Applying to the School Psychology Program

What are the requirements for admission to the school psychology credential program?

1. Completion of a bachelor degree.
2. A GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units, official transcripts must accompany every application. We cannot obtain transcripts from other CSULB offices.
3. Three references from individuals who can attest to your potential, interest, activity, and past accomplishments relating to pursuing a school psychology credential. See the application packet.
4. Typewritten, double-spaced essay on either one of the two following topics. This is a presentation of yourself as a prospective professional person, so a clear and comprehensive profile is essential (3-5 pages).
   

PERSONAL STATEMENT

• Describe your educational background along with your interests and special skills.
• Describe how your past experience with family, friends, education, work, and leisure have contributed to your decision to select the field of school psychology as your goal. 
• Describe your paid work and/or volunteer experiences.
• What other experiences and information have influenced your decision to select school psychology?
• Describe your perception of school psychology roles and functions.

TOPIC ESSAY

Choose a problem facing public K-12 education today. Describe this challenge including each of the following:

• Some of the factors that contribute to this problem;
• Possible methods for overcoming this challenge;
• Ways in which school psychologists may contribute to negotiating this and other challenges to effective k-12 education; and
• Draw upon any special training or experiences you have had in describing both the problem and the solution.  In fact, you should choose an issue or topic that you have experienced first-hand. In choosing the topic, it is more important that you choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about rather than attempting to identify the predominant issue(s) facing k-12 education.

5. Students applying to the joint Educational Psychology/School Psychology program must submit official GRE scores to the Graduate Office. A combined score of 1000 on quantitative and verbal subtests is a minimum requirement.
6. Completion of an admittance interview. Candidates whose application appears to be a good match to the program will be selected for an interview. These are individual interviews conducted by the program faculty.
   
   The purpose is to see you in an interactive situation. Be prepared to verbalized your ideas and reactions. You will be notified of the screening time and date by mail.
    

What are the admission procedures?

Admission to the school psychology credential program requires two applications:

• Apply to the school psychology program. This program only accepts applications for the Fall Semestter (application PDF).
• Apply to the University as a graduate student at the same time. Application to the University

The applications to the school psychology program are due February 15 for the following Fall semester.  Applications are only reviewed once per year, so there is no open enrollment in the program.

Do I need to take the GRE?
Yes, if you are applying to the joint Educational Psychology/School Psychology program. You do NOT need to take the GRE, however, if you are applying to the school psychology credential program only because you already have a Master's degree.

Do I need to take the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE)?

No. The school psychology credential program does not require WPE scores for students with a masters in a related field. Students completing the Educational Psychology master's degree will need to pass the WPE as part of the master's degree program requirement.

How many applications do you accept?

Admission to the school psychology credential program is very competitive. We typically receive 70-100 applicants. Approximately 30 - 40 of those will be offered an interview, and 22 of those interviewed will be offered admission to the program.

What is your program looking for in a student?

The CSULB school psychology program is commited to diversity. There is no single prototypical student. Rather, faculty seek a diverse group of students whose unique experiences add to the curricula and instruction of the program. Public school experience, bilingualism, and/or experience with cultural and language minority youth are a definite asset to an applicant. A strong academic record such as good grades and GRE scores will also increase your chances of being admitted to the program.

CSULB admits students of any race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CSULB. CSULB does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, color, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment policies, or any other programs administered by the University.
 
In addition to meeting fully its obligations of nondiscrimination under federal and state law, CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.

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Last update: 9/10/09