Brief answers are provided here; more information is available by clicking on each question.
What is a School Psychologist?
School psychologists primarily work in PK-12 schools helping children succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. They conduct assessments, collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators, provide counseling, develop behavioral and academic interventions, and take leadership roles to create safe, responsive, and supportive learning environments for all children.
What are the steps to take in the application process?
Applications are completed entirely online. You will need to submit the following materials within our online portal:
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Official Transcripts (one set)
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Resume/CV
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Personal Statement of Intent
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Three Letters of Recommendation
(Detailed instructions for preparing each of these components is included in our school psychology program information packet; request one here.)
When is the deadline to apply?
The priority application deadline is the first Friday of February. Initial interviews occur in early March and acceptance letters are sent out before the end of March. Accepted applicants are asked to submit their deposits by the priority deadline of April 15th to guarantee a space in the incoming cohort. If space is available for the incoming cohort, applications submitted before March 31st may be considered for a second round of interviews, occurring in early April.
How long is the program?
We offer a complete program in three years, starting with one course during Summer Session II during Year 1. Each cohort begins the program at the same time, takes the same coursework together across the three years, and graduates together. Your practicum (500 hours) and internship (1,200 hours) are completed in PK-12 schools during the second and third years of the program.
What type of undergraduate or previous academic coursework should I have?
Successful candidates for admission have majored or minored in psychology, child development, education, or a closely related field as undergraduates, and/or have pursued one of these areas in a previous master’s degree. Candidates who don't hold the degree(s) above are eligible with the completion of at least nine (9) semester units of prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment.
Is there a minimum GPA required for admission?
Generally speaking, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required. However, there are many ways we evaluate candidates. If your overall undergraduate GPA is under 3.0 or equivalent for a semester system, we still encourage you to apply. If you don't meet the minimum GPA of 3.0, a representative from our admission team will reach out to you so you can complete a special form and add an accompanying statement to your application, which will be reviewed together.
When are school psychology classes offered?
- Those enrolled in the online program attend classes synchronously, within similar course timing schedules.
- The first course in the program is offered in Summer Session II, which typically begins in the last week in June.
- In the fall and spring semesters, each course meets once a week, either from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, or from 7:15 pm to 9:45 pm.
- During the summer sessions, each 3-unit course meets twice per week either from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, or from 7:15 pm to 10:15 pm.
- 500 hour practicum experiences in Year 2 are typically two days per week.
- 1,200 hour internship experiences in Year 3 are typically five days per week.
- View LMU's Academic Calendar
What is the difference between the online program and the on-campus program?
The two programs are identical, except that one is offered in a fully online format and the other is offered in a fully in-person format, with cohort members attending classes on LMU’s campus. You are required to reside in California throughout the program no matter which one you're enrolled in. Fieldwork is conducted at approved California PK-12 schools or districts.
To assist in our planning, we ask you to state your preference of program modality when you apply.
Will my certification apply in other states?
Per Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v), all LMU School of Education credential/licensure programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and for the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences as appropriate. The institution has not made a determination as to whether these credential, licensure, and professional preparation programs meet the requirements of states outside of California. If you are interested in practicing outside the state of California, it is recommended that you contact the respective licensing entity of that state to seek information or guidance regarding their licensure and credential requirements in advance to allow for appropriate planning.