Catalog 2016-2017 
    
    Apr 16, 2024  
Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

School Psychology: Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential


With increasing frequency, schools must find ways to help students learn while coping with a broad array of challenges that include language and cultural barriers; exposure to violence, victimization, or substance abuse; attention deficit, and other neurological/ behavioral disorders.

The master’s degree program in school psychology prepares students to gain the PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) credential that allows them to practice in California’s schools.

The master’s degree and credential programs in school psychology will be of interest to recent college graduates with bachelor’s degrees, current teachers, school personnel and people in other related fields.

SOC Codes


11-9199, 19-3031, 25-1066

Program Outcomes


Coursework for the Alliant International University’s California School of Education : PPS Credential Program in School Psychology assures that each candidate has knowledge and displays leadership in the following areas:

  • Professional Skills - PPS Credential School Psychology students are trained to administer, score, and interpret psycho-educational assessment and intervention techniques/modalities. PPS Credential School Psychology students master the application of these psycho-educational assessment and intervention modalities within their 450 hour coursework practicum and subsequent 1200 hour internship.
  • Professional Roles - PPS Credential School Psychology students gain invaluable experience through the apprenticeship model on how to engage in the diverse roles associated with being a school psychologist within a school district.
  • Applied Research - PPS Credential students learn how to engage in program development and evaluation as well as being a catalyst for educational action research endeavors.
  • Professional Concepts - PPS Credential School Psychology students are exposed to foundations coursework in applied educational psychology, special education laws, ethical standards and behavior, and with ethnically and culturally diverse populations.

Training Model


PPS Credential: Enabling You to Practice in California Schools

Students who are seeking the PPS Credential in School Psychology must complete an additional 17 units (7 units of coursework and practicum, plus 10 units of a 1200 hour internship). In addition, candidate must pass a standardized comprehensive examination (e.g. Praxis II) based on the academic coursework. Internships maybe paid or non-paid. Paid internships are dependent upon the budgets and policies associated with individual school districts.

Students who finish the 60 units for the Master of Arts in Education with PPS Credential in School Psychology, who pass the Systemwide Comprehensive Examination, take the Praxis 2 examination, and pass the portfolio requirement can then submit their application for approval by the Campus Program Director to continue with the Advanced Standing PsyD program in Educational Psychology.

Students seeking the master’s degree, plus PPS credential in school psychology, will receive their degree upon completion of the total 60 units. 

Training Model Specialized Requirements


In addition to CSOE General Graduate Admissions Requirements

  • pass a TB test,
  • receive a Certificate of Clearance from CCTC,
  • complete a FBI screening, and
  • send official transcripts from all of the colleges and universities that they have attended to the Alliant registrar.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements


Students who desire the credential in addition to the master’s degree, will complete the entire 60 units (43 +17) before the issuance of the master’s degree and will earn the MAEd in School Psychology with PPS Credential.

Curriculum Plan


Courses are three units unless otherwise indicated.

School Psychology and Counseling Programs Core Faculty


James Adams, PsyD, Assistant Professor, Program Director, School and Educational Psychology, San Francisco and Systemwide Program Director, School Counseling

Steven Fisher, PsyD, Associate Professor and Systemwide Program Director, School and Educational Psychology

Carlton Parks, PhD, Professor and Program Director, School and Educational Psychology, Los Angeles

Thomas Ryerson, PsyD, Lecturer and Program Coordinator, Los Angeles

Donald Wofford, PsyD, Assistant Professor and Program Director, School and Educational Psychology, Irvine

For a detailed description of program faculty background and research interests, please see the alphabetical listing of Faculty  for the California School of Education.