Prospective Students & Application Process
Program Admissions
Summer Break: The School Psychology Program will be on summer break starting May 20th through August 19th (first day of fall 2025 semester). Faculty are not available in the summer. Please be patient with emails or contact our Credentials Office for questions: credentials@csueastbay.edu.
Admission decisions for Fall 2025 have been finalized. All admitted students have been notified. We have concluded the Information Sessions for this academic year.
*Due to limited staffing, we do not offer individual meetings with prospective students. Please attend a virtual information session for Q&A and explore our website.
Information for Prospective Students
The following are Program Application Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- (via Cal State Apply with nonrefundable $70 fee by the deadline)
- (submit after completing the Cal State Apply application and by the deadline). Attach your resume, statement of purpose, and copies of transcripts to the Department Application.
- Prerequisites: Five (5) prerequisites are required as part of the application. These courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or better prior to starting the program in the fall semester (if admitted). Prerequisites are intended to provide a foundational understanding and readiness for graduate coursework and field experiences.
- Theories of Learning Behavioral or Cognitive Psychology or Conditioning and Learning or Applied Behavior Analysis
- Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human, child, or Adolescent Development
- Psychological Tests OR Research Design
*Prior to submitting your Department Application, you can send your unofficial transcripts with posted grades to the Program Coordinator, Dr. Tran (oanh.tran@csueastbay.edu) for review and verification of your prerequisites. Be sure to submit ALL your transcripts together, as only one letter/review will be provided per academic year.
- Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) – As of , a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education can serve as demonstration of basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Official Transcripts: You are required to submit 2 sets of transcripts, from all undergraduate work to CSUEB. 1) Official transcripts are submitted to the University Admissions Department (see How to Submit Documents) and 2) Unofficial transcripts are submitted with the Department Application.
- Applicants with international transcripts with a foreign degree must provide an official evaluation of that coursework by (WES).
- Statement of Purpose:This is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you. Describe your professional goals. We are interested in knowing how you developed these goals and how you assess your strengths and weaknesses relative to achieving these goals. Be sure to discuss the program related questions in your statement of purpose. Do not use a generic statement of purpose.
The following are the statement of purpose questions for the School Psychology program application:
1) What brought you to the field of School Psychology?
2) What is the role of a School Psychologist and why do you want to be one?
3) How have you learned about what School Psychologists do?
4) How would you apply your knowledge to the profession?
5) What strengths will help you be a good School Psychologist and what challenges will you work on to reach your goals?
- Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters are required for the Department Application. Request letters from professional individuals who can speak on your academic performance and professional skills and abilities. At least one letter should be from a faculty/professor/instructor who can speak to your academic abilities since you are applying to an academic role.
- Resume: The resume is required and include your educational background and professional qualifications and experiences (about 2 pages, include the most relevant information as it relates to counseling and graduate level work).
- School-based experience/volunteer/community work with children and youth: Applicants will be committing to future work as a school psychologist in schools and communities with children and youth; therefore, some work experience or volunteer experience is important to help applicants better understand the interactions with this population (e.g., summer camp, afterschool program, paraprofessional, behavioral support, tutoring).
- Shadow/interview multiple school psychologists: It is strongly recommended for applicants to contact their local district to interview/shadow 2-3 school psychologists to better learn the role. This information will be discussed in the statement of purpose and interview.
- Attend an Information Session: Attend a virtual information session to learn more about the program and application process; meet faculty and ask questions; hear questions from other applicants; receive tips on the application.
- Do your homework/explore professional websites: Learn more about the profession by exploring the National Association of School Psychologists () and California Association of School Psychologists () websites. Learn more about our program by exploring the CSUEB School Psychology website. Demonstrate your preparedness for graduate level work. Program and student fit are reciprocal.
Both University and Department applications are required in order to be considered. ALL application requirements must be submitted by the deadline in which you would like your application reviewed.
Applicants must complete the following or equivalent prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better prior to starting the fall semester:
- Theories of Learning Behavioral or Cognitive Psychology or Conditioning and Learning or Applied Behavior Analysis
- Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human, child, or Adolescent Development
- Psychological Tests OR Research Design
Applicants who still need to take prerequisites should have a detailed plan for completion and noted on the department application. All prerequisites need to be completed prior to fall admissions; these courses cannot be taken concurrently while in the program.
Please refer to the to determine if your past courses and/or courses from other institutions fulfill these requirements. This is not an exhaustive list; these are only examples.
If your institution or course is not listed in the prerequisite course list, please contact the School Psychology Program Coordinator: Dr. Oanh Tran, oanh.tran@csueastbay.edu. Provide the course title, course description, course number, institution, and ALL unofficial transcripts.
You can also contact the program coordinator to inquire about prerequisites and equivalencies from your transcripts, and obtain a verification letter of prerequisite course approval. You can include this letter with the department application. This prior transcript review can help expedite the application review process.
Prerequisite courses can be taken at any accredited college, university, or online program. It is the applicant's responsibility to research where prerequisites can be taken. If interested, CSUEB can be an option through the Psychology or Human Development Department. Contact them directly or look at the student registration information.
IMPORTANT:
To be accepted, the prerequisite course must have been completed within the last 10 years (date of admissions) to meet our recency requirement.
Application Review: The program is rolling admissions and therefore has three rounds of application reviews. The completed application and accompanying materials will be reviewed by the admissions committee after the application deadline at each round. If your application was not selected in the first round, your application will be moved to the next round of reviews. Applicants will be notified by email if your application was selected for the next step, interview with faculty.
Interview: Applicants selected for an interview will be notified by email with an interview time and zoom link. The interview is an hour long with two faculty members. Only selected applicants will be invited for a virtual interview with faculty.
Notification: Admitted applicants will be notified by email with an admissions offer. If your application was not selected for an interview or admissions, you will receive a denial email in early April.
Admitted Students: Candidates will receive an admissions packet via email with documents to review and sign to finalize their admission with the department. In addition, candidates are invited to attend a required Welcome Incoming Student orientation to meet the cohort, current students, and to receive information about the course schedule and other program orientations.
ACCEPTANCE TO THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAM IS ONLY MADE AFTER A REVIEW OF THE REQUIRED ADMISSIONS MATERIALS. AN APPLICATION TO OUR PROGRAM IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC ADMISSION.
CSUEB School Psychology program is renowned for several reasons:
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Comprehensive Curriculum with Cohort Model: The program offers a well-rounded curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring students are successful within the cohort and are well-prepared for their careers.
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Accreditation: CSUEB's School Psychology program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), which assures the quality and rigor of the program.
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Experienced Faculty: The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers who are dedicated to providing high-quality education and mentorship to students.
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Field Experience: The program emphasizes extensive fieldwork and practicum opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings under the supervision of licensed school psychologists and clinicians.
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Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion: CSUEB is known for its commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion, creating an enriching learning environment that prepares students to be advocates and work effectively in diverse communities.
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Student Support: The program offers strong support services, including advising, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities with alumni and professionals in the field.
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Community Engagement: CSUEB fosters strong connections with local schools and community organizations, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage with and contribute to the community.
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Research Opportunities: Students have access to various research opportunities, allowing them to contribute to the field of school psychology and stay updated with the latest developments and best practices.
- 3 in 1 Model for Career Opportunities: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn a Master's in Counseling Psychology, a PPS School Credential, and coursework and hours toward the Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) Intern License with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
- Graduates are eligible to apply to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists through NASP.
Overall, the CSUEB School Psychology program's combination of rigorous academic training, practical experience, and supportive learning environment makes us unique and offers graduates the skills and tools for success.
Our program is unique in that it is a 3:1 program. Our candidates graduate with: 1) a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, 2) a Credential in School Psychology, and 3) Coursework Training toward the Marriage and Family Therapy license. We also emphasize the importance of social justice work in our service to schools and the community. Our courses and training incorporate diversity and equitable practices for our candidates and the populations we serve. School Psychology candidates will achieve significant milestones each year in the program, and we celebrate these milestones as steps toward their professional and academic goals.
Full-Time Enrollment ONLY: The program requires full-time enrollment in a 3-year course of study. Part-time enrollment is not allowed. Students take all required classes in a sequential order and participate in practicum/fieldwork and the Community Counseling Clinic (CCC) within the Department of Educational Psychology. This program is primarily in-person, with a few classes that meet online synchronously. Classes start as early as 9:30am and can go into the evening until 8pm. On days when students are not in classes, they are engaged in fieldwork/practicum and the Community Counseling Clinic. *This program is not recommended for working professionals due to the time commitment required.
Coursework prepares candidates to be competent school psychologists, practitioners, and mental health providers in various settings.
1 Based on 2024-2025 resident tuition and fees for full-time enrollment of 6 or more units for two semesters. Other expenses may vary. Amounts are subject to change without advance notice.
2 In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990, CSU 糖心Vlogy provides the typical market costs of a one bedroom apartment in Hayward area. The room and Board expenses included in the off-campus cost of attendance represent the typical costs students pay when enrolled a CSU 糖心Vlogy. Actual costs of room and board will vary, including on campus room and board depending on dorm and meal plan options. Many students living off-campus have roommates, which decreases their housing costs.
Non-resident Students (U.S. and Foreign)
(in addition to basic tuition and system wide fees charged all students) for all campuses. The total nonresident tuition paid per term will be determined by the number of units taken.
Many of our students are funded through finanical aid. Please refer to CSUEB Financial Aid website for scholarships and grants.
We have a one-time small scholarship called the Joshua Alper Impact and Equity Scholarship. This is awarded to program students after the first semester demonstrating satisfactory progress and committment to social justice and equity work.
The awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential. We are happy to announce that our School Psychology Program is included in the list of approved programs, making this opportunity available to our students.
School psychology is a specialized field within psychology that focuses on the educational and psychological well-being of students in PK-12 educational settings. School psychologists work to support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach by addressing the various psychological, behavioral, social, and academic issues that can affect a student's educational experience. Here are some key aspects of school psychology:
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Assessment and Evaluation: School psychologists conduct assessments to identify students' academic strengths and weaknesses, cognitive abilities, emotional and behavioral functioning, and social skills. They use these assessments to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and interventions.
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Intervention: They provide direct interventions, such as counseling, social skills training, and crisis intervention, to help students overcome challenges. They also work with teachers and parents to implement strategies that support students' learning and mental health.
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Consultation: School psychologists collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to develop effective strategies for managing classroom behavior, improving instructional methods, and creating safe and supportive learning environments.
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Prevention: They develop and implement programs to prevent bullying, substance abuse, and other issues, and promote mental health and wellness among students.
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Research and Program Development: School psychologists conduct research to identify effective educational practices and develop programs that address the needs of students, schools, and communities.
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Advocacy: They advocate for students' needs and rights within the school system and work to ensure that all students receive appropriate support and services.
Overall, school psychologists play a crucial role in promoting the academic, social, and emotional success of students, helping to create positive and productive learning environments.
The state and national recognition status of the school psychology program that students attend
may well have an impact on state and national credentials that they qualify for upon graduation.
If a school psychology program is approved in the state in which it is located, students are likely
be able to practice in the public schools of that state upon completing the program. But if
individuals want to be credentialed in other states, or to attain national certification, it is
important that they attend a nationally accredited program. Such status indicates that external
experts have reviewed the program using national standards and suggests that the program
provides quality preparation.
The graduates of programs that are recognized by NASP can be credentialed to work in the
schools in the majority of states (many of which either use NASP reviews to determine which
programs are state-approved or use NASP standards for their own state reviews). Additionally,
pending the passing of a national exam and documentation of an internship consistent with
NASP standards, the graduates of NASP-approved programs qualify for the Nationally Certified
School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. The graduates of programs that are not NASP-approved
may also apply for the NCSP, but they must submit considerably more documentation regarding
their preparation and are less assured of qualifying for the credential. (NASP)
Differences in our Master’s Level and Specialist Level
For more information on differences: see .
Our Master's level training program is similar to an Ed.S. in School Psychology, featuring core training in school psychology and a full-time internship supervised by qualified and credentialed school psychologists at field sites. However, we require more units and an intensive program than typical Master's and Ed.S. programs due to our multidisciplinary training in counseling and marriage and family therapy.
Prerequisites are considered foundational and preparatory courses for graduate-level work. Applicants must complete the following five courses or their equivalent with a grade of B or better prior to starting the fall semester:
- Theories of Learning Behavioral or Cognitive Psychology or Conditioning and Learning or Applied Behavior Analysis
- Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human, child, or Adolescent Development
- Psychological Tests OR Research Design
Please refer to the Prerequisite Equivalency Course List to determine if your past courses and/or courses from other institutions fulfill these requirements. This is not an exhaustive list; these are only examples.
If your institution or course is not listed, please contact the Program Coordinator for School Psychology: Dr. Oanh Tran - Email: oanh.tran@csueastbay.edu. Include a copy of the unofficial transcript, course description, course number, institution, and date completed.
2. Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is