Education M.A.: Counselor Education Concentration and Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Mira Mayer, Ed.D., Program Coordinator

Office: DBH 355
Phone: (209) 667-3447 or 3364

The Master of Arts in Education, Counselor Education and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential is intended for students who aspire to offer counseling services in K-12 schools and/or higher education.  The PPS Credential is required for counselors in the K-12 setting. Upon completion of the program, students qualify for both a PPS credential and a Master of Arts in Education. This program is designed for teachers and other professionals who already have experience working with children and youth. The following requirements adhere to the Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Pupil Personnel Services Credentials in School Counseling that were adopted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in January 2001.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the PPS Credential/M.A. Counselor Education Program, applicants must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree.
    
2. Be admitted to the University with a GPA of at least 2.75 for the last 60 units earned.
    
3. Submit Application for First Interview form with payment receipt to the Advanced Studies in Education office (DBH 348).
    
4. Pay program application fee at Cashier’s Office.
    
5. Pass the CBEST with a minimum score of 41 on the writing portion. CBEST verification with writing scores must be submitted to the Advanced Studies in Education Department with the Application for First Interview.
    
6. Submit proof of a Certificate of Clearance (or valid California Teaching/Service Credential or Substitute Permit) with Application for First Interview.
    
7. Submit three (3) letters of recommendation with the Application for First Interview.
    
8. Successfully complete First Interview.

 General Information

1. Coursework Requirements - No more than nine semester units of coursework completed in Postbaccalaureate Standing: Unclassified may be applied to a master’s degree.
    
2. Graduate Requirements - The minimum academic grade point average for earning the M.A. degree is 3.0.  The minimum acceptable grade for courses included in the M.A. program is a C.
    
3. Final Requirements - The P.P.S. and M.A. in Education degree requires the successful completion of all coursework and passing a Comprehensive Exam, or approval of a written thesis, and passing of an oral thesis defense.  After all requirements have been met, the student will be awarded the M.A. degree and/or will be eligible to apply for the P.P.S. credential.
    
4. Class Scheduling - Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to enable employed individuals to enroll in classes. Early registration is strongly recommended.
    
5. Coursework - Coursework expires seven years from completion and cannot be applied toward the Master’s degree.  One-third of units may be revalidated if less than 10 years old.  This applies to all Master’s degree options: thesis or comprehensive examination.