Frequently Asked Questions

The MS in Counseling (PPS) can be completed in three years.

Adding a specialization does extend the timeline. The Child Welfare and Attendance Specialization adds 3 credits, and the College Counseling Specialization adds 12 credits.

See our curriculum page for more information about these specializations and additional credits.

The program runs on a full-time schedule, with students typically taking two courses per term. (Students that add the College Counseling specialization sometimes take three courses per term.)

In fall and spring, students come to campus one evening per week for two back-to-back classes.

Students taking their fieldwork courses are also required to meet online weekly on Monday evenings with their professor and peers. In the six-week summer term, students attend two in-person evening classes per week, with one class per evening, plus asynchronous online coursework completed once a week.

Yes. The program is built for students who need to keep working while they earn their degree. In fall and spring, classes meet one evening per week for two back-to-back sessions on campus. In the six-week summer term, students attend two in-person evening classes per week, one class per evening, plus asynchronous online coursework completed each week.

Students should be aware that the practicum and field studies portions of the program involve significant supervised hours in K-12 schools, which typically happen during the school day. Many students plan for reduced work schedules or shift into education-adjacent roles during those terms to accommodate the fieldwork.

Visit our admissions page for more information about the course schedules.

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.

For K-12 public schools, no. California's Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling is required by the state for anyone working as a school counselor in a public school district, from kindergarten through 12th grade. The credential is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is a non-negotiable qualification for public school counseling positions.

Private schools aren't subject to this requirement under California Education Code, and hiring practices vary from school to school. That said, holding the PPS Credential widens the kinds of positions available to you across both public and private K-12 schools in the state.

For school counseling roles outside K-12 schools, other credentials or degrees may apply. Community college counselors, for example, are governed by different state regulations and typically need a master's in counseling or a closely related field rather than the PPS Credential specifically.

To earn California's Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling, you need to complete four things:

1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. A CTC-approved graduate program in school counseling, typically 48 units or more, including a supervised practicum
3. The Basic Skills Requirement, often satisfied through the CBEST exam or their undergraduate studies
4. A background check and Live Scan fingerprinting

Once these are complete, your graduate program recommends you to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), which reviews the recommendation and issues the credential.

Cal Lutheran's MS in Counseling (PPS) is CTC-approved and structured to meet the education and supervised experience requirements. Students who complete the program are eligible to be recommended for the PPS Credential in School Counseling.

We have more information in our step-by-step guide to becoming a school counselor in California.

The biggest difference is the age group you'll serve.

• K-12 students are the focus of the MS in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS). Completing the degree also prepares you for California's PPS Credential in School Counseling, required to work as a school counselor in California public schools.
• College and university students are the focus of the MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP). Graduates work in academic advising, admissions, student affairs and career counseling.

The College Counseling Specialization is an add-on to the MS in Counseling (PPS) degree. It's built for graduates who want to work across the full education span, from kindergarten through college, or who want to support K-12 students with deeper knowledge of what comes after high school.

The MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP) is a separate degree focused exclusively on higher education. It's built for graduates aiming at student affairs, advising, admission, financial aid and similar roles inside colleges and universities.

The choice really comes down to where you want to work. Choose the PPS with the College Counseling Specialization if you want the school counseling credential plus a college counseling perspective. Choose the CSP if your career goals sit entirely within higher education.

No, the MS in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) is not open to international applicants.

Admission is limited to applicants who are eligible to work in the United States because the program leads to California's PPS Credential in School Counseling. Holding the credential requires the right to work in California K-12 public schools.

If you're interested in graduate study in counseling at Cal Lutheran and are an international applicant, the in-person MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel (CSP) is open to international applicants. It prepares you to counsel students in colleges and universities.

There are a variety of university resources available to students in the college counselor degree 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

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 in college counseling have access to financial solutions and valuable academic resources.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Cal Lutheran provides a diverse range of financial support opportunities, including internal and external funding sources and funding for current and future educators.

Explore financial aid options

Veteran Resources

To honor those who serve and have served our country, we offer an accessible, high-quality education to veterans, military members and their families.

Cal Lutheran proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. In addition to small class sizes and personalized support, we help veterans achieve their goals through assistance with paperwork, academics and the college transition.

Learn more about veteran resources

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 resources available to DREAMers

First-Generation Students

Graduate students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education can access dedicated resources via the STRIVE Scholars program.