Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Educational and Clinical Counseling with an Embedded Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential

The MAEd in Educational and Clinical Counseling is available to domestic and international students. Depending on the campus, we may require you to delay enrollment until the program accumulates enough beginning candidates to support all learning outcomes. If you have questions about start dates, request an advising appointment at [email protected].

Information Meetings

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

We want to make your journey to APU as smooth as possible. If you still have questions about your eligibility and requirements after attending an information meeting, contact your dedicated admission representative at the Student Services Center.

Admission Requirements for Domestic Applicants

For the MAEd in Educational and Clinical Counseling application, you must provide these materials:

• Graduate application for admission

• $45 nonrefundable application fee

• Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions leading to and awarding your bachelor’s degree, and from all postbaccalaureate studies
• 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 minimum cumulative 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average (GPA) 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 from professional references who can evaluate your performance (these recommendations should come from sources such as employers, supervisors, or academic faculty)
• Five-page essay or autobiography describing your personal and professional history
• Current résumé, including relevant work and volunteer experience
• Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC), valid through January 31 for summer and fall term applications or through June 30 for spring term applications (review these instructions to obtain a COC as soon as possible, allowing time for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information)
• Proof of completion of the Basic Skills Requirement

Send official transcripts to:

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

Admission Requirements for International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien students for this master’s in educational counseling and for other undergraduate and graduate degrees. APU issues and administers the I-20 and DS-2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents, respectively).

In addition to the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements, as an international applicant, you must complete these steps:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through one of our Academic Success Center’s Foreign Language Placement and Proficiency Assessments or through a TOEFL or IELTS score that meets APU’s requirements (request that official test scores be sent to APU; you must submit all other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements directly to International Services)
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months, proving your 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, and date of birth
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated (a foreign transcript evaluation agency must evaluate international credentials, including transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees; review our graduate international transcript policy and a list of approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies)

Next Steps

After the Student Services Center receives all admission materials, the faculty or department chair reviews your file and notifies you in writing of the admission decision.

We offer multiple financial aid options to make your in-person or online educational and clinical counseling degree affordable. Review common fees, financial aid opportunities at APU, and tuition discounts and scholarships for the School of Education below.

MAEd in Educational and Clinical Counseling Tuition and Fees

Some courses may require additional costs. View a complete list of university fees.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

At APU, we’re committed to keeping Christian education accessible. We offer several types of financial aid for your master’s degree in educational counseling. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to select fellowships and scholarships. For more details about financial aid for this program, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

 Military and Veteran Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can remain confident that you receive the benefits and flexibility you need in order to complete your education.

School of Education Scholarships

School of Education Alumni Tuition Discounts

 Our School of Education offers an alumni tuition discount for Azusa Pacific alumni who enroll in an APU graduate program.

 To receive this discount for the master’s in educational and clinical counseling, you must

• remain in good academic standing, maintaining satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• stay enrolled at least half time; and
• choose to receive this alumni discount without combining it with other institutional aid or scholarships.

If you meet the qualifications, the discount renews each term—APU pays $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). Contact Student Financial Services at (626) 815-2020 for complete eligibility details.

PartnerPlus Tuition Discounts

Our School of Education offers you a tuition discount if you are employed by one of these districts, charter schools, or counties:

More on the PartnerPlus Tuition Discounts

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In addition, the School of Education holds national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), making APU one of only three private schools in California with this distinction. Furthermore, our credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Full-time students take 6 units every eight weeks, but many candidates are working adults and do not take classes full time. We recommend that you connect with your academic advisor to determine the appropriate course load.

Most students attend classes two evenings per week.

Most classes for this master’s in educational counseling have no more than 15-20 students.

No. Instead, you must pass the Praxis II School Counselor Test with a minimum score of 150 before completing the degree. Our code for the Praxis II exam is 5422.

The MA in Educational & Clinical Counseling program at Azusa Pacific meets the academic and practicum requirements for obtaining the PPS credential. However, there are additional, after-program steps that must occur before you receive it from California, including a formal credential recommendation from APU to the state on your behalf. You must also pass a background check and pay an application fee to obtain the PPS credential.