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Overview

Never more complex, today’s classrooms encompass a wide spectrum of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and learning abilities. The need has risen dramatically for invested educational psychologists qualified to guide students through the challenging issues facing them today. The most effective in these positions demonstrate insightful skills beyond basic training, and dedication to serving all students, empowering them to succeed as lifelong learners.

Azusa Pacific University’s embedded program pairs the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Psychology with the Pupil Personnel Services Credential: School Psychology, which equips candidates with the ability to receive career advancement opportunities and gives them a highly marketable specialty. Earning both the degree and the credential from a Christian perspective, APU graduates are distinguished from their counterparts by their caring, compassionate approach, strong background, and high ethical standards. With a solid background in this area, candidates are able to assess students of all cultures, social levels, and learning abilities more effectively.

Benefits and Distinctives

APU's Master of Arts in Education: Educational Psychology and embedded Pupil Personnel Services Credential: School Psychology Program:
  • Combines the master's degree with the credential program requirements, equipping students for career advancement.
  • Renders the graduate highly marketable and competitively qualified to serve as a professional school counselor in a public school setting.
  • Offers an efficient path toward the dual goal of meeting state requirements and earning a prestigious advanced degree from a reputable university.

Learn more about the program and our faculty.

School of Education Accreditation

Azusa Pacific University receives accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, the School of Education receives accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), making APU one of only three private schools in California with this distinction. Further, our credential programs are accredited by California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). These notable accreditations set APU graduates apart from other candidates and ensure your degree will be recognized throughout the United States and internationally.

University Reputation

Azusa Pacific University held its place for the second year in the most prestigious category of the U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2009, ranking in the third tier of the national category. Additionally, for the first time, APU ranked ninth among the best up-and-coming national universities. Previously, APU was ranked in the top 25 schools within the Western Universities-Master’s category, enjoying prominent placement and recognition for outstanding first-year and service-learning programs.

According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine, APU ranked number 6 in the nation in awarding the most master’s degrees to Hispanics. In addition, The Princeton Review included APU as 1 of 120 colleges in the 2009 Best in the West category.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. To view 2010-11 program information, please refer to the Academic Catalogs page. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.