Fresno Pacific University

Programme overview

This dual program leads to a Master of Arts and prepares candidates for California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credentials in both school psychology and school counseling. The curriculum integrates academic coursework and applied field experience, culminating in a year-long, 1,200-hour school psychology internship while students continue master’s-level classes. Course sequencing is set by the program director; the program requires 90 units plus three prerequisites (prerequisites waived for some psychology bachelor’s degrees from FPU, UC or CSU). Instruction is delivered in small classes and courses are offered fully online, with field placements available across California’s Central Valley and select Central Coast sites.

What you'll study

• Foundational and sequential coursework in school psychology and school counseling designed to prepare students for fieldwork and internships.
• Applied skills in assessment and intervention, and the development and implementation of comprehensive guidance and counseling programs.
• A supervised 1,200-hour school psychology internship in the third year alongside remaining master’s-level courses.
• Requirement to obtain two separate liability insurance policies (school counseling and school psychology) prior to accumulating field or site-based hours; counseling insurance through the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is specified.
• Up to 9 graduate credits may be transferred into the school psychology portion if judged equivalent by the School Psychology Program Director.

Entry requirements

• Completed application and official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; current transcript acceptable if degree in progress (final transcript required before enrollment).
• Two reference forms addressing professional and academic readiness for graduate study.
• Statement of intent.
• If cumulative undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Program-level requirements prior to recommendation for credentials include a master’s degree in school psychology/school counseling or related area, a passing score of 155 on the NASP PRAXIS exam (which serves as the program comprehensive exam), and successful completion of a Program Exit Oral Examination and Portfolio Review. If PRAXIS is failed twice, PPP 787 Praxis Tutorial (1 credit) must be completed.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to apply for California PPS credentials in school psychology and school counseling and are described as marketable to K–12 districts. The dual credential broadens employment options for serving students’ academic, career, social-emotional, mental health, and behavioral needs, particularly in districts seeking professionals able to work in rural or underserved schools.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page notes cost and financial aid information is available; prospective applicants should consult Fresno Pacific University’s financial aid office and the program admissions materials for funding options, assistantships, and scholarship opportunities applicable to graduate education students.