Contact Information

Program Director: Brian P. Leung

Assistant Director: Catherine M. Foote

Academic Advisor: Danielle West

Introduction

The LMU School Psychology program is approved by both the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and the National Association for School Psychology (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 (147) is required for graduation. This is also the national cutoff score that 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.

Program Admissions Requirements

• Graduate Application
• An undergraduate major or minor in Psychology, or major in a closely related field (e.g., child development) 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.
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • 1 must be from either:
    • A practicing School Psychologist, OR
    • Director of Psychological Services, OR
    • Director of Pupil Personnel Services, OR
    • Licensed psychologist familiar with the role of a School Psychologist.
• 2 sealed, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Original GRE score report
• Technology Requirement Form
• CCTC Certificate of Clearance (COC)
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or a 3.05 in your last 60 undergraduate units, or a 3.0 in at least 9 graduate units is required.
• CBEST by the end of the first fall semester
• For applicants who completed an undergraduate/graduate degree outside of the U.S.A.:
  • Transcript evaluations
  • TOEFL (100 minimum score) or IELTS (7 minimum score)
• Statement of Intent, addressing:
  • Why you want to be a school psychologist
  • The characteristics you possess that you feel will make you an effective school psychologist
  • Your commitment to preparing yourself to be an effective school psychologist (e.g., time and effort devoted to an internship, involvement in professional organizations, etc.)
  • A summary of your experience with school-aged children, particularly those from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities
  • How well your values align with the School of Education’s REAL (Respect, Educate, Advocate, Lead) model.

Degree Requirements–M.A. in Educational Psychology, Ed.S. in School Psychology

Credential Requirements–P.P.S. Credential for School Psychology

Additional Requirements:

• Year 2 Portfolio
• Year 3 Portfolio

Total (Combined M.A. Educational Psychology/Ed.S. School Psychology): 63 semester hours