculty, staff and administrators. As a result, CBU educators are competitively positioned in the education marketplace.
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Study School Psychology at CBU?
Mission-Driven Framework
Our curriculum integrates a Biblical worldview, training you to see mental health support as a form of "ambassadorship" and compassion (2 Cor 1:3-4).
Professional Reciprocity
CBU honors your previous clinical experience and Master ’s-level coursework, eliminating up to a year of redundant study.
Program Led by Seasoned Practitioners with Multiple Years of Experience
This faculty includes practicing school psychologists and district leaders, as well as experts in areas such as multilingual assessment, behavior and consultation and mental health.
Strategic Professional Networking & Cohort Synergy
Our program utilizes a small-cohort model to cultivate deep professional relationships, recognizing that education is fundamentally a relational field. You will move through your required courses alongside the same group of colleagues. This immediate, shared experience creates more than just an emotional support system; it forges a powerful, lifelong network for professional referrals and consultation that continues long after you graduate.
What You'll Learn
- Academically Prepared (Cognitive and Academic): Candidates gather and critically analyze valid and reliable data sources to improve students' cognitive and academic skills from a whole-child perspective.
- Academically Prepared (Social-emotional and Behavioral): Candidates gather and critically analyze valid and reliable data sources to improve students' social-emotional, behavioral, academic and well-being from a whole-child perspective.
- Equipped to Serve: CBU school psychology candidates aim to improve K-12 students' lives by providing mental health support with empathy, collaborating with stakeholders and enhancing academic and social-emotional /behavioral outcomes in school.
- Globally Minded: CBU school psychology candidates are committed to honoring and respecting diversity and promoting safe and supportive environments for children in K-12 schools.
- Biblically Rooted: CBU school psychology candidates uphold the highest vocational standards, using research-based practices to improve mental health and academic programs through the Christian Truth and recognizing that all individuals are created in God’s image.
Program Details
PPS 521: Developing Culturally Competent Practice
This course will prepare school counselors and school psychologists with the knowledge, perspectives, and skills needed for effective practice in America's increasingly diverse schools. Through a series of field investigations and readings, students will examine how their own culturally-based beliefs and assumptions affect therapeutic practice, as well as how cultural factors, inter-group interactions, and racism are related to students' school behavior, learning, and academic achievement.
PPS 522: Individual Intelligence Testing
This introductory assessment course is the first in a series of three, integrating the theoretical and practical aspects of individual intellectual assessment. You will delve into foundational theories, such as the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model, while gaining supervised experience in administering, scoring, and interpreting a variety of cognitive assessments. The course culminates in the development of a beginner-level psychoeducational report based on the assessment data. An additional lab fee is required. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the School Psychology Program.
PPS 527: Schoolwide Behavioral Supports
This course is designed to provide students with competencies toward developing knowledge and skills related to varied evidence-based methods in psychology and education to promote the social, emotional, and behavioral health and well-being of youth in schools. It is a graduate-level introductory course for school-based professionals. It is designed to provide an overview of conceptual and service-delivery foundations, evidence- based behavioral interventions across tiers (i.e., school-wide, class/small group, individualized), as well as evaluation and data-based decision making. Students will be presented course content through readings, lectures, small group discussion, and case study activities. Students are responsible for participating in these activities and providing the instructor with information that indicates an understanding and mastery of the course content. The instructor is responsible for presenting course content, evaluating student performance, and providing feedback that enables students to meet course objectives.
Pedro Olvera, PsyD
Associate Professor of School Psychology
School Psychology Program Director
Office Phone: 951-552-8356
E-mail: polvera@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Yeager Center B237
Prerequisites: A Master’s degree in a related field (Counseling, Psychology, Social Work) from a WASC or regionally accredited institution.
Licensure: Current, valid license or credential (BBS, CTC, etc.).
Academic Standing: Minimum 3.0 GPA in previous graduate work; all "challenged" courses must have a grade of "B" or better.
Application Steps:
- Submit official transcripts for a comprehensive vetting process by the Program Director.
- Provide a personal statement reflecting on the call to serve in school mental health.
- Interview with the School Psychology admissions committee.
Career Possibilities
The School Psychology Credential program equips you to make a meaningful difference in students' lives. You'll develop the counseling skills, practical experience and professional preparation needed to support students' academic progress, personal growth and future goals within K-12 school settings.
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School Psychologist
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.