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Pupil Personnel Services Credential: School Counseling
Counseling, theory, and methodology coursework provide general counseling preparation for public and private school services for students who already have a master’s degree.
Program Types
Credential, Certificate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Counseling and Human ServicesSchool / College
School of EducationAccording to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), certified specialists in Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling are prepared to be pupil advocates and to provide prevention and intervention strategies to remove barriers to learning. These professionals, in partnership with other educators, parents and members of the community, maintain high expectations for all students, enable pupils to reach their highest potential, foster optimum teaching and learning conditions, and strive to prevent school failure.
The credential specialization in School Counseling authorizes the holder to perform the following duties:
- Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a school counseling and guidance program that includes academic, career, personal, and social development
- Advocate for the high academic achievement and social development of all students
- Provide school-wide prevention and intervention strategies and counseling services
- Provide consultation, training, and staff development to teachers and parents regarding students’ needs
- Supervise a district-approved advisory program as described in California Education Code, Section 49600
Fieldwork
Fieldwork plays a vital role in helping students gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and develop a strong professional identity. The School of Education maintains a robust connection with the community and is always seeking to expand partnerships.
If you're interested in collaborating with the School of Education as a community partner or seeking opportunities to complete fieldwork in a specific school, district, or community, we encourage you to reach out. Please contact the Office of Licensures and Credentialing for more information.
Program information
Applicants who have already earned a master’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in a counseling-related field and who wish to receive a PPS Credential must complete the admission requirements listed below.
- Completed application (no application fee required)
- Evidence of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Evidence of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or an approved petition
- One (1) official transcript issued by the Registrar of each institution attended, sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who know your work
- Personal Statement: Essay of 500 words describing personal experience and interests in the field
- Certificate of Clearance
- Negative TB Test Result
- Evidence of a master's degree in a counseling-related field
- Meet Basic Skills Requirement
The coursework and field experience segments of the program are delivered in a prescribed sequence. Pathways are recommended for timely program completion. Learn more by viewing this pathway resource.
PPS credential-only students may transfer a maximum of 27 units with department approval. Students will work with their academic advisor to establish transferable units and instructional sequence.
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15
Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
What you'll learn
You’ll learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs that support the academic, social-emotional, and career development of students.
You’ll learn to identify and respond to complex student needs while implementing school-wide prevention and intervention programs.
You’ll gain the skills to advocate for students by promoting equitable opportunities and access to academic and personal development resources.
You’ll learn how to provide consultation and training to staff, teachers, and families to address student needs and create supportive learning environments.
What you'll learn
Student Testimonial
“The professors are passionate about their field of work and have extensive experience in schools. It was important to me to have professors who always helped us apply the theory we learned from lectures and textbooks to the live school set.”
— Kim Rozek ’15, School Counseling Pupil Personnel Services Credential
Counseling and Human Services
The Counseling and Human Services department is under the School of Education. Guided by the ideals of equity and access, we prepare students to provide socioculturally adaptive and responsive services in educational, non-profit, and government settings. Our faculty are dedicated to training excellent practitioners who graduate prepared to address the needs of diverse clients and students. Learn more about all our programs, student resources, and faculty.
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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