Dena Fiori, Ed.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Program Director, School Counseling
School Counseling, M.A. and PPS Credential
School of Education
The Master of Arts in School Counseling with a California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential authorizes you to work as a credentialed school counselor in a public-school setting. Our program requires a minimum of 50 units of coursework and 800 hours of field experience in a PK-12 setting. A sequence of courses is determined by the program director.
View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure
Program Highlights
- Small class sizes
- Experienced university and adjunct faculty
- Synchronous online classes keep students connected
- Includes both academic classroom training and applied field experience
- Graduates from this program are highly sought out by top districts
- Accredited by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 1900 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, California 95814-4213
Catalog
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Program Director: Dena M. Fiori, Ed.D. OverviewThe Master of Arts in School Counseling degree with Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling authorizes an individual to work as a credentialed School Counselor in a public-school setting. This graduate program requires a minimum of 50 units of coursework (listed below) and a minimum of 800 hours of field experience in pk-12 settings. A sequence of courses and educational plan is determined by the program director. In addition to the 50 units, there are three prerequisites required for admission (If you obtain a bachelors degree in psychology from FPU, UC, or a CSU all prerequisites will be waived). Up to 9 units of credit from an accredited graduate program in counseling, psychology or a related area may be transferred into the school psychology program, where such courses are judged by the School Counseling Program Director to be equivalent to those required in the graduate program. All other provisions of the general graduate policy on transfer of credit shall apply. Students will be required to obtain liability insurance through the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) during the first session of the program. Proof of liability insurance must be obtained by the program director prior to school site-based observations and PK-12 field experience. The following additional program requirements must be met to be employed as a School Counselor:
AccreditationThe accrediting body for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential is: State of California Admissions Requirements
*Program applicants will be required to submit an impromptu writing sample of approximately one page at the time they are scheduled to meet with the program director for an interview. The sample of written expression will be part of the documentation required to determine candidate competence. In the event that program prospects are judged by the Graduate Admission Committee to have writing deficiencies (provided they have met the other requirements) they may be accepted under the condition that they take a professional writing class. Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO) and Student Learning Objectives (SLO) are based on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling Performance Expectations (SCPE). The PSLO's for this program are listed below: Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO)PSLO 1: Foundations of the School Counseling Professional Standards: Candidates demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the core areas including history, philosophy, and trends in school counseling; state and national standards; modes of comprehensive and developmental school counseling and guidance programs; and the theoretical bases for counseling practices in schools. PSLO 2: Professionalism, Ethics & Legal Mandates: Candidates demonstrate understanding of professional codes of ethics and current legal mandates, as well as an awareness of the range of legal issues, such as statutory, regulatory, and case law affecting the delivery of pupil services. PSLO 3: Student Academic Development: Candidates demonstrate understanding of the concepts, principles, strategies, programs, and practices for enabling pupils to experience academic success and achieve at high levels. PSLO 4: Student College and Career Development: Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the components of career development programs and opportunities to develop, implement, and evaluate such programs in schools. PSLO 5: Social/Emotional Development: Candidates apply knowledge and understanding to the theories, concepts, processes, skills, and practices required for successful personal social development. PSLO 6: Educational Foundations: Growth and Development, Learning Theory, and Academic Achievement: Candidates demonstrate skills in the planning, organizing, and implementing educational programs designed to promote pupil learning and high academic achievement. Candidates also demonstrate knowledge in preventing problems that pose barriers to learning and achievement such as stereotypes, discrimination, school climate, and socioeconomic status. PSLO 7: Leadership and Advocacy in Social Justice, Equity, and Access: Candidates demonstrate the qualities, principles, and styles of effective leadership. Candidates also utilize the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of effective leadership by acting as agents of change in planning, organizing, implementing, managing and evaluating the outcomes of school counseling and guidance programs that increase student learning and achievement. PSLO 8: Program Development: Candidates demonstrate understanding of the organization, structure, and cultural context of schools as educational systems and are able to plan, develop, implement and evaluate systemic and comprehensive counseling and guidance programs that are part of an overall school plan. PSLO 9: Research, Program Evaluation, and Technology: Candidates demonstrate knowledge about basic principles of research design, action research, and program evaluation. This includes traditional experimental design as well as qualitative and single subject designs. ASCA National ModelThe American School Counselor Association (ASCA) supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career, and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. ASCA provides professional development, publications, and other resources, research, and advocacy to school counselors around the globe (ASCA, 2021). School counselors design and deliver school counseling programs that improve student outcomes. The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, outlines the components of a school counseling program that is integral to the school's academic mission and is created to have a significant positive impact on student achievement, attendance, and discipline. Locations OfferedSynchronous Online Program Length/Semester StartsThe program is four or five semesters in length depending on the plan chosen. Cohorts start each semester. Degree Pathway Sample |
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Required Courses
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Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 40+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!
For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.
First Steps to Admission
- Apply online
- Submit 2-3 reference forms (Varies based on program of interest)
These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form. - Include statement of intent.
You can also provide an addendum explaining your interest in the program, any long-term goals and your experience in the field. - Request official transcripts.
Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Send transcripts electronically to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mail sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s Office at 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702. - Complete program requirements.
These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable. - Apply for financial aid.
You can apply for FAFSA. Use FPU school code: 001253 - Schedule an appointment.
Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.
Program Requirements
- Three reference forms
- Statement of intent*
- Valid California credential or Certificate of Clearance
- Verification of current negative TB test (within last 12 months)
- CBEST test results (a minimum score of 100 will be accepted for admissions, however, to begin the field experience course PPC 740, a passing score of 123 or higher is required)
- Letter of explanation if GPA is under 3.00
- Interview with program director**
*One to two typed pages providing a statement of career goals and a description of how participation in the graduate program will contribute to your growth and development of these goals.
**Program applicants will be required to submit an impromptu writing sample of approximately one page at the time they are scheduled to meet with the program director for an interview. The sample of written expression will be part of the documentation required to determine candidate competence. If the students is judged by the Graduate Admission Committee to have writing deficiencies, they may be required to take a professional writing class.
Please Note: Students are required to obtain liability insurance through the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) during the first session of the program. Proof of liability insurance must be obtained by the program director prior to school site-based observations and field experience.
Prerequisites
- Introduction to Statistics
- General Psychology
- Child Growth and Development
- Introduction to Counseling Theories
Cost & Financial Aid
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Tuition & Fees
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Types of aid
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.
Career Opportunities
The PPS credential provides eligibility to work as a school counselor in the California public school system grades PK-12. To be employed as a school counselor, a student must complete the following:
- A master’s degree in School Counseling or a related area.
- Successful completion of the exit exam interview and portfolio review process.
- Complete practicum hours, field experience, exit exam, master’s degree and apply for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential in School Counseling.
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more