Educational Counseling Program

Students desiring to counsel in P-12 public or private educational settings should select a concentration in the area of School Counseling. The curriculum has been designed for preparation toward a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential issued by the state of California. This option reflects the preparation standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). While CCTC standards do not require a teaching credential, many local districts strongly prefer to hire candidates with previous teaching and credential backgrounds.

Students desiring to work in student service positions within community college, college, and university settings should select a concentration in the area of Student Affairs. The curriculum has been designed to prepare effective educational counselors to work in a wide range of settings. Examples include Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Residence Life, Academic Advising, and Career Development.

Applicants who have completed the Educational Counseling master's degree in Student Affairs at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) are only eligible to pursue the PPS Credential Only option. This pathway is designed for CSUB Student Affairs alumni seeking an additional career option to prepare and become credentialed as school counselors in PK-12 educational settings. The curriculum is aligned with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential and provides specialized preparation in school counseling competencies. Admission to this option is limited to graduates of CSUB's Educational Counseling Student Affairs program.

Important Eligibility Information: The PPS Credential Only option is available exclusively to graduates of CSUB's Educational Counseling Student Affairs program.*  Applicants who earned a master's degree in another discipline, completed a counseling-related degree at another institution, or completed a clinically based counseling program aligned with other licensing bodies should apply to the School Counseling concentration within the Educational Counseling master's degree program.

*Applicants who completed the CSUB Student Affairs program prior to Fall 2022 should be aware that the program underwent significant curriculum changes beginning Fall 2022. As a result, additional coursework may be required, and previously completed graduate coursework may not fully satisfy current credential requirements. The application of prior coursework is subject to university policy, program review, and faculty approval. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Director for an individual transcript evaluation to determine eligibility and any remaining credential requirements.