Credential in Pupil Personnel Services, School Psychology

PPS Credential in California Overview

When it comes to education, it really does take a village. Schools today face increasing demands, with teachers balancing large classes and diverse student needs. The Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology prepares you to address students’ academic and social challenges while supporting child welfare and overall development throughout their school years. In the pupil personnel services (PPS) credential, you'll study counseling theory, assessment, and intervention, including training in psychoeducational evaluations. You’ll build the expertise through structured coursework, practicum, and field experience. 

You'll learn from professors who've been leaders in online education, and as we move forward in the digital world, your knowledge in counseling theory and skills in performing psychoeducational assessments will become more valuable than ever before. Whether you aim to be a school psychologist or an education specialist, leverage your career with field experience and a school psychology credential. The faculty in the educational psychology program are school psychologists and working professionals who bring current insights into the classroom. Their commitment social justice, social science, diversity ensures that your preparation goes beyond theory. It grounds you in real-world practice and equips you to make a lasting difference in California’s schools.
 

Program Highlights

There are three types of PPS Credentials: PPS in School Counseling, PPS in School Social Work, and PPS in School Psychology. This program description is specifically a PPS Credential in School Psychology. Prospective school psychologists can gain the specialized knowledge and skills needed to meet educational requirements and excel in the field of behavioral sciences.

CTC-Approved Curriculum

Our school psychology courses are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). It is aligned with professional standards outlined by the Education Department.

Hands-on Faculty

Faculty are professionals working in the field, with lived experience in school counseling and other related areas of expertise. Small class sizes allow each candidate to get focused and individualized attention.

Strong Partnerships

Our strong relationships in the education community provide opportunities for you to network, build relationships, and create prospects for your educational psychology career and professional development as a licensed educational psychologist.

Admissions

Learn About Admissions Requirements

Admissions

Faculty

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Faculty

Pupil Personnel Services Credential Information

The Broad Scope of Duties of School Psychologists

Mental Health Advocates

An educational specialist in the field of school psychology plays an important role in addressing the mental health challenges of students. They help students cope with issues like anxiety, depression, and school pressure and school violence. These professionals, often with advanced degrees in clinical psychology programs, are not just evaluators but are also counselors who provide the needed support in this aspect of student life.

Collaborators for Positive Change

In their collaborative role, a licensed specialist in school psychology works closely with teachers, families, and school administrators. They develop and implement strategies to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment. Their expertise in psychology is crucial in managing bullying, designing crisis interventions, and establishing proactive programs to foster a safe and positive school climate.  The program offers a pathway that could work well for individuals with a psychology major or related background who are pursuing the school psychologist profession.

Your School Psychology Educator Certification Starts at Alliant

Communication and Understanding Development

Effective communication and a deep understanding of child and adolescent development are required skills for school psychologists. Our psychology programs emphasize developing these skills for graduates to be adept at working with diverse student populations and effectively convey complex concepts to students, parents, and educators.

Emotional Resilience and Empathy

Our online school psychology program's curriculum and school setting are designed to build the emotional resilience and empathy for graduates to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. This balance of emotional intelligence and professional expertise is what sets our graduates apart in the field of school psychology.

Coursework and Training

Practicums and internships are integral to the training of school psychologists. Training provides hands-on learning opportunities that allow them to observe and participate in real-world scenarios with the help of experienced professionals. It allows candidates to work in public schools, apply counseling and assessment strategies and gain practical expertise.

State-Specific Licensure Requirements

Licensure requirements for school psychologists vary by state. Understanding these requirements and any continuing education, if needed, is crucial for practicing in your chosen location. Alliant equips students with the knowledge, skills, and guidance on navigating these requirements so our graduates are well-prepared to meet state-specific licensure criteria.
 

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet