Frequently Asked Questions

The master’s degree in school counseling can be completed in three years.

The program is completed on a full-time schedule, with students completing two courses per semester. In the fall and spring, students come to campus once per week for two back-to-back courses in the evening. In the summer semester (6 weeks), students take two in-person evening classes per week, attending one class each evening. Asynchronous online coursework will be required once a week.

You may complete the master’s in school counseling in California at either our Thousand Oaks or Oxnard location. Courses are offered once per week at 4 p.m. and then 7 p.m. (In the summer, you will be on campus twice per week.)

Students should expect to commit 10 to 12 hours to the program each week: 6 hours in class and an additional 4 to 6 hours on coursework.

Yes, we offer two optional specializations. You can choose to complete a:

• Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) specialization: Equips practitioners to assess and respond to each student's specific situation
• College Counseling specialization: Prepares graduates for counseling and support positions in higher education settings

Learn more about these specializations on our curriculum page.

Our College Counseling specialization is part of the larger MS in Counseling (PPS) degree. This option prepares you to work across the full educational spectrum, from kindergarten through college, or support K-12 students with deeper knowledge of what comes after graduation.

If you want to focus specifically on higher education settings, we offer a dedicated MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel degree. This program provides specific education for student affairs positions in colleges and universities.

Students should choose based on their career goals: the specialization for those wanting PPS credentials with a K-through-college perspective, or the full degree for those targeting careers exclusively in higher education.

The MS in Counseling (PPS) requires a combined 800 field hours from Field Studies in School Counseling I and Field Studies in School Counseling II. Students must also complete 100 additional hours for the Practicum course.

Upon graduation from the MS in Counseling (PPS), 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 Child Welfare and Attendance Specialization are also eligible for the CWA authorization.

The State of California requires the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential for anyone who wants to work in K-12 public schools as counselors, social workers or psychologists.

The PPS credential is divided into specialization areas, each with its own set of requirements:

• School counseling
• School social work
• School psychology
• Child welfare and attendance services

You can view the requirements for each specialization on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.

Cal Lutheran’s MS in Counseling (PPS) program fulfills the education and experience requirements for the Added Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA).

Those with the CWA credential will be authorized to perform the following duties:

• Access appropriate services from both public and private providers, including law enforcement and social services.
• Provide staff development to school personnel regarding state and federal laws pertaining to due process and child welfare and attendance laws.
• Address school policies and procedures that inhibit academic success.
• Implement strategies to improve student attendance.
• Participate in schoolwide reform efforts.
• Promote understanding and appreciation of those factors that affect the attendance of culturally-diverse student populations.

To be eligible and qualified to work as a school counselor in California, students must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university
• Complete a minimum of 48 credits of post baccalaureate degree study
• Receive formal recommendation from a California college or university
• Complete the Basic Skills Requirement
• Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process
• Pay the application processing fee

For more details about how to get the PPS credential and how to become a school counselor in California, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing site.

The Master of Science in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services is geared towards learners who want to assist students in K-12 settings. You should pursue the Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel if you’re interested in working with college and university students.

There are a variety of university resources available to students in the MS in school counseling program, including:

• Career Services
• Program advisement
• Library/research
• Graduate Writing Community
• Diversity and culture
• Veteran resources
• Fitness/intramural sports
• Health services
• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Graduate and Professional Student Council

Yes, Cal Lutheran offers a variety of funding options from internal and external sources. These include:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Veterans benefits
• Employer discounts

Visit our financial aid page for detailed information. You can also call a graduate enrollment specialist at 805-493-3325 to learn more about funding your education.

Cal Lutheran being designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) signifies that we meet specific criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education, primarily that at least 25% of our full-time undergraduate student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Being an HSI reflects Cal Lutheran’s broader commitment to diversity and community engagement. We offer a wide range of resources and opportunities, including scholarships, mentorship programs and courses that celebrate Hispanic cultures and heritage. We believe in creating a supportive space where students from all backgrounds can thrive and make lasting connections.

Cal Lutheran warmly welcomes individuals of all faiths and belief systems. Our inclusive community does not require affiliation with any church, religion or religious organization. We embrace diversity in all walks of life, so that every member of our community feels valued and respected.

We’re happy to help. You can talk to a graduate enrollment specialist at 805-493-3325. You can also email your questions to clugrad@callutheran.edu.