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School Counseling Program FAQ

I am an out of state applicant - can I take the CBEST after I am admitted into the program?

Yes, out of state applicants are allowed to wait until after they are offered admission into the program to take the CBEST. However, it must be taken immediately upon beginning the program as failure to pass the CBEST will impact your ability to continue within the program.

 

I am a qualified school counselor but I am not licensed with the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential for the State of California. Will your program review my current qualifications to determine whether I am eligible for the PPS credential?

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to evaluate your present qualifications and thus do not consider your eligibility for the PPS qualification. You will need to contact the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for guidance on how to gain your PPS. Their address is:

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: (916) 327 1461 Fax (916) 327 3165
e-mail: jdear@ctc.ca.gov Web Site:http://www.ctc.ca.gov

I have nearly finished my PPS/Master’s degree qualification as a school counselor at an institution other than SDSU. Can I enroll in the SDSU school-counseling program and receive credit for course work already completed?

You will need to apply to gain entry into the school-counseling program in the same way as applicants beginning their training in school counseling. It is unlikely that much of your previously completed course work will transfer for credit to SDSU. Courses in the school-counseling program at SDSU are studied in a systematic fashion. All courses are integrated with and build upon one another. A distinctive philosophy underpins the program. Thus, to maintain the integrity of our training we require that all students enroll in courses offered by the SDSU school-counseling program.

I have a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy but not from SDSU. I am also licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Can I enroll in a small selection of courses offered by SDSU to gain a PPS credential?

You will need to apply to gain entry into the school-counseling program in the same way as applicants beginning their training in school counseling. School Counseling is a distinct profession with a comprehensive range of competencies which must be demonstrated. It is unlikely that much of your previously completed course work will transfer for credit to SDSU. Courses in the school-counseling program at SDSU are studied in a systematic fashion. All courses are integrated with and build upon one another. A distinctive philosophy underpins the program. Thus, to maintain the integrity of our training we require that all students enroll in courses offered by the SDSU school-counseling program.

I have a Master’s degree in Education/Social Work/ Social Science/ Psychology/Ethnic Studies. What courses will I have to complete to get the PPS?

You will need to apply to gain entry into the school-counseling program in the same way as applicants beginning their training in school counseling. School Counseling is a distinct profession with a comprehensive range of competencies which must be demonstrated. It is unlikely that much of your previously completed course work will transfer for credit to SDSU. Courses in the school-counseling program at SDSU are studied in a systematic fashion. All courses are integrated with and build on one another. A distinctive philosophy underpins the program. Thus, to maintain the integrity of our training we require that all students enroll in courses offered by the SDSU school-counseling program.

At what times are school-counseling classes offered?

Most classes are offered after 4.00pm and in the evenings. Practica and fieldwork courses must be completed during the school day. A few classes may be offered on Saturdays.

How long does it take to complete the MS in school counseling and the PPS?

You can complete both the MS and PPS on a full-time basis. The full-time program takes two years.

Can you do the PPS separately from the Master’s degree?

The Master’s degree comprises the courses required for the PPS credential. Therefore, if you complete the work for the PPS, you also complete the Master’s degree requirements.

Do I have to be a teacher to train as a school counselor?

No, but it would be important to have recent experiences working with children and adolescents in a professional helping context.

Do I have to complete a psychology major at undergraduate level to be a suitably qualified applicant for the school-counseling program?

It is a definite advantage having an undergraduate psychology major or child development major when applying for school counseling. However, it is not imperative. Courses in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology and child psychology provide useful preparation. Completed courses in the disciplines of sociology and anthropology, history, and ethnic studies may also be helpful additions.

I have a very high GPA and have studied courses that prepare me for school counseling. Is there anything else I should be doing in preparation for becoming a strong applicant for school counselor training at SDSU?

Yes, it is important to gain recent experiences in working with children and adolescents in a professional helping context. It is also beneficial to have professional helping experiences working with children in a school setting.

Having significant cross-cultural experiences in one’s professional and personal development is highly beneficial when preparing for counselor training.

 

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