Counseling M.A.: Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Suzanne Whitehead, Ed.D., Program Coordinator

Office: DBH 345
Phone: (209) 667-3955 or 3364

The Master of Arts in Counseling, 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 Counseling. 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 into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from program coordinator.

Admission Requirements

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

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree.
2. Be admitted to the University with a GPA of at least 3.0 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).  The application for the First Interview indicates that you must submit a written statement indicating suitability for the Stanislaus State Counseling Program and future work as a counselor.  This document will not only be used to ascertain a candidate’s fit within the program, but will also be used as a measure of writing proficiency.
4. Pay program application fee at Cashier’s Office.
5. Pass the CBEST with a minimum score of 41 on the writing portion OR CSET 101, 102 now (214), 103, and 142. CBEST or CSET verification must be submitted to the Advanced Studies in Education Department with the Application for First Interview.
6. Submit a Certificate of Clearance (or valid California Teaching/Service Credential or Substitute Permit) with Application for First Interview.
7. Send the provided link to two people to fill out a reference form.
8. Successfully complete First Interview.

 General Information

1. Coursework Requirements - Students must be fully admitted to program prior to taking any Counseling coursework.
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 P.P.S. and M.A. program is a “C.” A student who earns a grade of “C” or below may be put on probation if their GPA falls below the required 3.0. Earning a second grade of “C” or below may lead to disqualification and removal from program and will be reviewed by the program coordinator on a case-by-case basis.
3. Final Requirements - The P.P.S. and M.A. in Counseling 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.