Department of Psychology
General Overview of Graduate Programs
We offer three graduate degree options in our department: a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with one of two specialties, or a Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree.
The M.A. program specialties include a General/ Experimental option and an Applied Behavior Analysis option. The M.A. General/ Experimental option is oriented toward individuals who intend to eventually pursue a doctoral degree at another university or teach at the community college level; this program requires 30 units. The Applied Behavior Analysis option allows students to meet coursework and experience requirements for national certification as behavior analysts; this program requires 44 units.
The Ed.S. program has an emphasis in School Psychology; this program requires 76 units and prepares students to obtain the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential in School Psychology.
| Masters of Arts, General/ Experimental Option |
|---|
| 30 units, 2 years |
| Designed for prospective doctoral students or community college instructors |
| Masters of Arts, Applied Behavior Analysis option |
| 44 units, 2 years |
| Path to national certification as a behavior analyst |
| Educational Specialist in School Psychology |
| 76 units, 3 years |
| Designed for prospective school psychologists |
Other Fresno State Masters Options
Note that the contemporary practice of clinical psychology in California and most other states requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D., or equivalent) along with additional supervised training and experience. Those considering the Master of Arts General/ Experimental option who intend to gain entry into the human services job market should also investigate career options available through California State University Fresno’s Department of Social Work Education (559-278-3992) and/or the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and Rehabilitation (559-278-0340).