A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a behavioral science with a minimum 2.75 GPA in undergraduate coursework and a 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate work. Candidates who demonstrate academic and professional potential but do not meet the required GPA may be admitted conditionally with stipulations
Possession of one of the following:
Successful coursework or experience demonstrating basic knowledge of general psychology, human learning and development, and human behavior; or
A valid teaching credential with a minimum of one year of full-time classroom teaching experience; or
A pupil personnel services credential in school counseling
Competitive candidates will have at minimum one year of volunteer or paid professional experience working with children or adolescents. Candidates without previous teaching, counseling, or volunteer experience are strongly encouraged to attain it
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
A statement of purpose is required (double spaced, 1,500 words). The statement should include:
Articulation of the relevancy and role that cultural competency plays in a school psychologist’s delivery of services in the educational system;
An explanation of the candidate’s motivation for seeking admission to our program;
A description of the candidate’s compatibility with the program; and
A clear statement addressing the candidate’s goals for training and future professional aspirations
If you believe your application materials inadequately reflect your academic, professional, interpersonal and/or cross-cultural readiness for our program, you may add a two-page description about your experience, knowledge, skills, and/or predispositions that supports your readiness
Two 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 school psychologist. All letters must be from individuals who can knowledgeably comment upon the candidate’s academic skills, employment or volunteer experience, leadership potential, and professional abilities
Current professional résumé
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
Applicants must take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission
Following receipt and review of all application materials, an on-campus interview is required for candidates being considered for admission