MA + K-12 School Counseling (Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential Preparation)

The MA + K-12 School Counseling program prepares individuals who are interested in earning a master’s degree while also meeting the requirements for a California Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling (PPS-SC) Credential.

Individuals who pursue this program track and successfully complete the required school counseling specialization courses, practicum, and supervised fieldwork can apply for their credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing once their degree has been conferred by SJSU.

Individuals who hold a master’s degree and PPS-SC credential are eligible to work as elementary, middle, and high school counselors in public K-12 schools in California. In addition, students in the MA + K-12 School Counseling Program have the option to add preparation for the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization.

Our PPS School Counseling Credential and CWA Authorization programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) - Pupil Personnel Services Credential for Individuals Prepared in California.

This program requires a minimum of 60 units that can be completed in five semesters (i.e., by taking four classes per semester).

Overview of Courses (60 units min.) – Approved program for students admitted for Fall 2025 and after

EDCO 215: Introduction to Counseling & Guidance
EDCO 218: Counseling Process & Techniques
EDCO 221: Research in Counselor Education
EDCO 227: School-Family-Community Collaboration
EDCO 232: Law & Ethics in Counseling
EDCO 244: Cultural Perspectives in Counseling
EDCO 248: Dynamics of Behavior and Development
EDCO 266: Education and Career Planning
EDCO 268: Lifespan Development
EDCO 275: Practicum in School Counseling
EDCO 276: Supervised Experience in School Counseling I
EDCO 277: Supervised Experience in School Counseling II
EDCO 278: Supervised Experience in School Counseling III
EDCO 279: Advanced Group Process Theory and Practice
EDCO 283: Advanced Educational Assessment
EDCO 285: Trauma Counseling and Crisis Intervention
EDCO 287: Comprehensive School Counseling Analysis
EDCO 288: Seminar in Counseling Theory and Practice
EDCO 289: Seminar in Professional Counseling
EDCO 298 or 299: MA Paper (Plan A/B)

The table below represents a sample plan of study for a student pursuing the MA
degree with a school counseling specialization who is attending the program with full-
time status. Plans of study can be adapted for students who would like to take fewer
classes each semester.