Contact Information

Co-Program Director: Emily Fisher

Assistant Program Director: Karen Komosa-Hawkins

Academic Advisor: Michael Cersosimo

Introduction

The LMU School Psychology program is accredited 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 NASP Domains of Practice and the School of Education Conceptual Framework, and social justice is a strong emphasis of the program. Most courses have field-based 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, 500 hours) and year three (internship, 1200 hours). 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 post-graduation, program graduates will qualify to sit for the Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) exam administered by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. All LMU School of Education credential programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The institution has not made a determination as to whether the credential program meets the requirements of states outside of California.

Program Outcomes

As a result of this training program, students will:

1. Consider individual differences, diversity, and ecological factors during decision-making and when conducting all aspects of service delivery.
2. Employ leadership skills to effectively consult, collaborate, communicate, evaluate, and improve home-school-community partnerships, services and supports for all students.
3. Use research-informed and evidence-based direct and indirect interventions and practices at the individual, group, and/or system levels.
4. Select, collect, and use data to monitor progress, make decisions and demonstrate positive impact with students, families, and communities.

Program Admissions Requirements

• Graduate Application submitted electronically.
• An undergraduate major or minor in psychology, child development, education, or highly related field is required for admission. Candidates with degrees in other fields need to complete prerequisite coursework in psychology (18 semester units) prior to the start of the program. These may include: Introductory Psychology, Cognition/Learning Theories, Human Development/Developmental Psychology, Physiological/Neurological Psychology, Statistics or Experimental Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, or Personality Theory.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic and professional potential.
  • Please ensure that one letter is from a practicing school psychologist, special educator, director of psychological services, director of pupil personnel services, or licensed psychologist familiar with the role of a School Psychologist.
• Official transcripts (one set) from all colleges and universities attended, including if a degree is in progress.
• Original GRE score report (GRE is currently waived for applicants).
• CCTC Certificate of Clearance (COC) (No later than the end of August in the first year of enrollment)
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. If the overall undergraduate GPA is under 3.0 equivalency for a semester system, applicants can submit a “Request for Exception to the GPA Requirement” form to add as a component in the review and evaluation of the application.
• CBEST or other basic skills verification 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 (2-4 pages, double-spaced) that addresses:
  • Why you want to be a school psychologist and what draws you to this profession. 
  • What you have learned from your volunteer/work experience with school- aged children, including those from diverse backgrounds and those with exceptional needs. 
  • Aspects of your own background and lived experience that will contribute to the strengths of a diverse cohort learning community. 
  • What makes the LMU School Psychology Program a good fit for you.
• Update and upload your professional resume.

Degree Requirements for M.A. in Educational Psychology

Degree Requirements for Ed.S. in School Psychology

Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology Requirements

Additional Requirements

• Year 2 Portfolio
• Year 3 Portfolio
• Performance-Based Exit Review
• Praxis School Psychologist Exam with minimum score of 147

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