Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Counseling, theory, and methodology coursework provide general counseling preparation for public and private school services for students who already have a master’s degree.

Certified specialists in pupil personnel services (PPS) in 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.

Admissions Requirements

Important Deadline Information:  Please refer to the Application and Enrollment Calendar for deadlines.

Learn more about the application process >


1. Completed application 

2. Evidence of a bachelor's and master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution 

3. Evidence of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or an approved petition 

4. One (1) official transcript issued by the Registrar of each institution attended, sent directly to the Office of Graduate and Professional Enrollment

5. Two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who know your work 

6. Personal Statement:  Essay of 500 words describing personal experience and interests in the field

7. Evidence of Certificate of Clearance issued by CCTC 

8. Evidence of negative TB test results within the last two years

9. Evidence of a master's degree in a counseling-related field

9. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement

Program Overview

Applicants who already have a counseling related master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who wish to receive a Pupil Personnel Services, School Counseling credential must complete the CCTC-approved courses outlined in the program pathway. The PPS credential requires a total of 42 units and 800 hours of fieldwork. Students can complete the credential program in 5 semesters. Courses are offered in the evenings at the Redlands' main campus and at the Riverside regional campus. 

 

Program Learning Outcomes

According to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, certified specialists in pupil personnel services (PPS) in 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:

  1. Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a school counseling and guidance program that includes academic, career, personal, and social development
  2. Advocate for the high academic achievement and social development of all students
  3. Provide schoolwide prevention and intervention strategies and counseling services
  4. Provide consultation, training, and staff development to teachers and parents regarding students’ needs
  5. Supervise a district-approved advisory program as described in California Education Code, Section 49600

Learn more about this credential and how it can impact your career as an educator >

Coursework & Pathway

The coursework and field experience segments of the program are delivered in a prescribed sequence. Pathways are recommended for timely program completion. 

For course descriptions, please view the most recent university catalog.


PPS School Counseling Credential Program Pathway >

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.

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive exam is an exit examination required of all counseling students at the University of Redlands. The purpose of the exam is to assess the student's knowledge of counseling to ensure minimum competence in the field. The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) will provide collective feedback that can be used by the program in developing/adapting curriculum.

Returning Students

Returning students must reapply to the University of Redlands to reactivate their student status. Students who wish to return to complete fieldwork should pay close attention to School Counseling Fieldwork Deadlines.