Best Online School Psychology Graduate Programs in CA

As a school psychologist in California, you’ll play a crucial role in improving learning outcomes by addressing behavioral issues and enhancing curriculum plans. Moreover, California school psychologists are in high demand and earn almost $30,000 more than the national average.

To become a licensed school psychologist in California, you must graduate from an accredited and state-approved graduate program. This guide can help you find the program that best suits your needs and start your journey toward becoming a school psychologist. You’ll discover a list of this year’s top-ranked online and on-campus programs, a breakdown of the different types of school psychology programs available, a step-by-step guide to the CA licensure process, and much more.

Top Online School Psychology Programs in California

Accredited California school psychology programs with online or hybrid formats provide additional flexibility for busy students and working professionals to advance their careers. Below we list the top-ranked psychology programs in California that provide a range of options to match your background and long-term goals. Some offer fully online programs, while others use hybrid delivery with in-person fieldwork requirements. Either way, expect to receive material and interact with content using interactive tools like videoconferencing and discussion boards. Many of these programs continue to use cohort models for their online programming to encourage additional support and collaboration. See our guide to online school psychology programs for more information on what you can expect.

Types of School Psychology Grad Degrees in California

There are several different types of school psychology programs at the graduate level, and the right one for you will depend on your specific career goals and previous education and professional experience. Each degree type is discussed in detail below, followed by a list of accredited California universities that offer it, to help you find the program that’s best for you.

Accreditation and State Approval for School Psychology Programs in California

Schools with psychology programs in California should possess some form of institutional accreditation, regional or national, granted by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This ensures that high levels of quality and rigor back the degree you earn.

Beyond the institutional level, California school psychology programsshould hold approval from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). This is especially important because the CCTC sets licensure eligibility requirements, including mandatory education standards. If you plan to work as a school psychologist in a K-12 setting in California, you need to complete an approved program.

Other organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) also accredit California school psychology programs. These agencies recognize schools and programs that meet field-specific standards in psychology, school psychology, and education.

Financial Aid for School Psychology Grad Students in California

Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities can help you pay for your education. Professional organizations like the California Association of School Psychologists offer awards to their members in addition to other advancement benefits. School psychology students are also typically eligible for broader opportunities in psychology like those listed by the APA.

Many of the best California school psychology programs offer scholarships and other awards to their students. At the graduate level that usually means research or other service-based fellowships often including professional development components. For example, California State University Long Beach and Alliant International University both extend financial aid opportunities to school psychology students. For more information on financial aid for school psychology and grad students, see the STEPS scholarship listing and financial aid guide.

How to Become a School Psychologist in California

If becoming a licensed school psychologist in California is your main goal, you’ll need to complete some additional steps beyond the necessary education before you can begin work. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) oversees this process and establishes eligibility requirements. An overview of those steps is provided below.

Step 1

Complete an Approved Program

The first step is to complete an approved education and training program like the ones discussed above. This could be a master’s program, an Ed.S. course of study, a PPS program, or some combination of the three. The CCTC only requires that the course of study consist of at least 60 credits beyond the undergraduate level. It also keeps a useful directory of approved programs.

Step 2

Obtain PPS Recommendation

Once you graduate from a CCTC-approved school psychology program in California, you must obtain a proper recommendation. The CCTC requires that new candidates for licensure procure recommendations from an approved program with a PPS program in school psychology. Most applicants receive recommendations from the school they have graduated from.

Step 3

Complete a Basic Skills Assessment

Under California education codes and regulations, new licensees must also complete a basic skills assessment. A computer-based exam, the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) measures competency in key areas like reading, writing, and mathematics. The test usually takes around 4 hours to complete. Preparation materials are available through the state of California.

Step 4

Submit Fees, Fingerprints, and Application

After steps 1-3 are complete, you’re ready to apply for PPS licensure as a school psychologist. Begin by submitting live fingerprints with the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Once you pass the criminal background check, submit a licensure application and pay any applicable fees.

Step 5

Maintain Your Credentials

Licensed school psychologists must renew their credentials periodically to remain compliant with California laws and regulations. The specifics vary depending on your background, work history, and gained experience, but they sometimes involve another application and updated fingerprint records. Licensure renewal ensures that working school psychologists keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

Job Outlook for School Psychologists in California

Source: Projections Central; Data reflects job outlook for Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists

School Psychologist Salaries in California

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020; Data reflects job outlook for Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists