Quick Facts
Duration: Three years
Starts: One start per year, in the fall
Format: On campus, cohort
Campus locations: Thousand Oaks or Oxnard
Prepare to guide the next generation of students with the Cal Lutheran Master of Science in Counseling and Pupil and Personnel Services (PPS). Examine the experiences that have shaped you and use your insights to prepare to effectively champion the needs of students in the K-12 space.
We’ve built our program on the cultural proficiency model, an inside-out approach that recognizes and values the ways in which your identity and background inform your approach to counseling. Through engaging classroom work and multiple on-site practicum experiences, you will graduate as a deeply skilled counselor who is ready to empower students with the tools to succeed.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible for the Clear Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential offered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students who choose to pursue the optional Child Welfare and Attendance Specialization are also eligible for the CWA authorization.
See the MS in Counseling (PPS) curriculum for more information.
MS in Counseling (PPS) Program Features
- A schedule designed for working professionals: Courses meet in the evenings, once per week in the fall and spring terms and twice per week in the summer. To optimize your time and travel, we schedule two courses back-to-back when you’re on campus. You can complete your degree at either our Thousand Oaks or Oxnard campus.
- A comprehensive counseling skillset: With an emphasis on building cultural proficiency, microskills and knowledge of the ASCA framework, you’ll become a well-rounded, highly skilled counselor.
- A blend of theory, tools and on-site practice: In the classroom, we ensure that our students have a strong grasp of theories and knowledge of how to put them into practice. Multiple on-site internships in K-12 schools allow you to harness what you’ve learned and apply it to real educational settings.
- A student-centered experience: We care deeply about our student’s well-being. Small class sizes enable close-knit relationships between faculty and students, while our one-on-one advising provides you with personalized guidance on your degree plan and your career.
“I was inspired to pursue my MS in Counseling for K-12 Schools because I have a passion for helping students. I have always worked with students and youth and wanted to be able to help many more by guiding them through their educational journey. Cal Lutheran seemed like the perfect fit since the program had small classes, which allowed me to create relationships and bond with classmates and professors.”
Child Welfare and Attendance Specialization
With one additional field study experience course, students can complete a Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Specialization. Child welfare and attendance issues impact many disenfranchised public school students, and the CWA Specialization empowers future practitioners to more effectively assess, understand and respond to each student’s unique situation. Learn more on our curriculum page.
How We Empower Our Students To Succeed
We believe that anyone seeking graduate education should have that opportunity, and we’re here to help you make your goals a reality. In addition to support from faculty, advisors and peers, students in our master’s degree in school counseling have access to financial solutions and valuable academic resources.
Financial aid and scholarships
We provide a diverse range of financial support opportunities, including internal and external funding sources and funding for current and future educators. Explore your options on our financial aid page.
Veteran resources
Cal Lutheran is committed to honoring those who serve and have served our country by offering an accessible, high-quality education to veterans, military members and their families.
With small class sizes and a personal approach to earning your degree, Cal Lutheran helps veterans to obtain their academic goals, as well as assist with the transition into civilian and college life. Learn more about veteran resources at Cal Lutheran.
DREAMers
We stand with undocumented students by assisting them with the admission and financial aid process. With a team of trained allies and cross-campus resources, we continue to support our DREAMers as they transition into the college lifestyle and become graduates of Cal Lutheran. Learn about the DREAM Act.
First-generation students
We aim to assist our first-generation students by offering resources and scholarships tailored to their needs. Learn more.
What Can You Do With a Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Degree?
In the MS in Counseling with PPS credential program, we work to ensure that your field experience prepares you for the types of jobs you will seek upon graduation. Our alumni work as school counselors and in similar roles across California’s school districts, including:
- California Community Colleges
- Central Valley Unified School District
- Conejo Valley Unified School District
- Fillmore Unified School District
- Hueneme Unified School District
- Lancaster Unified School District
- Los Angeles Unified School District
- Moorpark Unified School District
- Oxnard School District
- Oxnard Union High School District
- Santa Barbara Unified School District
- Santa Paula Unified School District
- Simi Valley Unified School District
- Ventura Unified School District
Ready to learn more? Download our brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions and FAQ pages.
Request Information
To learn more about the Graduate Degree Programs offered by the Cal Lutheran Graduate School of Education and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admission counselor directly by calling us at 805-493-3325.