Admission Requirements

In addition to the application requirements and materials listed in the Graduate Admissions section of this catalog, the following are required:

1. A bachelors degree in psychology or another behavioral science with a minimum 2.75 or above undergraduate GPA (3.0 is preferred) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for any graduate work. Candidates who demonstrate academic and professional potential but do not meet the required GPA may be admitted conditionally with stipulations required by the program, including prerequisites.
2. Possession of ONE of the following:
   • Successful coursework or experience demonstrating basic knowledge of general psychology, human learning and development, and human behavior
   •  A valid teaching credential with a minimum of one year of full-time classroom teaching experience
   •  A pupil personnel services credential in school counseling.
3. Competitive candidates will have at minimum one year of volunteer or paid professional experience working with children or adolescents. Candidates without previous Pre K-12 teaching, counseling, or volunteer experience are strongly encouraged to attain it.
4.  Official Transcripts from all institutions attended.
5. A statement of purpose is required (double spaced, 1, 500 words). The statement should include; a) articulation of the relevancy and role that cultural competency plays in a school psychologists’ delivery of services in the educational system, b) an explanation of the candidate’s motivation for seeking admission to this particular degree program c) a description of the candidate’s compatibility with the program; and d) a clear statement addressing the candidate’s goals for training and future professional aspirations.

   If you believe your application materials inadequately reflect your (a) academic, (b) professional, (c) interpersonal and/or (d) cross-cultural readiness for our program, you may add a 2-page description of your experience, knowledge, skills, and/or predispositions that support your readiness in one or more of these areas. 
   

6. Three letters of recommendation (on letterhead) from individuals qualified to objectively evaluate the candidate’s ability to succeed in graduate school and potential to be a competent  educational counselor.   All three letters must be from individuals who can  knowledgeably comment upon the candidate’s academic skills, employment/volunteer experience , leadership potential, and professional abilities.
7. Current professional resume.
8. Certificate of Clearance or a valid California teaching credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing must be on file with the University before entrance into the program
9. Negative/Clear TB verification must be on file with the University of  La Verne. The results must be current from within the past 4 years. You can go to your medical doctor or a local clinic to get this done.
10. Provide evidence of passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission or prior to Spring registration in the first year of coursework.

Following receipt and review of all application materials an on-campus interview is required for candidates being considered for admission.