Post Master's Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling (PPS-SC) Credential Only Program

If you are interested in being a credentialed elementary, middle, or high school counselor in California and you have earned a master's degree in Counseling and Guidance or a closely related field (e.g., Clinical Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or Social Work) from a regionally accredited college or university, you can apply directly to our Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling Credential program [with or without an added Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization]. Our PPS School Counseling Credential and CWA Authorization programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) - Pupil Personnel Services Credential for Individuals Prepared in California.

Please note that although there are three types of PPS Credentials (PPS in School Counseling, PPS in School Social Work, PPS in School Psychology), our department's is specifically a PPS Credential in School Counseling.

The San Jose State University's School of Social Work offers program options for the PPS in School Social Work. For more information, please go to School of Social Work PPSC Credentials.

If you are interested in learning more about the program options offered through SJSU's Counselor Education Department and their requirements, please sign up to attend a department information session. Information session dates and times can be found on the department's home page at https://www.sjsu.edu/counselored/

Post Master's Credential Only FAQ's

Q: I am a K-12 educator with a master’s degree in education. Would this be considered
a qualifying degree for the post-maters credential only program? 

A: No. The qualifying degree must be in counseling or a closely related clinical field inorder to be eligible for admission to this program. Prospective applicants who hold amaster’s degree in education or in another discipline are encouraged to apply for ourmaster’s in counseling and guidance program so that they can complete the degree and K-12 school counseling specialization (i.e., credential preparation). 

Q: I’m eager to get started in this program right away. How soon can I start?

A: Individuals who are interested in the post-master’s credential only program must
apply to the program and be admitted before they can begin. We have fall and spring
admissions. 

Q: How long will it take me to complete this program?

A: Our post-masters credential only program requires a minimum of 18 semester units
over four semesters. Students in this program complete all school counseling
specialization courses, practicum, and fieldwork. 

Q: Can you tell me which classes I will need to take?

A: In order to meet the requirements outlined for the preparation of school counselors
by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, everyone who is admitted into
the post-master’s credential only program will complete the school counseling
specialization, practicum, and fieldwork courses. In addition, after an applicant has
accepted their admissions offer, they will undergo a thorough syllabi and transcript
review to determine if any additional coursework is needed to meet our CTC-approved
program requirements. An individualized plan of study will be developed for each
student.

Q: How much will it cost to complete the program?

A: San José State University is part of the California State University system. Tuition is
determined each academic year by the Board of Trustees. Information about this year’s
tuition can be found through the SJSU Bursar’s Office.

Q: I completed fieldwork in my master’s program. Can I count those hours toward my fieldwork hours in the post-master’s credential only program.

A: No. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires students who are
enrolled in a school counseling program to complete 100 hours of practicum before they
begin their 800 hours of fieldwork. In our program, practicum and fieldwork are tied to
specific courses which cover key areas in school counseling program and required
content for credential preparation.

To know more about the Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential and its requirements, please use this link PPS-SC Credential Requirements.