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School Psychology

Ed.S. in School Psychology

Undergraduate Program Graduate Program Concentration Focus Online Hybrid

The School Psychology Program is a 4-year integrated graduate-professional program culminating in the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology and the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology.

               

 

The School Psychology Program at San Diego State University is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP; for more information please visit NASP's Annual Program Data). The program is a 4-year integrated graduate-professional program culminating in the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology and the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology.

Students simultaneously complete and earn:

  • The Master's of Science degree (M.S.) in School Psychology, usually at the end of the third semester in the program, and
  • The California School Psychology Internship Credential at the end of the third year in the program.

Explore credential requirements, program requirements, sequence of study, special circumstances, specialty project requirements, supervised field experiences below. 

The SDSU School Psychology Program is known across the nation for its:
  • Emphasis on multicultural issues in schools 
  •  Diverse graduates - Since 1990, we have enrolled at least 70% students of color, and persons from underrepresented groups (e.g., LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, multi-lingual students; foster youth).
  • Faculty expertise (e.g., multicultural issues in schools, school-based mental health, cross-cultural consultation, Native American and bilingual school psychology work) that represents a sharp focus on issues of educational equity and social justice.
The following degree learning outcomes guide our work:
  • Apply ecosystemic approaches to better understand and address problem situations involving students, schools, families, and systems.
  • Conduct research and use data-based decision-making to inform assessment practices at the school, classroom, and student/family levels. 
  • Implement culturally affirming and responsive evidence-based interventions focused on academic, behavioral, and/or mental health supports.
  • Consult and collaborate with others to promote educational equity and opportunity for students in culturally and linguistically diverse schools.
  • Become leaders and advocates in schools, making a difference through their knowledge of innovative psychological and educational services and dissemination. 

Our Graduates Live Our Vision

More than 200 graduates since 1985 have served as school psychologists in the public schools. Currently 85% are school psychologists; 10% hold administrative positions (e.g., special education program specialists, principals, state department of education consultants); and 5% are full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty members in school psychology, special education, or educational leadership.
 
 
Our practitioner graduates also have a variety of leadership roles: 15% are designated lead psychologists in their districts, 10% have taught in our program, 14% have received or are pursuing a doctorate, 5% have held elected positions in the California Association of School Psychologists (including two presidents), and many have been officers in their county affiliates. 
 

See Our Faculty for information about and contact information for our faculty and lecturers.

 

 

Learn about our students, alumni, the student association, and find resources for students including financial aid and scholarships.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our program. 

Find out what's happening now, and explore past news and event highlights.

 

Important Resources

  • Tuition cost
    Unit prices are subject to change. Visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships Cost of Attendance page for the latest information.
  • Financial aid
    All courses are eligible for Financial Aid. Contact the SDSU Financial Aid Office and speak to a financial aid officer familiar with loans for special programs.

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Learn How to Apply

What is a School Psychologist?

School psychologists are dynamic educators that work within school settings in order to help diverse students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They collaborate across school, home and community to facilitate positive educational change.

Through the use of evidence-based practices and data-based decision making, school psychologists implement prevention and intervention strategies, promote safe and academically enriching environments and improve school-wide and system-level practices and policies. School psychologists are change agents within the schools, serving multicultural and diverse populations and striving to ensure that every student receives an equitable education.

Want to learn more about the profession of school psychology?

Check out the following associations:

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