M.S. Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Program Chairperson: Laurel Schroeder

This program prepares qualified students to become professional school counselors in grades K-12. It has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to recommend qualified candidates for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling, including the Intern Credential. The M.S. in Educational Counseling also qualifies candidates to serve as community college counselors.

Admission Requirements: ULV's graduate admission requirements and the following:

  1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a preferred GPA of 2.75 or above in undergraduate work, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for any graduate work.
  2. (a) An undergraduate major in one of the behavioral sciences, or (b) a valid teaching credential with a minimum of one year of full-time classroom teaching experience, or (c) successful coursework or experience demonstrating knowledge in the areas of general psychology, human learning and development, and human behavior.
  3. A course and demonstrated competence in word processing, database management, computer presentation, and Internet skills, including downloading and e-mail. This prerequisite must be satisfied before advancement to candidacy.
  4. A statement of purpose outlining reasons for seeking admission, together with an autobiography.
  5. Applicants without prior teaching experience are strongly encouraged to have at least one year of experience working with children or adolescents. This experience should be described in the statement of purpose and autobiography.
  6. Three letters of reference addressing the applicant's potential as a school counselor, including one from the immediate supervisor.
  7. An interview with the program chair or designee.
  8. Application for Certificate of Clearance or valid California Teaching Credential.
Additional Requirements:
  1. For candidates seeking the Pupil Personnel Services Credential: CBEST score card upon application, and pass card prior to registration for EDUC 583B.
  2. Demonstrated personal suitability for the education counseling profession before entering EDUC 583A.
  3. A Certificate of Clearance or a valid California Teaching Credential before registering for EDUC 583A.

Total Program: 48 semester hours for M.S. and credential; 47 semester hours for M.S. only.

Core Courses: 45 semester hours
EDUC 501 Educational Assessment (3)
EDUC 503 Educational Psychology (3)
EDUC 504 Methods of Research (3)
EDUC 543 School Guidance Seminar (3)
EDUC 546 Introduction to School Counseling (3)
EDUC 549 School Counseling Theories (3)
EDUC 550 Human Development (3)
EDUC 564 Instruction and Achievement (2)
EDUC 565 Career Development (3)
EDUC 567 School Safety & Crisis Prevention (2)
EDUC 571 Individual Counseling Skills (3)
EDUC 572 Group Counseling Skills (3)
EDUC 573 Counseling Diverse Populations (3)
EDUC 574 Facilitating/Consultation Skills (3)
EDUC 583A Supervised Field Work--Level I (1)
EDUC 583B Supervised Field Work--Level II (1)
EDMT 576 Organizational Management and School/Community Collaboration (3)

Culminating Activity: 3 semester hours
EDUC 597 Graduate Seminar in School Counseling (3)