About the Program
Mission Statement
The Department of School Counseling and School Psychology offers adult learners academic and practical preparation for careers in school counseling and school psychology. The department provides coursework and supervises field work leading to the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Counseling and the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Psychology. In addition, the department offers a credential-only program for those who hold a master’s degree and seek certification in school counseling or school psychology.
Program Details
While the state-required credential for school psychologists is sufficient to secure employment, those with an accompanying master's degree enjoy an undeniable advantage. Recognizing this, APU has embedded all the requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential: School Psychology within the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Psychology Program for those candidates seeking a convenient, efficient track toward their ultimate education goals. The combination, along with the program's nationally recognized, NASP accreditation, significantly increases graduates' marketability by equipping them with a more comprehensive approach to students of varied cultures, social levels, and learning abilities.
Concurrent Learning
Azusa Pacific University recognizes the need to provide quality academic programs for graduate students with divergent professional goals and differing educational needs. The degree and credential programs are designed for a limited number of individuals eager to pursue a Master of Arts and a credential program concurrently. These embedded degree/credential programs are conditional and faculty advisement is required prior to enrollment in the program.
Career Path
With a solid understanding of the issues and pressures facing pupils today, candidates with this embedded degree and credential are well equipped to serve as school psychologists in a public school setting and communicate with pupils of all cultures, socioeconomic levels, and learning abilities.
Our Students
This program consists of a diverse representation of gender and national origin. Approximately 50 percent are teachers with at least 10 years experience. Twenty-five percent come from the field of professional psychology, while 25 percent enter the program directly following their undergraduate work.
