About the Program

Mission Statement

The Department of School Counseling and School Psychology offers adult learners academic and practical preparation for careers in school counseling and school psychology. The department provides coursework and supervises field work leading to the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Counseling and the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Psychology. In addition, the department offers a credential-only program for those who hold a master’s degree and seek certification in school counseling or school psychology.

Program Details

APU’s Master of Arts in Education: Educational and Clinical Counseling combines the master’s degree and embedded Pupil Personnel Services Credential with 12 additional semester units required for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Respecialization Certificate in Clinical Counseling. Graduates of this innovative, blended program hold a highly marketable degree with applications in both K–12 educational settings and the clinical, mental health field.

This program immerses the candidate in the world of school counseling, emphasizing practical techniques to help students stay in school. At the same time, the program offers flexibility through an added clinical emphasis and the ability for students to specialize in their desired concentration within the mental health field.

As candidates explore problem-solving skills, discipline procedures, crisis and routine intervention, they are prepared to meet California state licensure requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors. Candidates receive this designation only upon passing the required state examinations for licensure. Visit the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors to learn more about licensure requirements.

Concurrent Learning

Azusa Pacific University recognizes the need to provide quality academic programs for graduate students with divergent professional goals and differing educational needs. The degree and credential programs are designed for a limited number of individuals eager to pursue a Master of Arts and a credential program concurrently. These embedded degree/credential programs are conditional and faculty advisement is required prior to enrollment in the program.

Career Path

Candidates with this degree and its embedded dual credentials are well equipped to serve as school counselors in a K–12 public or non-public school setting.

With preparation to meet the educational requirements for California state licensure as a LPCC, graduates are also positioned for success in the clinical, mental health field, including areas such as social services and private mental health practices.

Student Dispositional Expectations

All candidates in the Department of School Counseling and School Psychology will be evaluated on their professional attitudes, values, and beliefs demonstrated through both verbal and non-verbal behaviors as educators interact with students, families, colleagues, and communities. These positive behaviors support student learning and development. The two professional dispositions that NCATE (transitioning to CAEP) expects institutions to assess are fairness and the belief that all students can learn.

Student Dispositional Assessment

Three times throughout the program, faculty will evaluate candidates with regards to student dispositions. The School of Education Candidate Disposition Rubric will be utilized to assess each candidate.

Student Dispositional Remediation

Any candidate who does not meet minimal expectations on the Candidate Disposition Rubric will be required to meet with the Department Student Remediation Team to develop an improvement plan. Students who fail to meet the remedial dispositional requirements will be evaluated for fitness to practice in the profession.

TaskStream

Candidates in the School Counseling and School Psychology programs will be required to sign up for a TaskStream account at the onset of their program. All courses, including field experiences, have required Signature Assignments that will be evaluated by faculty.