Post-Master's School Counseling Credential
To become a School Counselor in PreK–12 California public schools, you must have a School Counseling Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC). Credentials are awarded through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
The Counseling Department at Saint Mary’s prepares PPSC students to become professional, empathic, well-rounded School Counselors through best practice academics and field experience. Our counseling framework emphasizes culturally responsive counseling and social justice, which is reflected in the College's Lasallian Core Principles and the Department’s Student Learning Outcomes. In keeping with CCTC requirements, our program gives primary emphasis to helping public school pupils achieve academic success by emphasizing the importance of student support services. We also emphasize the holistic wellness of students and school communities, and our students learn how to support PreK–12 pupils in the academic, career, and social/emotional domains as outlined by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
This program is only open to SMC MA in Counseling graduates.
2025 Fall Term Admissions are closed. Check back for Spring 2026 application.
Learn More
We're here to help you navigate the application process every step of the way. Here are some resources to give you more information about what you'll need as you get started.
Program Duration
Students complete credential coursework in 1.5 to 2 years. This is a program designed to help you grow and succeed.
Learning Environment
Fall and Spring semester courses meet in person Monday - Thursday in the late afternoon / evenings & alternate Saturdays
Average Class Size
Small class sizes. Cohort members in the program form a learning community. Your success starts with connections.
Each student receives an individualized plan of study within a cohort model, wraparound supervision and support both on campus and in the field, and attends intentionally small classes for an in-depth experience. Saint Mary’s PPSC graduates enter schools with the self-confidence and skills to be advocates for their students, parents, teachers, and greater community.
Links and Resources
Counseling Department