Become an Effective School Psychologist

Earn your Education Specialist (ED.S.) in School Psychology and Master of Arts in Educational Psychology concurrently at UMass Global. This program prepares you to support PK-12 students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional well-being while meeting the requirements for the California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Psychology. With a blend of online coursework and in-person fieldwork, you’ll gain the skills to make a lasting impact as a school psychologist. You can also add courses in two emphasis areas, autism and applied behavior analysis.

  • Autism Emphasis: Learn to implement evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies to meet the varied needs of students across the autism spectrum.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis: Learn to design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention based on a functional behavior assessment.
  • Help students overcome academic and social difficulties by providing the understanding, insight and guidance they need to be successful.
  • Develop the skills to collaborate, advocate for children, evaluate relevant data for educational planning, and become an influential leader.
  • Understand regulations as they relate to special education, counseling interventions, leveraging assessments, and reporting communication strategies.
  • Beyond course work and fieldwork, graduation requirements include passing the Praxis exam and an exit interview with faculty.

     

At a Glance

Online
69 Credits
Next Start Date
Fall I (Aug 25, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Career Change

Be Workforce Ready

Gain the experience and education needed to guide parents and school staff, manage school crisis services, and collaborate with institution-linked health services.

Engagement

Fieldwork Support

With a 60-year legacy of teaching California teachers, we has a vast network of local school districts to help our students locate fieldwork.

Leadership

Connect With Industry Leaders

Our program allows you to interact with academic and industry leaders and network with fellow School of Psychology students. Build relationships that span your career and keep you connected to other movers and shakers.

Career Outlook for MA in Educational Psychology, PPSP Credential

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

CSPU 512

Advanced Counseling and Intervention

3 Credits
CSPU 516

Children and Youth in Developmental Context

3 Credits
CSPU 622

Supervision and Mentoring in School Psychology I

3 Credits
CSPU 636

Cognitive and Neuropsychological Assessment for Intervention

3 Credits
CSPU 639

Advanced Positive Behavioral Supports

3 Credits
CSPU 514

Cultural and Community Issues in Counseling and School Psychology

3 Credits

Career Outlook for MA in ABA

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 694

Using and Analyzing Measurement, Data and Experimental Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 695

Assessment to Guide and Evaluate Intervention in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 696

Selecting and Implementing Interventions for Behavior Change in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 697

Program Oversight, Collaboration and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 698

Ethical Behavior and the Compliance Code for Applied Behavior Analysts

3 Credits
EDUU 692

The Science and Philosophical Underpinnings of Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits

Career Outlook for MA in Autism

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 575

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Etiologies and Characteristics

3 Credits
EDUU 675

Assessing Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

3 Credits
EDUU 676

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Programming and Strategies, I

3 Credits
EDUU 677

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Programming and Strategies, II

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this credential program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • An autobiographical essay (2-3 pages)
  • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
  • Current Resume (showing experience working with children)
  • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
  • ABA Emphasis Requirement: For the Applied Behavior Analysis emphasis, students must be employed at least part-time in a field using ABA, with documentation provided in the application and resume.

California Residency

This program is only available to California residents.

Graduate Level Exams

This degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE/GMAT. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Calculate Time and Cost

Demo

Take the next step toward your Ed.S in School Psychology at UMass Global

Frequently Asked Questions

A school psychologist typically works with individual students and their families while a counselor tends to work with the larger school population. School psychologists for example might help qualify an individual for special services, while a counselor tackles matters such as crisis intervention and preparing students for their overall future success. Read more.

Some foundational skills schools and districts are looking for in candidates include patient education and support, disorder diagnosis, treatment and care, and strong written and oral communication skills. Those with specializations in telehealth, report writing and crisis intervention are positioned well for these critical roles.

Just like other mental health professions, you will need an advanced degree to practice as a school psychologist. Some states, like California, also require a specific credential program dedicated to the area of study. Once these prerequisites are complete, you’ll then apply for licensure.

Testimonials

The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.

Robert P.
Professional Clinical Counseling, MA

Skills I learned in class come into play every day: being able to relate to people, being able to negotiate and being able to work with people from all walks of life. It really helps you go from one level to the next.

Melanie D.
Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.
Leonard testimonial image for Brandman

Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself.

Leonard W.
Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, MA

 

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