Best Online School Psychology Graduate Programs in CA
A career as a school psychologist in California offers many challenges and benefits. In terms of challenges, school psychologists play a crucial role in improving learning outcomes for students by addressing behavioral issues, and for entire programs by enhancing curriculum plans.
California school psychologists earn high salaries that are, on average, nearly $18,000 more than those for school psychologists nationwide. There are a number of paths you can take to becoming a school psychologist in California, but all include completing a graduate-level degree program. This guide will help you sort through the often confusing array of online program options available and find the right one for you.
Uncovering Psychology Master’s Degrees in California
As we mentioned above, working as a school psychologist in California requires a formal education on the graduate level. That education can take any of several forms, one of which is a master’s degree in school psychology. Most school psychology master’s programs in California include the coursework and field experience needed to obtain the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential required to work as a school psychologist in public school settings in the state.
A master’s in school psychology, along with required field experience, can also qualify students to become a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) in California. (Details on both the PPS credential and LEP licensure in the FAQs below.)
Concordia University Irvine
The Master of Arts in Education in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential program at Concordia Irvine offers an excellent example of an online master’s program that includes the 60 credits and 1,200 clock hours of in-person field experience required for the PPS School Psychology Specialization Credential. The program offers both fully-online and blended formats, with online students attending classes via live stream once a week, every other week, from 6:00-7:30 pm. All other coursework is completed asynchronously.
Duration: 32 months, 60 credits
Mode: Online or hybrid, with in-person fieldwork
Cost: $685/credit
Curriculum:
- Foundations of School Psychology
- Child Development & Learning
- Legal, Ethical, & Professional Practice
- Measurement, Data, & Interpretation
- Diverse Populations
- Academic Interventions
- Collaborative Consultation
- Behavioral Interventions
- Mental Health Interventions
- Crisis Response and Intervention
- Program Evaluation
- Psychoeducational Assessment I – III
- Educational Research
Best Psychology EdS Degrees in California
An educational specialist (EdS) degree in school psychology in California typically includes all coursework and field hours needed to obtain the PPS School Psychology Credential, thus qualifying students for the same roles as a master’s in school psychology. The EdS, however, is considered by many to be a step above the master’s in terms of advanced specialized academics. A number of school psychology EdS programs, in fact, additionally award a master’s degree (often in educational psychology) along with the EdS degree.
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University’s MA in Educational Psychology/EdS in School Psychology program is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice as a school psychologist providing academic, behavioral, and socio-emotional support to students in preK-12 settings in California public and charter schools. The three-year full-time program features both online and on-campus options. Online classes are attended via live stream and are scheduled afternoons and evenings throughout the week.
All students additionally complete a 450-hour practicum during the second year and 1,200-hour internship during the third year of studies. Students receive both an MA in Educational Psychology and EdS in School Psychology along with the California PPS School Psychology Credential upon graduation.
Duration: Three years, 63 credits
Mode: Fully online or on-campus
Cost: $1,632/credit
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Ethics & School Psychology Practice
- Student Diversity & Exceptionality
- Seminar in Counseling & Interpersonal Relations
- Statistics, Research Methods & Program Evaluation
- Assessment & Intervention for Cognitive & Learning Problems I & II
- Advocacy, Leadership & Professional Practice I & II
- Seminar in Instruction & Learning
- Group Counseling
- Family, School & Community Collaboration
- Advanced Counseling Seminar I & II
- Practicum in Multicultural School Psychology I & II
- Advanced Assessment & Positive Behavioral Intervention
- Social, Emotional & Behavioral Assessment
- Prevention, Intervention & Consultation
- Social Responsibility, Violence Prevention & Crisis Intervention
- Treatment of Emotional & Behavioral Disorders
- Seminar in School Systems & Psychological Services
- Supervised Internship in School Psychology I & II
- Seminar in Ethical Leadership & Social Justice I & II
School Psychology Doctoral Degrees in California
Doctoral programs in school psychology are for individuals interested in reaching the top-tier of the school psychology profession. There are three forms of school psychology doctorates: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and Doctor of Education (EdD).
The PhD in school psychology is considered a research degree that prepares graduates for academia-focused careers in advanced research and postsecondary teaching. The PsyD in school psychology focuses on applied theory and clinical training to prepare students for careers in direct client practice. The school psychology EdD focuses on theory and skills directed towards all forms of educational practice.
Alliant International University
The PsyD in Educational Psychology with School Psychology Track program from Alliant International University is designed for students with a previously earned master’s degree and a current license or credential to fill top positions in school psychology. Students build on existing competencies and develop new areas of knowledge for enhanced effectiveness as school psychologists in educational settings. The curriculum of this fully-online program includes didactic coursework, the writing of three signature assignments which are presented in the initial phase Doctoral Project Seminar, and a culminating doctoral project (research or applied dissertation).
Duration: Two years, 50 credits
Mode: Fully online.
Cost: $1,299/credit
Curriculum:
- Educational Psychology Practice: Current Trends/Legal Issues in Schools and Child Psychology
- Child Neuropsychology
- Provision of Services for Children and Adolescents in Alternative Placement
- Multicultural Counseling
- Organizational Psychology and Management in Systems: Consultation
- Leadership Supervision
- Interdisciplinary Group Facilitation
- Advanced Clinical Applications of Neuropsychological Principles
- Psychopharmacology
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Research Design
- Consultation and Program Evaluation
- Psy.D. Project
- Leadership and Learning Organizations
- Law, Ethics and Equity
Student Support: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my California online school psychology program?
Pursuing any online school psychology graduate program in California is an expensive proposition. Fortunately, all of the financial aid types available to students in campus-based programs are available to online students as well. They include scholarships and grants, fellowships and assistantships, employer tuition reimbursement, VA benefits (for veterans and active military), student loans, and more. Be sure to contact the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering to find out about any funding resources that may be available to you, including ones exclusively for their school psychology students.
What are the requirements for school psychologist practice in California?
California school psychologists are accredited through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), which administers the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential required to practice as a school psychologist in public schools in the state. Requirements for the Clear Credential with School Psychology Specialization include:
- A baccalaureate or higher degree earned through a regionally accredited college or university.
- Completion of a “post baccalaureate degree study” consisting of a minimum of 60 semester units (credits) and minimum 1,200 field experience clock hours (at least 1,000 hours of which must be in a preschool to grade-12 school setting providing direct and indirect services to students). This is typically completed as part of a master’s or EdS degree program.
- Obtain the recommendation (submitted to the CTC) of the school at which the applicant completed their PPS program.
Are there standalone PPS program options available?
There are a few standalone programs (i.e., ones that are not part of degree programs) in California that provide eligibility for the PPS School Psychology Specialization Credential. Even fewer still are offered online. Examples of standalone programs include:
- Credential in Pupil Personnel Services, School Psychology (online) at Alliant International University. Interestingly, this program features the exact same curriculum as the school’s MAE in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential program.
- PPS: School Psychology Credential (campus-based) at Azusa Pacific University. Admission into the program requires a previously earned MAEd in Educational Counseling and PPS School Counseling Credential.
Will my online school psychology program in California meet the school psychologist requirements in other states?
That depends on the specific program and specific licensure/credential requirements in the state in which you intend to practice. There are currently no compact or automatic reciprocity agreements between states regarding school psychologist credentialing or education requirements.
If you plan on practicing in another state, it is critical that you contact the relevant government agency in that state to find out about the specific requirements and processes for credentialing before you enroll in any school psychology program in California.
What is a Licensed Educational Psychologist in California?
According to California Association of School Psychologists (CASP), a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) in California is a mental health professional whose practice involves the “performance of any professional functions about academic learning processes or the education system or both including diagnosis of psychological disorders related to academic learning processes.” An LEP is a school psychologist whose practice extends beyond public and private schools and pre-K and early childhood settings to include private practice outside those settings.
LEP licensure in the state is administered by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and requires a master’s degree in psychology, school psychology, counseling and guidance, or equivalent from a regionally-accredited college or university plus three years (or its equivalent) of full-time practice as a school psychologist.
Psychology Graduate Salaries in State
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | School Psychologists | $59,250 | $131,470 | $84,940 |
| California | School Psychologists | $77,430 | $140,570 | $106,790 |
| Bakersfield, CA | School Psychologists | $84,940 | $135,570 | $116,120 |
| Chico, CA | School Psychologists | $64,580 | $135,430 | $103,730 |
| El Centro, CA | School Psychologists | $87,170 | $175,460 | $122,420 |
| Fresno, CA | School Psychologists | $73,800 | $158,600 | $116,290 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | School Psychologists | $80,260 | $131,680 | $100,770 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | School Psychologists | $77,430 | $134,210 | $101,500 |
| Merced, CA | School Psychologists | $66,810 | $127,760 | $112,160 |
| Modesto, CA | School Psychologists | $96,320 | $130,710 | $113,590 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | School Psychologists | $93,780 | $165,150 | $112,770 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | School Psychologists | $76,420 | $159,880 | $123,000 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | School Psychologists | $79,440 | $136,350 | $121,320 |
| Salinas, CA | School Psychologists | $79,940 | $127,060 | $98,920 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | School Psychologists | $60,880 | $134,670 | $100,970 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | School Psychologists | $77,780 | $149,010 | $126,240 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | School Psychologists | $77,540 | $162,340 | $123,960 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | School Psychologists | $96,940 | $137,470 | $112,850 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | School Psychologists | $99,510 | $164,560 | $106,260 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | School Psychologists | $61,030 | $148,730 | $102,590 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | School Psychologists | $70,760 | $148,380 | $109,150 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | School Psychologists | $83,350 | $132,100 | $107,950 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | School Psychologists | $83,570 | $147,190 | $104,980 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | School Psychologists | $76,610 | $140,840 | $116,970 |
| Yuba City, CA | School Psychologists | $86,590 | $154,220 | $124,500 |
Source: School Psychologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | School Psychologists | 62,200 | 63,000 | 800 | 1.30% |
| California | School Psychologists | 11,300 | 12,000 | 700 | 6.20% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Suggested Resources for Psychology Students in California
If you’ve read to this point, then you likely realize that navigating the world of school psychology education, professional credentialing, and career opportunities in California can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are plenty of valuable resources available to help you find your way through. Here are five of the most helpful to get you started.
- California Association of School Counselors (CASC)
The CASC works with schools, school districts, and state agencies to improve school counseling practices through the strengthening of mental and behavioral health support and implementation of programs and services benefitting all students. - California Association of School Psychologists (CASP)
Professional association affiliated with the National Association of School Psychologists, the CASP represents the interests of California school psychologists statewide through training, support, information, and advocacy efforts. Student memberships are available. - California Department of Education (CDE)
Government agency that oversees public education in the state. School psychologists visiting the site can access resources on educational counseling, mental health, teaching and learning, and more. - California Psychological Association (CPA)
State affiliate of the American Psychological Association, the CPA represents the interests of licensed psychologists throughout the state working in all areas of the profession, including school psychology. Student memberships are available for doctoral psychology students and those in post-doctoral training programs. - Psi Chi: The International Honor Society in Psychology
The honor society recognizing excellence in scholarship in all psychology disciplines. Memberships for graduate students are available with benefits that include access to networking events, financial support, research opportunities, and more. There are currently Psi Chi chapters on over 60 California campuses.
Top Online Clinical Psychology Degrees in California
One of the best ways to get a feel for how a graduate education in school psychology works is to take a look at what the top programs have to offer. To help you in doing that, we’ve surveyed the current field of online school psychology programs in California and listed what we believe to be the best in the rankings below. Factors considered in making our choices include accreditation, academic quality, cost and the availability of financial aid resources, and access to useful student support services.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Private
