School Psychology, M.S.

California Baptist University

Program Summary – Master of Science in School Psychology (M.S. in School Psychology)

The Master of Science in School Psychology (M.S. in School Psychology) program trains students to become professional school psychologists, with a focus on supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development. This program emphasizes evidence-based practices, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies to help children and adolescents in educational settings. School psychologists work closely with teachers, parents, and other educational staff to create a positive learning environment and address challenges such as learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and mental health concerns.

Key Program Features:

• Clinical Training – Extensive hands-on experience through supervised internships and practicum placements, where students work in schools and collaborate with educators and students.
• Psychological Assessment – Training in the use of standardized testing and other assessment tools to evaluate cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning in students.
• Intervention Strategies – Focus on developing interventions to address behavioral, social, and emotional issues, as well as academic challenges.
• Multicultural Competence – Emphasis on understanding and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in educational settings.
• Collaboration and Consultation – Preparing students to work as part of a team, collaborating with educators, administrators, and families to support students’ mental health and well-being.
• Ethics and Legal Issues – Addressing the ethical standards and legal responsibilities of school psychologists, including confidentiality, reporting requirements, and school policies.

Key Areas of Study:

1. Psychological Assessment and Testing – Learning how to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to assess cognitive abilities, academic skills, and emotional well-being.
2. Intervention and Counseling Techniques – Developing therapeutic techniques to address student behavior, social skills, and emotional regulation through individual and group counseling.
3. Child and Adolescent Development – Understanding the developmental stages of children and adolescents and how to apply this knowledge in educational settings.
4. Behavioral and Emotional Disorders – Learning to identify and address common behavioral and emotional disorders in school-age children, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder.
5. School Consultation and Collaboration – Training in how to work collaboratively with teachers, school administrators, and parents to create a supportive and effective learning environment.
6. Legal and Ethical Considerations – Understanding the ethical and legal issues surrounding school psychology, including student confidentiality, reporting obligations, and the role of school psychologists within the school system.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the M.S. in School Psychology program are prepared to work in a range of roles within the educational system, including:

• School Psychologist – Working directly with students to assess their academic, behavioral, and emotional needs and provide counseling and intervention.
• Crisis Intervention Specialist – Responding to critical incidents such as bullying, trauma, or mental health crises, providing support to students and school staff.
• Educational Consultant – Advising schools on best practices in mental health, behavior management, and educational strategies.
• Learning Specialist – Assisting students with learning disabilities by providing tailored academic support and intervention.
• Behavioral Therapist – Working with students with behavioral issues to develop and implement individualized behavior management plans.
• School Administrator or Coordinator – Working in leadership positions to develop and oversee school-wide programs related to student well-being, mental health, and academic achievement.
• Researcher or Academic Instructor – Conducting research or teaching at the collegiate level on topics related to school psychology and educational practices.