Educational Psychology Programs

The Graduate School of Education (GSOE) Alliant International University offers masters degree programs in educational psychology at our campuses in Irvine (Orange County), San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. We offer doctoral degree programs in Irvine, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Here's what our graduates have to say...

I graduated from Alliant with a master’s degree and a PPS credential, and I’m now a School Psychologist in Northern California at Duarte Unified School District.      There are many reasons why I chose Alliant—the small classes, the availability of faculty and resources, and the instructors being professionals in their field—this is just part of why I chose Alliant. I enjoyed how the coursework was incorporated into the practicum experiences. My experience at Alliant is one that is invaluable and has made me confident in knowing that I am prepared for a successful and rewarding career.         -Margaret Guercio, M.A.E. & PPS, Class of 2004

My experience at Alliant has been one of growth. Alliant has given me a broad perspective which has taken my school psychology practice to a different level of understanding. I had professors from a variety of backgrounds including clinical psychologists, educational psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and organizational psychologists. This rich source of professional experience has given me a basis of knowledge to bring to my practice. In addition to the experience that the professors brought, I have learned a lot from my fellow students. Each of them brought experience and insight, challenging me to grow daily. We are now a network of colleagues who consult each other and plan to make a difference in the field. Alliant has also challenged me to be an educational leader. Because of my degree at Alliant, opportunities are knocking at my door: faculty teaching, independent assessments, and leadership opportunities.      -Pedro Olvera, Advanced Standing Psy.D.       Class of 2007

The small professor-to-student ratio at Alliant allowed me to develop a relationship with many of my professors, some of whom became mentors who truly supported my professional development. I gained new perspectives by listening to my colleagues who came from many different districts throughout the area. Some of these colleagues became friends, and now they’re a network of resources I can call upon at any time.      Since graduating last spring, I have accepted an offer for a position as a SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) Program Specialist in which I can expand my role to include more leadership activities and training of teachers and psychologists. Having a doctorate from Alliant has opened doors for me to pursue my dreams of teaching at the university level and also starting a private practice.       - Jeanette Kissel Grzesik, Psy.D., Class of 2006

I chose Alliant International University to study educational psychology because it is a small, private professional training school and because they provided me an educational opportunity that fit uniquely with my work schedule. I was able to pursue educational as well as professional goals and not having to sacrifice one for the other.       My academic advisor at Alliant, Dr. Carlton Parks, took notice of my talent and determination to achieve my academic goals and helped groom me into a young, successful professional. Overall, I believe I was successful in the Educational Psychology, Advanced Standing PsyD program because of the strong leadership and guidance of my academic advisor and consistent support of Alliant faculty and staff.      I now work as a school psychologist in a Los Angeles area school district, offering added knowledge, understanding and insight to students, their parents, colleagues, educators, as well as others within the school community.      - Jeannine Vieni, Psy.D., Class of 2006

Our students and faculty here at Alliant are people who want to make a difference in their local communities and schools. They are committed, focused, and caring individuals. If you want to make a difference, our graduate programs in school and educational psychology will give you the opportunity.

Master's Degree in School Psychology

Our Master of Arts in Education (MAE) with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential program is designed to give you the education, skills, and qualifications required by the State of California to be a practicing school psychologist.

Typically students complete coursework in the first two years, and the PPS internship in the third year. Credit for previous graduate will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about this exciting program by following the link at the top of this page.

Educational Psychology: Advanced Standing Doctor of Psychology

Our Advanced Standing Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program is designed for those who already possess an MAE in school psychology and a PPS credential. It is an advanced standing PsyD program for practicing school psychologists who are interested in groundbreaking research, becoming faculty, and becoming an expert in the field. Typically students finish the advanced standing doctoral program in just three years.

Find out more about this exciting program by following the link at the top of this page.

New Name, 80 Year Legacy

Alliant International University was officially formed in 2001 by the combination of the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), founded in 1969 and United States International University (USIU), founded in 1967. But our history goes back more than the forty plus years since USIU’s founding. USIU was the successor to two other institutions: California Western University, founded in 1952, and Balboa College, founded in 1924. Alliant celebrates the important contributions of these legacy institutions as it continues their traditions of innovation and excellence in higher education.

Admissions

Each month, we host open houses at most of our campuses. At the open house, you’ll have the opportunity to interact directly with faculty and admissions staff, as well as other prospective students. To schedule a visit, please click this link and fill out our schedule a visit form.

Click the following link for a current and complete list of open house dates, click this link, or call 1-866-U-ALLIANT. If you can’t make it to an open house, our admissions counselors are happy to meet with you individually for a campus tour and discussion of your personal and professional goals. 

Financial Aid

Wondering how to manage paying for school? We can help with that too. Just follow the admissions link at top of this page, click this link to explore our financial aid pages, or call us at 1-866-U-ALLIANT.

2007-2008 Alliant Catalog

Because we believe in an exchange of ideas, best practices, and community development, the Graduate School of Education at Alliant works closely with: