School Counseling Master s in School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential
Make a Lifelong Impact as a School Counselor Master s in School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential Program Become a Specialist in Child and Adolescent Development and Counseling School Counseling is a critical and high-need professional role serving students and families. Alliant s School Counseling program prepares school counselors to work in elementary and secondary school settings. As schools respond to challenges associated with rapidly growing enrollments and the changing needs of a diversifying student population, the role of the school counselor has become increasingly essential. School counselors serve as student advocates and counseling support, working with other professionals within schools (teachers, school psychologists, school nurses, and more) to create positive learning environments that maximize students success. School counselors design and implement counseling programs that help to equip students to better manage emotions and behaviors, make decisions, cope with challenges, prevent and resolve conflicts, overcome learning disorders, and improve attendance. School counselors also assist students in improving self-management skills, and provide guidance toward helping students achieve future goals through appropriate career and academic counseling. The Alliant Advantage A Recognized Leader in Counseling, Psychology, and Education Alliant boasts many of California s most wellrespected and recognized graduate counseling, psychology, and education programs and faculty. Executive Course Formats Alliant offers convenient later afternoon and evening courses for working professionals, allowing you to pursue your education as you earn a living. Specialists in Urban Education and Diversity An Alliant hallmark is an emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity in education across all facets of race, ethnicity, orientation, and ability levels, making our school counseling graduates uniquely prepared for today s increasingly diverse urban school environments. Mentorship and Experiential Learning At Alliant, you gain invaluable real-world career experiences while being mentored by our expert practitioner faculty at every turn. Students also enjoy small cohort sizes for individualized attention, peer support, and team building. Choose an Accredited University Alliant is a private institution of higher education accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Credential programs are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). School counselors are not just counselors. They are also advocates for students and leaders within school systems. Alliant recognizes the value of school counselors for our communities, and in the power they have to positively impact the lives of students. -Lisa Mauricio, MA School Counseling Program Coordinator
Applied Learning and Hands-On Experience in School Counseling School Counseling Practicum Hours Candidates complete applied learning experiences through 100 practicum hours at approved school sites. Candidates are expected to spend at least two to five hours each week in school settings in conjunction with courses and course assignments. Example Practicum Assignments Peer counseling related to a university or college program practicum course. Personal and career assessments. Personal counseling experience in either an individual or group context. School-based programs serving parents and family members. Community service programs serving children and families. Shadowing a school counselor, observing classroom instruction, attending district and school-based meetings, and mapping. Field Placement Completion of a 600-hour supervised school counseling field placement within an approved K-12 school is required to earn the School Counseling Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential. The field placement provides opportunity for the candidate to perform the functions of a school counselor in school counseling domains. Up to 150 hours shall be devoted to issues of diversity. All required practicum hours and the program s comprehensive exam must be successfully completed prior to the field placement. Obtaining an Field Placement Students are responsible for securing a field placement with support and guidance from Alliant and professional organizations. Students are encouraged to network and build district relationships while completing practicum hours. Faculty Mentorship Program While in field placement, each candidate is assigned a faculty mentor who provides continual support. Field placement cohorts meet monthly to share experiences and to learn from one another. PPS Credential Requirements* All coursework completed with an overall GPA of 3.0 with no D or F grades Passing score on: California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and comprehensive exam Clear TB (tuberculosis) verification Certificate of Clearance CTC 41-4 application form *These are not admissions requirements, but must be completed by the first April of enrollment. School Counseling PPS Credential-Only Program Individuals with a minimum of a master s degree in related psychology, counseling, or education fields and who wish to pursue a career as a credentialed California school counselor may be eligible to pursue Alliant s School Counseling PPS Credential-Only program. An individualized plan of study is developed based upon a transfer credit evaluation of a candidate s graduate academic record and course, fieldwork, and practicum hour equivalents.this program results only in the award of a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved School Counseling PPS Credential. It does not result in a master s degree.
One of Alliant s four pillars is diversity and multiculturalism in education, which is a critical emphasis area necessary for professional practice in School Counseling. Alliant embeds that foundation throughout our curriculum to ensure that our school counseling graduates are uniquely prepared to excel in the field. -Steven Fisher, PsyD School Counseling Program Director, San Diego Choose Alliant and Build Your School Counseling Career School Counseling Master s + PPS Credential Program at a Glance Full program completion within five or fewer semesters. 600 hours of supervised field placement in school counseling. Late afternoon, evening, and/or weekend classes for working adults. Low student-to-faculty ratio/small classes No prerequisites Admission Requirements Online university application with application fee. Interview Two letters of recommendation Personal statement Official undergraduate transcripts from a regionally-accredited university (degrees in progress are acceptable) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (GPA exemptions may be granted). PPS Credential-only candidates must also submit master s/graduate transcripts. CV/Resume. International students have additional requirements. Please inquire.
Learn More and Apply Now Accepting applications for Fall enrollment. Locations Irvine San Diego Los Angeles San Francisco SchoolCounseling.Alliant.edu SchoolCounseling@alliant.edu 858.635.4442 LA, Irvine, and San Diego 415.955.2087 San Francisco facebook.com/hufstedleralliant twitter.com/hufstedlered
IRVINE SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO LOS ANGELES FRESNO SACRAMENTO MEXICO CITY ONLINE Alliant International University is a private university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Alliant is an equal opportunity employer and educator.