EdS in School Psychology Online Program Overview

In the educational specialist (EdS) in school psychology with pupil personnel services (PPS) credential program, you’ll specialize in offering services and support to help children surmount challenges. As a school psychologist, you’ll work closely with students and families to develop individualized programs to help them manage troubling issues, such as mental disorders and elevated emotional issues. You’ll learn how to use data and science to assess complicated scenarios and drive behavioral change to help students thrive at home and in school.

This school psychology graduate program also prepares you for the pupil personnel services (PPS) credential, allowing you to practice in California's schools. You don't need a psychology background to attain this School Psychology Ed degree, but you should have an awareness of the challenges children face, and want to help them and their families. An EdS in school psychology with a PPS credential can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career that helps you improve the lives of students.

• The education specialist in school psychology with pupil personnel services credential has an emphasis in school based mental health and prepares you to work at a high level, considering the bigger picture of the education and social emotional environment. The position is data-driven, working with students and families to develop plans to get them through ongoing challenges such as mental illness, suicide ideation, and long-term family issues. The EdS program also prepares you to gain the PPS (pupil personnel services) credential that allows you to practice in California’s schools.
   

Program Highlights

CTC-Approved Curriculum

Our graduate program designed for future school psychologists is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), one of the highest standards in the country and the world.

All Bachelor’s Degrees Welcome

If you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution, in any subject, you will fulfill the admissions requirement and be in the position to earn your EdS degree. 

Flexible Online Format

Not only can you earn your education specialist instruction credential online, you’ll also have the opportunity to work at PK-12 school sites to gain the experience you need to succeed in the field.

Admissions

Learn About Admissions Requirements

Admissions

Faculty

Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty

Faculty

Degree Information

As future school psychologists, coursework for the EdS in School Psychology program ensures you are prepared in the following professional competencies:

• Information technology skills, with the knowledge of information sources and technology relevant to their work.
• School Psychology practice and development with the knowledge of the history and foundations of theschool psychology profession; of service models and methods; of public policy development; and of ethical, professional, and legal standards.
• Student diversity in development and learning with knowledge of individual differences, abilities, and disabilities and of the influence of biological, social, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socioeconomic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in development and learning.
• Prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health with the knowledge of human development and psychopathology and biological, cultural, and social influences on human behavior.
• Effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills through knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills.
• Socialization and development of life skills through knowledge of human developmental processes, behavior analysis, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of behavioral, affective, adaptive, and social skills.
• Data-based decision-making and accountability with knowledge of varied models and methods of assessment useful in identifying strengths and needs, in understanding problems, and measuring progress and accomplishments.
• Consultation and collaboration with knowledge of behavioral, mental health, collaborative, and/or other consultation models and methods.
• Effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills through knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills.
• School and systems organization, policy development, and climate with knowledge of general education, special education, and other educational and related services.
• Home/school/community collaboration with knowledge of family systems, student development, learning, and behavior, and methods to involve families in education and service delivery. Research and doctoral program evaluation with knowledge of research, statistics, and evaluation methods.
• Educational research and program evaluation with knowledge of research, statistics, and evaluation methods. 
• Information technology skills, with the knowledge of information sources and technology relevant to their work.

Adapting to Modern Educational Needs

Recognizing the diverse needs of the students, the learning format of this graduate certificate program can be completed fully online. This flexible approach allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. The curriculum includes a focus on multicultural awareness and sensitivity so our graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations.

Career Outcomes of Educational Specialist Degree Graduates

A credentialed school psychologist can have a significant role in positively influencing students. School psychologists specialize in educational leadership. They support student needs across all arenas including social emotional, academic, and behavioral. They devise strategies and give intervention services that can improve the student’s educational progress. This professional practice also calls for them to engage with parents and teachers to guide children and promote learning both within their homes and classrooms. Graduates of school psychology programs may pursue career options in public and private school settings. 

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet