Pupil Personnel Services Credential: School Counseling Specialization Program
Program Description
The Pupil Personnel Services Credential, School Counseling Specialization, is required to work as a school counselor in CA public schools. It is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The CTC sets the standards and competencies for the state, and Cal State East Bay’s program is designed to incorporate all knowledge, skills and practical experiences required to meet those expectations.
The School Counseling Credential requires a two-year course of study that reflects an integration of local program needs, the campus mission, and the direction provided by the National Standards and National Model of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the National Career Development Guidelines (NOICC). The program is designed to train competent practitioners who are prepared to be leaders in building comprehensive, results-based school counseling programs that serve the needs of all pupils.
The School Counseling Credential includes specific training in guidance program models, guidance program development and implementation, and in the comprehensive and developmental school guidance curricula for academic, career, and personal/social development. Students also learn team building, management, and accountability for a comprehensive guidance program. The PPS Credential in School Counseling can be completed at the same time as the M.S. in Counseling, School Counseling concentration.
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- University application.
- Department application.
- Official transcripts sent to both the University and the Department of Educational Psychology.
- Three academic professional references.
- Basic Skills requirement.
- Certificate of Clearance.
- A personal statement.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report.
- Complete the prerequisite coursework for the program before Educational Psychology courses begin in fall.
School Counseling Specialization Requirements (48 units)
Notice To Students re: Professional Licensure and Certification. See Errata Non-curricular page for more information.
Prerequisite Coursework
The following 0-11 units of prerequisites or their equivalents must be met prior to program admission. Generally prerequisite units are not counted toward the credential. See your department advisor for more information:
Required Specialization Coursework
The following 30 units of specialization coursework are required:
Other Required Coursework
This coursework is common with the School Counseling concentration within the Master’s in Counseling program. All the following 18 units are also required for the credential.
Other Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the University requirements for graduation as described throughout this catalog. These include the 70% unit residence requirement; the five-year rule on currency of subject matter; the minimum number of units in 600-level courses; the “C” minimum grade for each graduate course; the 3.00 cumulative grade point average; and the University Writing Skills Requirement.
Note: For information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see Graduate Degree Requirements & Policies or call the Testing Office at (510) 885-3661.
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