School Psychology, Ed.S.

Preparing tomorrow’s school psychologists to meet the diverse academic, mental, social, and emotional needs of today’s students.

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The School Psychology program will prepare you for an impactful, fulfilling career playing a crucial role in the academic, social, and emotional development of students facing such challenges as learning disabilities, autism, behavioral issues, and emotional distress.

Empowering You to Excel in Your Chosen Profession

The program’s distinctive focus on diversity and social justice means you’ll be uniquely prepared to advocate for and implement equitable practices designed to create safer and more supportive learning environments.

You’ll find graduates of the School Psychology thriving and bringing positive change to the lives of their students in schools and districts throughout our region, including:

  • Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
  • Salinas City Elementary School District
  • Sweetwater Union High School District
  • Santa Rita Elementary School District
  • North Monterey County Unified School District
  • Alisal Union School District

As a student in the program you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and training to embark on your career as a school psychologist supporting K-12 students' academic, social, and emotional well-being within the school environment.

Many students who have successfully completed the EdS program have decided to pursue other advanced degrees, and have been accepted at such acclaimed institutions as Arizona State University, UNLV, and the University of Oregon.

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Public University Price, Private University Experience

A Lifetime of Value

School Psychology, Ed.S.

The School Psychology program is NASP approved and will instill in you competencies in all 10 NASP domains, as well as all CTC standards, covering a wide range of competencies including data-based decision-making, consultation, academic and social-emotional interventions, and family-school collaboration. 

 

Educational Objectives

Our focus on multilingual learners and migrant youth will deepen your learning experience and equip you with a broader perspective on how to effectively implement equitable practices within schools and districts.

Our NASP accreditation ensures that you’re entrusting your education and future career in a school and program that has achieved the highest standards of excellence as mandated by the National Association of School Psychologists. 

Our emphasis on the development of practical, hands-on skills means you’ll gain field experience beginning in the first year, as well as a 450-hour practicum in the second year and a 1,200-hour internship in the third year. 

Our Clinic for Educational Supports will enrich your preparation and training even further, providing affordable psychoeducational assessment and speech language services to local families with whom you’ll work to sharpen your skills.

Culminating Experience Requirements

Passage of the NCSP exam is required to complete the MS in School Psychology Program.

In addition to passing the NCSP exam, candidates must also complete the Internship Portfolio.

The School Psychology Internship Portfolio is used as a formative evaluation tool throughout the candidate’s enrollment in the school psychology training program. At the conclusion of the internship, it is used as a summative evaluation. During the internship year, a Behavior Intervention Case Study, and Academic Intervention Case Study, and a Psycho-educational Evaluation must be submitted by all interns and evaluated using criteria. It will also include an updated resume and the final School Psychology Internship Evaluation Form.

For more information, contact the Department of Education & Leadership at 831-582-3639.

All School Psychology students must complete the following courses:

ED 510 - Providing Behavior Supports in the Classroom Units: 3

Faculty & Staff

Our faculty members pride themselves on the extensive individual advising, mentoring, and guidance they provide students, as well as an abundance of research opportunities that often include presentations at regional and national conferences.

Cathi Draper Rodriguez

Cathi Draper Rodriguez

Special Consultant

Cathi Draper Rodriguez

Cathi Draper Rodriguez

Professor

Tara Kulkarni

Tara Kulkarni

Assistant Professor

Jillian Talley

Jillian Talley

Assistant Professor

Jillian Talley

Jillian Talley

Special Consultant

Darlene Moitoso

Darlene Moitoso

Administrative Support Coordinator

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the School Psychology program.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Apply Now