The Master of Arts in Psychology has two options.
The option in psychological science. This program prepares students for doctoral work in psychology and/or for teaching at the community college level. Content course work is broad and encompasses major areas of academic psychology. Graduate content courses and seminars include human development, human learning, advanced general psychology, and contemporary issues. Methodology courses are required in psychometrics, research methods, and advanced statistics.
A broad psychology background is the preparation most desired by doctoral programs. A broad psychology background is also the best preparation for teaching a variety of academic courses at the community college level. Research experience is emphasized in the research assistantship and in the required thesis or empirical research manuscript. Students acquire research experience with a selected faculty member, becoming part of their ongoing research activities. Teaching experience, including supervised teaching in the classroom, is invaluable for a teaching career, and most doctoral programs expect students to serve as teaching assistants.
The research emphases and teaching interests of the faculty are diverse, encompassing both experimental and nonexperimental orientations, and representing areas such as biopsychology, cognition and learning, developmental, cross-cultural, perception, and social and personality psychology.
The option in applied psychology. School psychologists work with parents, teachers, and other professionals to promote the healthy development of children by enhancing the quality of their educational experiences. They also, on occasion, provide direct services to children. School psychologists participate in professional training across ten domains of practice identified in the National Association of School Psychologist Practice Model (NASP; 2020). They also complete a year-long practicum experience as well as an internship year.
The NASP domains of practice are:
- Data based decision making
- Consultation and collaboration
- Academic interventions and instructional supports
- Mental and behavioral health services and interventions
- School-wide practices to promote learning
- Services to promote safe and supportive schools
- Family, school and community collaboration
- Equitable practices for diverse student populations
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Legal, ethical, and professional practice
In a typical day, a school psychologist might consult with teachers or parents about students, plan academic or behavioral interventions for students, make a presentation in a classroom about social or study skills, meet with children for small group counseling, or meet with children individually for counseling or psychoeducational assessment.
Graduate-level work in school psychology has a long and distinguished history at California State University, Chico. The program was founded by Dr. Hugh M. Bell, and it was the first graduate program offered by the Department of Psychology. Our program is accredited by both the state of California and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Currently, the school psychology faculty consists of two full-time professors who are school psychologists as well as other full-time professors in the psychology department. Part-time instructors who work in local schools also teach some classes.
Students who graduate from our program complete three years of study to earn the Master of Arts in Psychology, Option in Applied Psychology/School Psychology as well as eligibility for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Psychology Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Both the master’s degree and the PPS credential are required to practice as a school psychologist in California.
In addition, students who graduate from our program meet NASP coursework requirements to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP). PRAXIS score passing rate is 100% for first-time test-takers over the past several years, and employment rates are 100%.
Licensure and Credentialing
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security Number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements.
The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states' educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state's requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 §CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
Graduate Advising Requirement
MA psychological science students should consult the Psychological Science Coordinator in planning their program.
MA school psychology students should consult the School Psychology Credential/Pupil Personnel Services Coordinator in planning their program.
Research with Human Participants or Animals
All research projects which involve human participants must be reviewed for adherence to ethical guidelines as outlined in departmental and University policies (EM 93-004). No research involving human subjects will be conducted until a review of the project has been carried out and written approval given. All activity with animals must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the University Animal Welfare Policy (EM-09-006). Guidelines on the use of human or animal subjects are available from Chico State Enterprises.
Requirements for the MA in Psychology: Option in Psychological Science
Completion of all requirements as established by the department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and Graduate Studies, to include:
- Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 500/600 level courses as follows.
- At least one three-unit elective course (e.g.,PSYC 603, PSYC 615).
- At least 24 of the units required for the degree must be in 600-level courses. The student's graduate advisory committee and the graduate committee may grant exceptions to this.
- At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.
- Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
- Not more than a total of 10 units of PSYC 697 and PSYC 699T or PSYC 697P; not more than 6 units of PSYC 699T or PSYC 697P. Enrollment in PSYC 699T or PSYC 697P is restricted to students who have been advanced to candidacy; students may not enroll in PSYC 699T or PSYC 697P for more than three semesters. At least three units but not more than six units of PSYC 620. Not more than four units of PSYC 694. Not more than one unit of PSYC 695.
- With the exceptions of PSYC 620, PSYC 694, PSYC 695, PSYC 697P, and PSYC 699T, all course work included in the approved program must be taken for a letter grade.
- Completion and final approval of a Master's Thesis or Empirical Research Manuscript as specified by the student's graduate advisory committee.
- Satisfactory completion of an oral examination in the field of study.
- Approval by the departmental graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.
Course List
Course |
Title |
Units |
PSYC 600 | Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 |
PSYC 605 | Advanced Human Learning | 3 |
PSYC 610 | Advanced General Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 611 | Advanced Statistical Methods in Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 615 | Seminar in Contemporary Issues of General Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 620 | Professional Seminar 1 | 3 |
PSYC 628B | Issues in Teaching College Psychology | 1 |
PSYC 629B | Supervised Teaching of College Psychology | 1 |
PSYC 694 | Research Assistantship | 1 |
PSYC 695 | Seminar in Research Problems | 1 |
PSYC 697P | Professional Paper: Empirical Research Manuscript | 1-6 |
or PSYC 699T | Master's Thesis |
2 | 3 |
Requirements for the MA in Psychology: Option in Applied Psychology
Completion of all requirements as established by the department graduate committee, the graduate advisory committee, and Graduate Studies, to include:
- Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 500/600-level courses as follows.
- Two or three elective courses.
- At least 24 of the units required for the degree must be in 600-level courses. The student's graduate advisory committee and the graduate committee may grant exceptions to this.
- At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education. Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer.
- Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status.
- Not more than a total of 10 units of School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (PSYC 696B), Independent Study (PSYC 697), and Master's Thesis (PSYC 699T) combined; not more than 3 units of School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (PSYC 696B) or 6 units of Master's Thesis (PSYC 699T). (Enrollment in PSYC 696B, PSYC 697R, or PSYC 699T is restricted to students who have been advanced to candidacy; students may not enroll in 699T for more than three semesters.) Not more than 4 units of supervised college teaching (PSYC 628B, PSYC 629B).
- With the exception of School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam II (PSYC 696B) and Master's Thesis (PSYC 699T), all course work included in the approved program must be taken for a letter grade.
- Completion and final approval of a thesis, comprehensive examination, or analytical review as specified by the student's graduate advisory committee.
- Satisfactory completion of an oral examination for the thesis option or a written examination for the analytical review.
- Approval by the departmental graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.
Course List
Course |
Title |
Units |
PSYC 600 | Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 |
PSYC 603 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 605 | Advanced Human Learning | 3 |
PSYC 696B | School Psy: Comprehensive Exam II 1 | 3 |
or PSYC 697R | Analytical Review |
or PSYC 699T | Master's Thesis |
| 9 |
| Introduction to Counseling Psychology | |
| Instructionally Focused Assessment in the Schools | |
| Introduction to Group Counseling | |
| Multicultural Issues in Therapy | |
| 9 |
Total Units | 30 |
School Psychology Credential/Pupil Personnel Services: 67 units
Work leading to the School Psychology Credential is offered in conjunction with the MA in Psychology with an Option in Applied Psychology. This is a 67 unit program (including the 30 units for the MA). This program meets the State of California's requirements for the School Psychology Credential, and is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. Application for this program is made one year after the student has been admitted to the MA program and taken the required first-year course work to prepare for the program. Further information on recommended course sequences and application procedures for this program are available from the School Psychology/PPS Program Coordinator.
Plan of Study Grid
Foundation Courses (First Year) |
Fall |
PSYC 573 |
Introduction to Counseling Psychology |
3 |
PSYC 600 |
Research and Evaluation Methods |
3 |
PSYC 605 |
Advanced Human Learning |
3 |
PSYC 680 |
School Psychology: Introduction to the Profession, the Education System, and Prevention |
3 |
| Units | 12 |
Spring |
PSYC 632 |
School Psychologist as Counselor |
3 |
PSYC 650 |
Introduction to School Consultation |
3 |
PSYC 655 |
School Psychology: Cultural Considerations in Service Delivery |
3 |
PSYC 660 |
Instructionally Focused Assessment in the Schools |
3 |
| Units | 12 |
Practicum Courses (Second Year) |
Fall |
PSYC 634 |
Practicum in School Counseling Interventions |
3 |
PSYC 636 |
Practicum in Behavioral Consultation in Schools |
3 |
PSYC 639 |
Practicum in Academic Intervention |
3 |
PSYC 661 |
Assessment of Intelligence and Cognition |
2 |
PSYC 661P |
Practicum in Assessment of Intelligence and Cognition |
1 |
PSYC 688A |
School Psychology: Practicum in School Psychology I |
3 |
| Units | 15 |
Spring |
PSYC 603 |
Advanced Developmental Psychology |
3 |
PSYC 662 |
Social and Emotional Assessment |
2 |
PSYC 662P |
Practicum in Social and Emotional Assessment |
1 |
PSYC 682 |
School Psychology: Legal and Ethical Principles and Preventive Service Delivery |
3 |
PSYC 688B |
Practicum in School Psychology II |
3 |
| Units | 12 |
Internship Courses (Third Year) |
Fall |
PSYC 689A |
Internship in School Psychology I |
5 |
PSYC 696A
|
School Psychology: Comprehensive Exam I 1
or Master's Thesis |
3 |
| Units | 8 |
Spring |
PSYC 689B |
Internship in School Psychology II |
5 |
PSYC 696B
|
School Psy: Comprehensive Exam II 1
or Master's Thesis |
3 |
| Units | 8 |
| Total Units | 67 |
School Psychology Credentialing Exam
The School Psychology Program requires satisfactory completion of the national school psychology credentialing exam.
Graduate Grading Requirements
All courses in the major (with the exceptions of: PSYC 694, PSYC 695, PSYC 696B, PSYC 697P, and PSYC 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 694, 695, 696B, 697P, 699T, and courses outside the major).
All courses on the student's program, with the exception of: PSYC 694, PSYC 695, PSYC 696B, PSYC 697P, and PSYC 699T must be taken for a letter grade.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at California State University, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program. Students admitted to the School Psychology Credential Program must maintain a 3.4 grade point average in required courses.
Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education.
Graduate Time Limit
All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements.
Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency
All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Psychology MA students will demonstrate their writing competence through an essay examination offered once a semester by the Department of Psychology's graduate committee. This requirement must be completed prior to advancement to candidacy.
Application Procedures
The Department of Psychology admits applicants to its MA program only in the fall semester each year. In addition to Graduate Studies' admission prerequisites and application procedures (please see the Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements), the Department of Psychology requires the completion of its own Admissions Application. Application materials are available online at www.csuchico.edu/psy/ and are to be submitted along with unofficial transcripts by January 15 (Psychological Science Option) or February 15 (Applied Psychology Option) for consideration for fall admission.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status
- Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements.
- Approval by the department and Graduate Studies.
- An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution.
- Psychological Science Option: completion of a psychological research methods course within the last 10 years.
Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status
In addition to any requirements listed above:
Students pursuing the Psychology Science Option must have completed the following five course prerequisites within the last 10 years:
- one course in statistics for psychology;
- one course in psychological measurement; and
- three upper division psychology content courses which cover at least three of the following nine areas:
- learning/behavior analysis,
- cognition/perception/educational psychology,
- developmental/life-span psychology,
- personality/social/cross-cultural psychology,
- abnormal/clinical psychology,
- biopsychology/neuroscience,
- community/health psychology,
- evolutionary/comparative psychology, and/or
- industrial/organizational behavior.
Students pursuing the Applied Option (School Psychology Credential/Pupil Personnel Services) must have completed the following five course prerequisites within the last 10 years:
- one course in psychology of learning;
- one course in developmental or child/adolescent psychology;
- one course in statistics;
- one course in cognition; and
- one course in psychological measurement.
Advancement to Candidacy
In addition to any requirements listed above:
- Classified graduate standing and completion of at least 12-13 units of the proposed program:
- Psychological Science Option: PSYC 600, PSYC 610, PSYC 611, two units of PSYC 620, and PSYC 695 with at least a B average in these courses;
- Applied Psychology Option: PSYC 600, PSYC 660, either PSYC 603 or PSYC 605, and one elective with at least a B average in these courses.
- Student must pass the writing proficiency requirement in order to be advanced to candidacy.
- All "Incomplete" grades in courses included in the approved program must be completed before a student will be advanced to candidacy.
- Formation of the graduate advisory committee.
- Development of an approved program in consultation with the graduate advisory committee and approved by the Graduate Coordinator.
- Approval of the graduate committee in the Department of Psychology.