PPS Credential in California Overview
When it comes to education, it really does take a village. Your students each face unique challenges and benefit from personalized attention from a variety of caring professionals. With understaffed schools and overwhelmed teachers, school psychologists are needed more than ever. In the pupil personnel services (PPS) credential in school psychology, you’ll fill a vital role in child welfare and acting as guiding light for those you serve throughout their school years, and the difference you make will be lasting.
With this school psychology program, 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 virtual psychoeducational assessments will become more valuable than ever before. Whether you aim to be a school counselor or an education specialist, leverage your career with field experience and a school psychology credential. Faculty in the educational psychology program are made up of counselors and working professionals, eager to share their real-world experiences, challenges, and successes in the field, and all committed to social justice, social science, diversity, and giving back to their communities.
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.
CTC-Approved Curriculum
Our school psychology program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), one of the highest standards in the country and the world.
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 ensure you 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
Faculty
Get to Know Our Diverse 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 clinical psychology is crucial in managing bullying, designing crisis interventions, and establishing proactive programs to foster a safe and positive school climate.
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
Working as a school psychologist can be emotionally demanding. 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.
Pre-Professional Experiences
Practicums and internships are integral to the training of school psychologists. It provides hands-on learning opportunities that allow them to observe and participate in real-world scenarios with the help of experienced professionals. These experiences are not just about gaining knowledge; they're also about applying it in practical, impactful ways.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of job can I expect to get with this certification?
Graduates of the PPS credential in school psychology degree program will be prepared to pursue a career as a school psychologist or educational psychologist at the elementary-, middle-, or high-school level. As a student with a background in teacher education and a successful completion of this graduate program, you may also pursue a career as a psychologist that specializes in educationally related mental health support or behavioral support.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
When does the PPS in School Psychology Credential program start?
The program starts in January and August and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our academic calendar here.
I already have a master’s degree; can I just complete the PPS credential?
You may qualify for the PPS-only option if you already hold a master’s degree in a related field (counseling, MFT, counseling psychology, special education, etc.). We ask you to fill out a transfer credit evaluation form and submit a copy of your master's degree transcripts to determine if you qualify.
Can I work full-time and complete the program?
Since some practicum hours are required during the program, it is recommended that students limit work to no more than 35 hours per week. Scheduling flexibility is also recommended so that students may complete some of their required practicum hours during typical K-12 school hours.
How long does it take to complete the online school psychologist credential program?
The PPS Credential in School Psychology degree is a 60-credit program and takes a minimum of three years to complete, over 13 terms.
What is the modality of this program?
All coursework for the program can be completed online. All classes and coursework are asynchronous. The field work must be completed in person at a school site.
"This is a profession in which you can really change the hearts and minds of many and make a difference. There are many opportunities to be able to transform systems and provide support in more ways that increase your impact in the lives of your students."
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSOE
CSOE offers a variety of degrees, certificates, and credentials in education that prepare you to make a lasting difference through teaching, counseling, leadership, advocacy, administration, management, and community work. Whether you’re looking for an online degree program or an in-person learning experience for your higher education, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
