The Professional School of Psychology initially received State of California Department of Education approval to conduct pscyhology courses in 1980, permitting graduates access to state licensing examinations. Later, authorization to grant master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology, as well as certificates in behavioral neurosciences and Industrial-Organizational psychology, was granted by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education pursuant to Section 94900 of the California Education Code.
History of State Authorization
From 2007 until January of 2010, no Bureau in the State of California existed to formally approve or reapprove private postsecondary institutions like PSP to offer academic programs. During this period of time, PSP was granted a temporary extension of its approval to continue offering degrees, until such time as a new state agency was established to provide this review. This new agency (Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education) came into existence on January 1, 2010.
Although The Professional School of Psychology was approved to operate by the former Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, our pending application for re-approval to operate has not yet been reviewed by the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. The Professional School of Psychology’s approval to operate in the State of California is based on provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009, which went into effect January 1, 2010. The Act is administered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, under the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Bureau can be reached at: P.O. Box 980818, Sacramento, CA 95798-0818, 916.574.7720.
Relationship to Other Licensing Agencies
PSP’s Master of Arts in Psychology fulfills the education requirements for the California Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license. The Tracks I, II, and III clinical programs at PSP leading to the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D), fulfill the educational requirements for the California Psychologist license. Out-of-state or out-of-country students are advised to check with their own licensing boards to determine requirements for licensure.
California state approval has been granted under California Education Code 94310.2. The program also is designed to fulfill the requirements of California Business and Professions Code, Section 4980.40 (a) though (d), and 4980.41 (a) through (d). However, applicants should be aware that units earned for courses taken at PSP may not be acceptable for transfer credit at other graduate schools.
