The Department of Advanced Educational Studies offers a Clear Credential in Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) in conjunction with the Master of Science degree in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling. This combined Master and Credential Program is designed to provide graduate preparation for educational counselors in the areas of School Counseling. The main goal of the Program is to prepare professional counselors who have the skills to practice in a wide variety of settings. Extensive field-based experiences are woven throughout the Program. Courses are typically offered on weekdays in the late afternoon and evening for working students, although courses in 2 09.21.20   Practicum and Internship will require extensive daytime commitments.   

The Counseling Program with a concentration in School Counseling is a 52-unit program designed to prepare students for employment in K-12 settings. The curriculum includes counseling courses, specialty courses, an 800-hour field work experience, and a comprehensive examination. The curriculum has been designed for preparation toward a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS-SC) clear credential. This option reflects the recently updated preparation standards established by the American School Counselor Association and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Students who complete this concentration may also meet requirements for some student affairs positions. 

In addition to the combined PPS credential and master's program, the department also offers a Clear Credential in Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) as a standalone program. This PPS Credential Only program is designed for students who have completed an Educational Counseling Masters degree in Student Affairs from California State University, Bakersfield. Students who have completed a master's degree in another discipline or from another university and including clinically based counseling programs aligned with other licensing bodies should enroll in the combined credential and master's degree in School Counseling.   

The PPS Credential is governed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). All CTC  standards, elements, and expectations must be met. PPS Credential Only students are to complete the credential plan of study accredited by the CTC in Fall 2022. Courses taken as part of the CSUB Student Affairs program may be applied to the PPS Credential provided they have been passed with a B or better and were taken in Fall 2022 or later. The university requires all PPS credential courses to be no older than 7 years when recommended for the PPS credential.   

As this is a credential only program, students are not required to take the EDCS 6330 Master’s Exam in Counseling. Students are required to complete all practicum and fieldwork hours after admission to the PPS Credential Only program.