Credential:For those seeking to work as a counselor in K-12 schools. Can only be earned as part of a Master of Arts in School Counseling degree.
Overview
This credential prepares you to work as a counselor in K-12 schools, providing comprehensive guidance and counseling services to students.
The Pupil Personnel Services Credential can only be earned concurrently with the Master of Arts in School Counselingdegree.
Student Profile
Angie Winkler: Changing Lives as a Counselor
PLNU graduate student Angie Winkler shares how God led her to the calling of school counseling — and to go back to school to get her M.A. in Education and a Counseling and Guidance, Pupil Personnel Services Credential — in an unconventional way ... a trip "down under" to Gold Coast, Australia.
Read More
Application Information
Are you ready to take the next step and apply?
We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.
Program Start Date(s):
- Fall 2024Quad I —September 2, 2024
- Fall 2024Quad II —October 28, 2024
Application Deadline(s):
- Fall 2024Quad I —August 21, 2024
- Fall 2024Quad II —October 16, 2024
The Selection Process
The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circ*mstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.
To be admitted into PLNU's Master of Arts in School Counseling program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript.
If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.
Application Checklist
Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.
- Submit anonline applicationfor admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
- Submitofficial transcriptswith proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
Official transcripts must be sent to:
Point Loma Nazarene University
Office of Graduate Admissions
3900 Lomaland Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
gradprocessing@pointloma.edu*Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
- Submit apersonal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double spaced.
- Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders willautomatically be sent the auto-generateddocument to complete on yourbehalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in additionto this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.
- Basic Skills Exam: CBESTOREquivalent*
- Official score reports should beemailedtogradprocessing@pointloma.edu
- Please note: PLNU does not receive official score reports sent from testing centers
*Options for meeting theBasic Skills Requirement:
- Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
- Achieve qualifying score on the SAT or ACT
*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.
Professional Licensure or Certification
This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website.
Career Opportunities
The Master of Arts in School Counseling is designed to help you advance your career in counseling.
The program is ideal for:
- Elementary School Counselors
- Middle or High School Counselors
- College Counselors
- Career Counselors
Financial Aid and Student Support
We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.
With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.
Financial Aid and Student Support
Course List
For information about the courses required for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential program, view the PLNU Catalog.
Department Faculty
Kimberly Athans, Ed.D.
Professor of Education
- School of Education
(619) 849-7400 kathans@pointloma.edu
Michael Corke, Ph.D
Director of Assessment and Accreditation
Associate Professor
- School of Education
(619) 849-2940 mcorke@pointloma.edu
Deborah Erickson, Ed.D.
Dean, School of Education
Professor of Education
- School of Education
(619) 563-2864 derickso@pointloma.edu
Grace Fantaroni, Ed.D.
Professor of Special Education
MA Special Education Program, Mission Valley
- School of Education
(619) 563-2839 gfantaro@pointloma.edu
Lori Kall, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
- School of Education
(619) 849-8181 lkall@pointloma.edu
- View More
Get Involved
Section Navigation
- Format
- Hybrid (online and face-to-face instruction)
- Location(s)
- Hybrid
- Units Needed to Graduate
- The Pupil Personnel Services Credential can only be earned concurrently with the Master of Arts in School Counseling degree
- Program Start Date
- Fall 2024Quad I —September 2, 2024
Fall 2024Quad II —October 28, 2024 - Cost
- $660 per unit
2024-25 academic year
Need More Information
Find out how this program fits you and your goals. Fill out the form or speak directly with a counselor. Either way, we'd be happy to send you what you need.
Request More Information
Attend an Info Event
Learn more about classes, format and financial aid. Meet faculty and Admissions reps. Get your questions about the program answered.
Contact Us
Graduate Admissions
gradinfo@pointloma.edu
(619) 329-6799
Related programs
- Master’s in School Counseling
- Master’s in Educational Administration
- Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
- Preliminary Single Subject Credential
- Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
- Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential
- Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential