Master of Arts in Education: School Psychology
Help children thrive in and out of the classroom with a school psychology degree.
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Learn to Empower Student Well-Being
Gain the skills to support the mental health of K-12 students when you earn a Master of Arts in Education in School Psychology from Concordia University Irvine. The online and on-campus coursework focuses on the skills you need to work as a school psychologist in diverse school settings, teaching you how to coordinate appropriate interventions and conduct evaluations for students of concern and/or students with disabilities. You’ll also engage in concurrent fieldwork to give you vital, hands-on experience at school.
As a servant leader, you’ll devote your time and talents to the well-being of students while also collaborating with teachers, families, and school administrators. This cohort-based program is offered both in person and online, giving you the flexibility you need to prepare for a rewarding career in the high-demand field of school psychology. A combination of coursework and fieldwork, our specialist-level degree program gives you the option to add on the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, which is required to serve as a school psychologist in California.
Online
Study fully online where it’s convenient for you.
60 units
Complete your program in 32 months.
$710/Unit
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
“What I enjoyed most about the MAEd program at Concordia was how the instructors invested their time and expertise in effectively making classroom time transfer to the real world.”
Desiree Alexander
School Counseling
Getting Started
To earn an MAEd in School Psychology with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, you must complete 14 courses (60 units) and 1,200 hours of field experience. This school-based practicum requires 12-15 hours per week, which you’ll do concurrently with your coursework. Before you complete the program, you’ll need to take the National School Psychology Examination (Praxis). Once you receive your Pupil Personnel Services Credential, you’ll be authorized to work as a school psychologist in California. By the end of the program, you’ll also have a portfolio of work to help you advance in your career.
The program is offered fully online. Each term, cohorts will complete one course every eight weeks. If you choose the blended option, you’ll meet on our Irvine campus. Online students will attend synchronously. These classes take place once a week, every other week, from 6-7:30 p.m. The other four weeks of the term (weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8), you’ll work online asynchronously. Through an online learning management system, you’ll actively engage with other students by participating in online discussions and collaborating on group activities.
Next Start
August 24, 2026
Upcoming Starts
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Fall 2 2026 October 19, 2026
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Spring 1 2027 January 11, 2027
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Spring 2 2027 March 8, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- EDP501 – Foundations in School Psychology
- EDP503 – Child Development and Learning
- EDP505 – Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
- EDP507 – Measurement, Data, and Interpretation
- EDP509 – Diverse Populations
- EDP510 – Academic Interventions
- EDP512 – Collaborative Consultation
- EDP518 – Behavioral Interventions
- EDP521 – Mental Health Interventions
- EDP523 – Crisis Response and Intervention
- EDP528 – Program Evaluation
- EDP571 – Psychoeducational Assessment I
- EDP572 – Psychoeducational Assessment II
- EDP573 – Psychoeducational Assessment III
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
By the end of the program, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to pass the National School Psychology Examination (Praxis) 5403 exam.
Upon completion of the master in school psychology program, you’ll be able to:
- Design services that promote academic skill development, resilience, and positive behavior.
- Use assessment methods for identifying strengths and needs; developing effective interventions, services, and programs; and measuring progress and outcomes within a multitiered system of supports.
- Provide services consistent with ethical, legal, and professional standards, and engage in responsive ethical and professional decision-making.
- Understand principles related to social-emotional well-being and self-care, and apply professional work characteristics needed for effective practice as school psychologists.
- Promote services that enhance learning, mental and behavioral health, and psychological and physical safety.
- Research, plan, and implement comprehensive school counseling programs that focus on student outcomes.
- Demonstrate legal, ethical, and professional knowledge and skills in pre-K-12 school settings.
- Promote ethical and culturally competent school counseling practices in pre-K-12 schools.
- Implement an impartial and balanced approach to deliver counseling services and crisis interventions within diverse school settings.
- Identify effective strategies for lifelong learning in a global and digital world, including shaping a personal learning network to support continuous professional growth in school counseling.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Lutheran Educator Discount
For applicants currently serving as a teacher or administrator in a Lutheran school, Concordia offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue a degree through Concordia University Irvine’s School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to submit a signed letter from their school administrator verifying employment along with all application materials.*
CUI Alumni Loyalty Discount
For applicants who have earned a degree from Concordia University Irvine, the university offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue an additional degree or program through our School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to inform the Admissions Office of your eligibility when applying for admissions.*
*Students receiving Concordia Faculty/Staff Waiver, Graduate Assistants, and Scholarship Athletes cannot combine with tuition discounts.
Admission Requirements
View the Graduate Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Information Sessions
Attend and Information Session online to learn more about our program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
Career Outcomes
In general, the job outlook for psychologists looks excellent, with 7% growth projected between 2023 and 2033 – faster than the average of all other occupations.1 School psychologists typically need a master’s degree for the role.1
In 2023, 24% of all psychologists worked in schools, second only to self-employment.1 And as mental health awareness increases, employment should continue to grow to help students whose behavioral, developmental, or educational issues impact their ability to learn.1
MAED/MAEL Program Handbook
The Program Handbook provides you with certain graduate degree program descriptions and requirements needed to earn a MAED/MAEL degree.
Networking Opportunities
As a graduate student at Concordia, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of over 25,000 alumni and over 3,500 peers, fostering meaningful connections that support both personal and professional growth. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping you discover and develop your callings through mentorship and collaboration.
Located in Irvine — home to more than 900 tech companies and a hub for innovation — students benefit from proximity to leading industries in life sciences and information technology. One-third of all Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Irvine, offering abundant opportunities for internships, mentorships, and career advancement.
Irvine’s strategic position in Southern California provides access to a dynamic business ecosystem, making it an ideal place to build your professional network. Whether you’re attending on-campus events or engaging with our online community, Concordia offers the resources and support to help you thrive in your various vocations.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Sandra Mercier
Director, MAEd Learning, Design, and Technology & Curriculum & Instruction
FAQs
What is the best degree for a school psychologist?
To prepare to become a school psychologist, earning a degree with a curriculum that best matches the role should be your top choice. You’ll most likely need a master’s to be considered for the role. At Concordia, the Master of Arts in Education: School Psychology sets you up with the education and credentials you need to enter the field.
How do I become a school psychologist in California?
California has specific requirements that must be met before you can become a psychologist in a school. You must satisfy all the following requirements, according to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing2 (CCTC):
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Complete master’s degree specializing in school psychology, including a practicum with school-aged children.
- Meet the basic skills requirement.
- Get the recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school psychology.
- Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process.
Are school psychologists in demand in California?
Yes, there’s a shortage of school psychologists in California. As more mental health disorders and challenges children face are understood and diagnosed, the need increases for school psychologists.
In 2023-24, the National Association of School Psychologists recommended one school psychologist for every 500-750 students. In California, however, the average is closer to one for every 1,000 — or, in some cases, one for every 3,000 students.3
How many school psychologists are there in California?
In 2023, there were 11,150 school psychologists in California.1 The Golden State has more school psychologists than any other state, with New York employing just over 7,000 people in the roles.1 Concordia’s school psychology program positions you to become a school psychologist in California.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (viewed Nov. 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193034.htm (viewed Nov. 19, 2024)
2California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Pupil Personnel Services Credential For Individuals Prepared In California (CL-606C), on the internet, at:
- https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/Pupil-Personnel-Credential-In-California-(CL-606C) (viewed Nov. 19, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.