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About the Program 

When do classes meet?  
Graduate courses at CBU are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults. Classes are typically offered on Monday and Wednesday (first year) and Tuesday through Thursday (second and third year) evenings. 

How long does MS, EdS and PPS School Psychology Credential program take to complete? This program can be completed in 3 ½ academic years or nine semesters. Please contact the graduate program advisor at the Metcalf School of Education or attend an information session for more detailed program completion details.

Can I work full time while enrolled in the program?  
Yes, during the first and second year. However, students will be required to complete fieldwork during their course of studies. Students are not able to work full time during the third year.

Will I have to complete fieldwork to finish the MS, EdS and PPS School Psychology Credential program?  
The program's rigorous fieldwork sequence begins in the second year with a 450-hour practicum. This foundational experience culminates in a comprehensive 1,200-hour third-year internship, which notably includes a minimum of 400 hours dedicated to early childhood settings.

This intensive internship ensures advanced preparation across core domains: cognitive assessment, counseling, home-school consultation and collaboration, intervention and prevention, child development, and practical applications within school systems. 

Can I apply my previous work experience to the fieldwork requirement?  
At California Baptist University, all school psychology fieldwork experiences are meticulously designed to align with the specific program expectations outlined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), and thus no previous experience can be applied towards these requirements.

These experiences must be completed under the direct supervision of credentialed school psychologists possessing a minimum of three years of professional experience. 

How do I find a site mentor for my fieldwork?
CBU supervisors and students work together to find a suitable school site and mentor. CBU supervisors use their network to find placements aligning with student goals, while students are encouraged to utilize their connections and express preferences.

Once a site and mentor are identified, the CBU supervisor provides ongoing oversight and support through regular consultations with the student, monitoring progress and offering guidance. The CBU supervisor also communicates consistently with the site supervisor, ensuring alignment, facilitating feedback, and resolving issues. This sustained engagement ensures a productive and successful field experience. 

What is the difference between the MS and EdS programs? 
Our school psychology programs offer two distinct pathways:

  • Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology: This program culminates in both an MS degree and a PPS Credential in School Psychology.
  • Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology with an emphasis in early childhood studies: This advanced program offers an MS in Educational Psychology, an EdS degree, and a PPS Credential in School Psychology, with a focus on early childhood studies.

Program Structure: Both programs follow an identical curriculum for the first two years. In the third year, the EdS program requires an additional five online courses in early childhood studies. Furthermore, 400 of the 1200 supervised hours for the EdS degree must be completed in early childhood settings.                                                                              

Application

What are the program's entry dates and application deadlines? 
The MS, EdS and PPS Credential in School Psychology all begin in the fall. The priority deadline is May 15 and the standard deadline is August 1. 

What is the GPA requirement?   
2.75 cumulative. Additional opportunities may be available for students to improve their GPAs. 

What are the prerequisites for a credential? 
The prerequisites to begin this program are:

  • Statistics
  • PSY213 (General Psychology)
  • PSY346/PSY322 (Abnormal Psychology or Theories of Personality)
  • PSY320/EDU302 (Life Span Development or Growth, Development and Learning) 

PPS Credential in School Psychology Only

Do I need a credential to practice as a school psychologist? 
Yes. School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. 

How do I get the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential?  
Once you have completed the required coursework, fieldwork and pass the Praxis (school psychology) test, you must contact the CBU credential analyst at (951) 343-4586 and request the credential application.

Return the application along with the necessary documents and payment to the analyst who will apply for your credential (you may not apply directly to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing). You must also be recommended by CBU for the credential. To follow up on the status of your credential, contact the CBU credential analyst at (951) 343-4586. 

Is completion of a Master of Science in School Psychology required in order to complete the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential?  
No. Students who already possess a master's or doctoral degree in a related field (such as counseling, social work or psychology) from an accredited institution may be eligible for the PPS Credential, specifically in school psychology, without earning the MS and/or EdS degrees. Please get in touch with the School of Education for more information. 

How long does the PPS School Psychology Credential program take to complete? 
Completion times for the various school psychology programs are as follows:

  • MS with PPS Credential: This program spans three academic years (eight semesters).
  • MS and EdS with PPS Credential: This comprehensive program requires 3 ½ academic years (nine semesters).
  • PPS Credential only: For those seeking only the PPS Credential in School Psychology and who hold a related advanced degree, the program can be completed in approximately two years (six semesters).

All classes are scheduled for two evenings per week, accommodating working adults. 

I recently completed the Master of Science degree in counseling psychology (MFT) at CBU. Can any of my MFT courses be applied to the PPS School Psychology Credential? 
A maximum of seven courses and some practicum/fieldwork hours may be credited towards the PPS School Psychology Credential. However, courses applied towards the PPS Credential in School Psychology only program cannot be used for a second master's degree. Graduates of the CBU counseling psychology program may qualify for the PPS credential without needing an additional Master of Science or EdS. For details on transfer course approvals, consult the program director.                                   

What are the prerequisites for a credential? 
Applicants need to have successfully finished 12 units of undergraduate or graduate semester hours across several key psychology courses: general psychology, abnormal psychology or theories of personality, introductory statistics, and either life span development or growth development and learning.

Additionally, proof of passing the CBEST is required, with a passing score expected by the end of the second semester of enrollment.

Finally, applicants must provide a Certificate of Clearance.                                         

Financial Aid

Is there financial assistance available specifically for education professionals? 
Yes, a variety of financial assistance options are available for educators.