Counseling M.A.: Pupil Personnel Services Credential plus Professional Clinical Counselor, Dual-Concentration

New Concentration:

*Note: The Counselor Education Program is planning on offering a dual-concentration of the combined Masters in Counseling plus Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential and the Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) degree that will be available through the Continuing and Professional Education (CaPE) extended education program. Students will be able to attend this cohort model program and obtain both of these concentrations, and complete them within three years. This dual-concentration option will be available as of August 2025, with applicants being accepted in winter, 2024-2025.

 

Suzanne Whitehead, Ed.D., Program Coordinator

Office: DBH 348 A
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, and revised in July 2022. The Master of Arts in Counseling, Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) option is intended for those who wish to obtain a Board of Behavioral Sciences license and practice as an independent counselor in the community. Upon completion of the M.A. in Counseling: Professional Clinical Counselor program, graduates are qualified to pursue PCC licensure. This dual-concentration master’s degree will provide for greater flexibility for graduates who may want to work in a school, agency, college, clinic, residential treatment center, hospital, and/or open their own counseling business. Many schools, clinics, hospitals, etc. are now hiring graduates that have both the MA plus PPS credential and the PCC that leads to state licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

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 & PCC Concentration/M.A. Counseling Program, applicants must:

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 indicate 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.

6. Submit a Certificate of Clearance (or valid California Teaching/Service Credential or Substitute Permit) with Application for First Interview.

7. Submit two (2) signed forms of recommendation with the Application for First Interview. The directions with the link to be sent to your references are included in the application instructions.

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 probation if their GPA falls below the required 3.0. Earning a second grade of “C” of 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 year old. This applies to all Master’s degree options: thesis or comprehensive examination. 

6. Program Learning Outcomes - PLO 1a: Competent professionals demonstrate subject-specific knowledge, pedagogical, and practical skills; PLO 2a: Reflective learners practice data-driven decision making; PLO 3a: Engaged professionals engage in collaborative efforts to advance teaching and learning; PLO 1b: Competent professionals demonstrate ability to teach in a diverse society; PLO 2b: Reflective learners reflect on assessment and instructional practices

7. The Masters in Counseling plus Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential is now offering students the ability to obtain the optional Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization. The requirements for the CWA authorization are as follows:

Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization (Only for candidates who elect to earn a CWA) Candidates complete a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) clock hours of field experience, under the supervision of a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential holder. A minimum of 90 clock hours are in a school setting in direct contact with pupils. A minimum of 30 clock hours are in interdisciplinary experiences in a setting that is outside the field of education, such as law enforcement, juvenile justice, child health and welfare, mental health, social services, child protective services and community-based organizations. The remaining thirty (30) clock hours can be at the discretion of the university supervisor.