collagePupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling (PPSC) with Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization
Mission Statement
The mission of Brandman University’s California School Counseling Program is to develop innovative and caring School Counselors that are leaders, scholars, advocates, and practitioners who collaborate to support all students in the PK-12 education systems to maximize their academic potential.
Pupil Personnel Services Credential Programs
SCHOOL COUNSELING
The Pupil Personnel Services Credential with School Counseling Specialization authorizes the holder to perform the following duties: develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a school counseling and guidance program that include academic, career, personal, and social development; advocate for the high academic achievement and social development of all students; provide school-wide prevention and intervention strategies and counseling services; provide consultation, training, and staff development to teachers and parents regarding students’ needs. Candidates seeking only a School Counseling credential must already hold an appropriate Master’s degree. Candidates who do not already hold an appropriate Master’s degree must be enrolled into the Master of Science in Educational Counseling with Credential program.
Admissions Requirements
To be fully admitted into the Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential Program, each candidate must view the recorded credential orientation sent to his/her SOAR Student Message Center and return a completed credential packet to the Credentials Department within 30 days of enrollment.
A School Counseling Credential Packet is complete when the candidate had filled out and returned the following:
- Acknowledgement of Terms and Agreements
- Proof of Master’s Degree or enrollment in National University’s Master of Science in Educational Counseling
- Proof of attempt or passage of Basic Skills Assessment is required for admittance to the program (Proof of passage is mandatory prior to clinical practice)
- Negative TB test results (valid within the last four years)
- Proof of Fingerprint Clearance through the CTC
Candidates must also successfully complete the orientation course CED 607 and meet with his/her Faculty Advisor for initial advisement to be fully admitted into the program.
Internship Requirements
In addition to meeting the admissions requirements, to be cleared to begin internship hour’s candidates must also complete and return the following 30 days prior to the start date:
- Passage of a Basic Skills Assessment
- Internship Application Form
- Complete 10 (ten) CED courses including: CED 610, CED 611, CED 603, and CED 601 (excluding: CED 637, CED 694 and CED 620)
- 3.0 GPA (grades of “D” and “F” are not accepted)
- Possess current account balance
Completion Requirements
In addition to meeting the admission and internship requirements, to be recommended for a Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling Credential candidates must also complete and return the following:
- Passage of the ETS Praxis (#0421) examination in School Counseling (passing score is 156)
- Possession of an appropriate Master ’s degree or completed Master ’s degree coursework
- Exit interview with NU Faculty Advisor or University Supervisor
- All credential program coursework (3.0 GPA Grades of “D”, “F” and “U” are not accepted)
- Possess a zero account balance
All test results must remain valid in order to apply for credential.
Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling University Internship
The University internship route provides an opportunity for candidates who have been offered employment to complete clinical practice, while employed in an appropriate position as a school counselor. This experience is a partnership between the candidate, National University, and the employer meant to support the candidate in an environment similar to that authorized by the credential obtained at the end of the program.
Candidates on probation or permanent academic probation are not eligible for a National University internship program. Once intern eligible, candidates must apply for an Internship Credential which is valid for two years.
National University candidates who are interested in becoming a university intern must complete and show verification of all prerequisite requirements and go through the internship eligibility process to determine suitability for the internship program.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Proof of Fingerprint Clearance through the CTC
- Passage of a Basic Skills Assessment
- Negative TB test (valid within the last four years)
- Letter of recommendation from the Principal or Administrator of the hiring school
- Complete 12 CED courses including CED 610, CED 611, CED 603, and CED 601 (except CED 637, CED 694 and CED 620) if not completed the following will be required:
- Completion of program prerequisites courses, CED 607 and four additional core CED courses
- Verification of two years relevant paid experience in a K-12 public school or related system or as a licensed counselor or therapist
- Faculty approval of an American School Counseling Association (ASCA) National Model essay
- 3.0 GPA (grades of “D” and “F” are not accepted)
- Possess a zero account balance
- Recommendation by NU Faculty Advisor
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to completion of all internship prerequisites, candidates are required to verify completion of the following Intern Eligibility:
- Verification of internship program prerequisites
- Agreement on file between the employing District, School or Agency and National University
- District or agency offer of employment for the intern as a full time school counselor with a minimum of 10 hours per week.
- Verification of intern eligibility determined in an Faculty Advisor interview
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
The Pupil Personnel Services Credential with School Psychology Specialization authorizes the holder to perform the following duties: provide services that enhance academic performance; design strategies and programs to address problems of adjustment; consult with other educators and parents on issues of social development and behavioral and academic difficulties; conduct psycho-educational assessment for purposes of identifying special needs; provide psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families; coordinate intervention strategies for management of individuals and school wide crises.
Admissions Requirements
To be fully admitted into the Pupil Personnel Services School Psychology Credential
Program, each candidate must view the recorded credential orientation
sent to his/her SOAR Student Message Center and return a completed credential
packet to the Credentials Department within 30 days of enrollment.
A School Psychology Credential Packet is complete when the candidate has filled
out and returned the following:
- Acknowledgement of Terms and Agreements
- Proof of attempt or passage of Basic Skills Assessment is required for admittance
to the program (Proof of passage is mandatory prior to internship) - Negative TB test results (valid within the last four years)
- Proof of Fingerprint Clearance through the CTC
Internship Requirements
In addition to meeting the admissions requirements, to be cleared to begin internship
hour’s candidates must also complete and return the following 30 days prior
to the start date:
- Passage of a Basic Skills Assessment
- Internship Application Form
- Complete all credential coursework
- 3.0 GPA (grades of “D” and “F” are not accepted)
- Possess current account balance
Completion Requirements
In addition to meeting the admission and internship requirements; candidates
must also complete and return the following prior to credential recommendation:
- Passage of the ETS National Praxis (#0401) examination-School Psychology (passing score is 148)
- All credential & master’s coursework (3.0 GPA Grades of “D”, “F” and
“U” are not accepted) - Exit interview with NU Faculty Advisor or University Supervisor
- Possess a zero account balance
All test results must remain valid in order to apply for credential.
University Internship
The University internship route provides an opportunity for candidates who have been offered employment to complete clinical practice, while employed in an appropriate position as a school psychologist. This experience is a partnership be¬tween the candidate, National University, and the employer meant to support the candidate in an environment similar to that authorized by the credential obtained at the end of the program.
Candidates on probation or permanent academic probation are not eligible for a National University internship program. Once intern eligible, candidates must apply for an Internship Credential which is valid for two years. Pre-requisite and eligibility requirements for the University Internship are the same as those for field experience requirements.
National University candidates who are interested in becoming a university in¬tern must complete and show verification of all prerequisite requirements and go through the internship eligibility process to determine suitability for the internship program.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Proof of Fingerprint Clearance through the CTC
- Passage of a Basic Skills Assessment
- Negative TB test (valid within the last four years)
- Complete all program coursework, excluding internship and seminar
- 3.0 GPA (grades of “D” and “F” are not accepted)
- Possess a current account balance
- Recommendation by NU Faculty Advisor
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to completion of all internship prerequisites, candidates are required to verify completion of the following Intern Eligibility:
- Verification of internship program prerequisites
- Agreement on file between the employing District, School or Agency and National University
- District or agency offer of employment for the intern as a full time school psychologist
- Verification of intern eligibility determined in an interview by NU Faculty Advisor
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
- PLO 1 – Foundations of School Counseling: Professional, Legal, and Ethical Standards: Application of core counseling theories, ethical decision making, the laws, codes, and ordinances related to school counseling, to a case study, current trend, or real world scenario.
- PLO 2 – Social, Emotional, Academic, and College and Career Development: Model and apply counseling strategies to address student social and emotional challenges, as well as academic goals, to prepare students for transitioning to college and/or careers.
- PLO 3 – Leadership and Advocacy in Social Justice, Equity, and Access: Create, analyze, and present a plan for improving a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses social justice, equity, and access.
- PLO 4 – Counseling Program Development, Research, and Technology: Consult and collaborate with multiple stakeholders for student, program, and educational success, by designing, implementing, and evaluating data and using technology to inform practice.
School Counseling Credential Only Option
This option is only available to candidates who have earned a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), a Master’s degree in Social Work, a Master’s degree in Counseling, or the equivalent in a directly related counseling field from a regionally accredited institution (pending program review by the Associate Dean). Additional courses may be required to meet program standards. This program prepares candidates to serve as counselors in the public schools for grades K-12 and meets the requirements for a California State Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizing service as a school counselor.
Program Start Dates
The Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling (PPSC) program starts three times a year in Fall 1, Spring 1, and Summer 1. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for students who have earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling or a master’s degree in a directly related field are the same as those listed for the Master of Arts in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling (PPSC).
Acceptance into the graduate program in counseling will be based on multiple criteria. These criteria include academic potential, experience with children and youth, and compatibility with program philosophy. To be considered for admission students must complete the following:
1. Satisfactorily fulfill graduate admission requirements for Brandman University as stated in the catalog (see the Graduate Admissions section) for Option 3.
2. Proof of an official passing score report on the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) or any of the CTC approved basic skills tests.
3. Submit a graduate application with the following:
a. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have had experience with the candidate in an academic or professional setting with knowledge of the candidate’s academic potential. Recommendation should be from someone who knows the candidate in a work setting, preferably one where the candidate has worked with children. The letters cannot be older than two years from the date of application.
b. A current resume which includes experiences working with children.
c. An autobiographical essay (2-3 pages) describing life experiences that have shaped the candidate’s approach to working with children and what led them to the decision to become a school counselor and their commitment to the PPSC program.
Credential Program Information and Requirements
Program requirements for the School Counseling Credential Only Option are the same as those listed for the Master of Arts in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling (PPSC) with Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization with the exception of the transfer policy.
Up to 9 semester credits of Required Courses (excluding Supervision and Mentoring) may be waived or transferred into program. Students must establish residency with at least 15 semester credits.
Students seeking a service credential only may not be eligible for financial aid.
All candidates completing the program will receive the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization. Requirements to meet the CWA are embedded throughout coursework, practicum and fieldwork.
Certificate of Clearance
Verification of a receipt of Certificate of Clearance or Certificate of Clearance (including fingerprints) or a copy of a valid credential or short-term permit must be submitted to the School of Education within the first session of enrollment. Candidates who do not submit verification of a certificate of clearance cannot advance in any credential coursework that requires observation or fieldwork in a K-12 setting. Anyone with a revoked credential will not be admitted to any credential program until the credential is reinstated by the CTC. A certificate of clearance or child development permit must be active prior to clinical practice.
Tuberculosis Test
Candidates must submit to the School of Education, within the first session of enrollment, a current “negative” tuberculosis test that verifies the candidate does not have active tuberculosis or a tuberculosis risk assessment questionnaire administered by a licensed health care provider verifying that the candidate does not have risk factors for tuberculosis.
Transfer Policy
No more than 9 semester credits may be transferred into the school counseling program from other graduate institutions upon approval by course transfer request to the Associate Dean. Transferred courses must have been awarded a grade of “B” or better and cannot be older than seven years at the completion of the program. CSPU 618 Best Practices in Counseling, CSPU 619 Practicum and Supervision in School Counseling, CSPU 620 Supervision and Mentoring in School Counseling I, and CSPU 621 Supervision and Mentoring in School Counseling II must be taken at Brandman University.
Praxis Exam
Candidates must meet all the course requirements and earn a score of 156 or higher on the ETS Praxis Examination in Counseling and Guidance (#0421/5421).
Exit Interview
An exit interview is conducted by a faculty mentor at the end of the program to determine that the CTC’s Standards have been met. All coursework, non-coursework requirements, and the exit portfolio must be completed and passed prior to the exit interview. Candidates must fill out the exit interview application found on the SOE Services MyBrandman site prior to participating in an exit interview by a faculty mentor.
Recommendation for Credential
Upon successfully completing all coursework and the exit interview, the candidate may apply to be recommended to the CTC for the Pupil Personnel Services credential in School Counseling (PPSC). To apply for the credential, candidates must complete the Recommendation Form on the SOE Services My Brandman site. Once the recommendation is made by the Teacher Accreditation Department, candidates can submit the credential fee to the CTC for the credential.
Gain Advanced Preparation to Impact Lives with a PPS Credential in School Social Work
Help meet the need for professional social workers equipped to serve children and adolescents in schools. With Azusa Pacific’s Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance, advance your skills with a practice specialization that provides a competitive edge for employment in social work services within P-12 school settings.
Designed as a complement to the MSW degree program, this credential combines a solid theoretical base and evidence-informed practice models related to school social work and child welfare and attendance. Through relevant coursework and fieldwork opportunities, you will learn how to support children, parents, and school personnel while shaping a responsive environment to help children succeed academically and thrive emotionally.
- MSW Students: This credential option is available for APU Master of Social Work students pursuing the clinical practice specialization.
- MSW Degree Holders: Individuals who already hold an MSW degree and have appropriate experience may also qualify for the credential program.
Equipping School Social Work Leaders
Stemming from a Christian-based perspective, the PPS credential faculty are committed to preparing a workforce that can advocate for and meet needs within the community and school system. During the credential program, you will:
- Learn to conduct biopsychosocial assessments, intervene in crises, identify community resources and linkages, and participate in interprofessional collaboration and consultation.
- Study alongside faculty who are active practitioners of school social work.
- For those completing the credential with the MSW, participate in fieldwork opportunities in diverse school settings to put learning into practice.
- Benefit from potential opportunities to disseminate research at local, regional, or national conferences with faculty.
This credential option builds on the MSW program’s mission to develop competent advanced social work practitioners who integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of social work to advance social justice and provide services to assist individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities within the school setting.
MAE in School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential Curriculum Plan
Curriculum Plan (2020-2021)
Please note that there may be other requirements for completion or options for elective and specialized courses. Please see the academic catalog for the full curriculum. Course offerings and sequence are subject to change.
- Life Span Development
- History of School Supportive Services and Social Psychology in Educational Settings
- Practicum (4 required courses in total)
- School Safety, Violence Prevention, Crisis Intervention Consultation, Program Development, and Evaluation
- Methodology of Educational Research
- Multicultural Children, Adolescents, and Their Families
- Behavior Management in the Classroom
- Family, School, and Community Collaboration
- Career Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Consultation, Program Development, and Evaluation
- Group Counseling, Leadership, and Intervention
- School Counseling: Professional Roles: Comprehensive Exam
- Curriculum Instruction and Academic Accommodation and Modification Intervention
- Field Work/Internship (4 required courses in total)
Instruction may be provided on-ground, online or in hybrid modalities, and varies by program. For on-ground and hybrid programs, instruction is primarily provided at an Alliant campus; however, some instructional activities may take place off campus at a location appropriate for the particular activity, including, but not limited to, online courses or online portion of courses, internships, practicums, or field placement activities.
For online programs, instruction is provided online; however, some programs may include an in-person residency requirement at one of Alliant’s campuses. Additional instructional activities, including, but not limited to internships, practicums, or field placement activities may take place at a location appropriate for the particular activity.
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