professor guiding students during a class activity

PPS: School Counseling Credential

Earn a Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling Credential at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll graduate ready to serve as a counselor in public school settings, equipped to address the numerous issues and pressures facing pupils today. Work side-by-side with practicing school counselors and develop problem-solving skills, discipline procedures, crisis intervention, and more. Designed for students who have already earned a MAEd: Educational Psychology and PPS Credential in School Psychology, you’ll be prepared to succeed in the field of school counseling.

Program at a Glance

The School of Education equips educators to lead and champion students in diverse educational settings.

Upcoming Events

School of Education Online Preview Night

February 22, 6–7:30 p.m., Online via Zoom

Application Deadline

  • Spring 2024: November 27, 2023
  • Summer 2024: March 25, 2024

Apply Now

Program Units
50

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus), Murrieta, Orange County

 

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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Develop the skills needed to meet the learning needs of students in today’s classrooms.
  • Engage with coursework grounded in a Christian worldview.
  • Learn from expert faculty in the field.
  • Bring learning to life through fieldwork experiences in K-12 schools.

By the Numbers

22 % Projected growth of mental health counselors employment from 2021-31.
1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty Ratio

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Program Details

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Informational Meetings

Prospective students may attend an informational meeting prior to submitting an application. Complete details regarding admission and specific program requirements, advising, and general information are discussed at information meetings. For details on upcoming dates, meeting locations, or registration, check the School of Education's information meeting calendar or call (626) 815-5376.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

  • Graduate application for admission
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study

    An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
  • Two recommendations submitted by employers, supervisors, or professors who have current knowledge of the applicant’s academic ability and potential within the profession
  • A five-page essay or autobiography describing personal and professional history
  • Résumé (preferred) or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience
  • Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC). Applicants for Summer or Fall Terms must have a COC valid through January 31. Applicants for the Spring Term must have a COC valid through June 30. View instructions on Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (PDF). Applicants are encouraged to begin this step as soon as possible to allow time for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information.
  • Proof the Basic Skills Requirement has been satisfied

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

Watch the Application Tutorial

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
  • Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
  • Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

 

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Featured Faculty

Michelle Cox

Michelle Cox

Director, School Counseling Program; Professor, Department of School Counseling and School Psychology

Roberta Alba

Roberta Alba

Assistant Professor, Department of School Counseling and School Psychology

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

Related Programs

Master of Social Work (MSW)

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Available Concentrations:

Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families, Community Leadership and Program Administration

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