School Counseling, M.A./School Counseling Credential

Program Director: Dena M. Fiori, Ed.D.

School Counseling

The role a School Counselor plays in pk-12 schools is crucial to the Social Emotional Development, Academic Development, and College/Career development of all students. As a school counselor in the pk-12 setting, you not only work with students you also work with teachers, administration, parents, and community members.

Fresno Pacific University Education Unit's Mission 

Fresno Pacific University's Education Unit seeks to prepare educators to be scholars, peacemakers, professionals, and leaders who carry out the beliefs of the Fresno Pacific University Idea in their diverse educational settings. 

The Fresno Pacific Idea 

The Fresno Pacific Idea reflects the university's interpretation of what it means to be a community of learners committed to a distinctive vision of Christian higher education. The Idea serves as a center for reflection and action and as a guide for forming a vision of the future. Rooted in the past and continuously re-shaped by the present, the Idea provides a foundation for the university's understanding of itself and of the mission to which it is called. 

Program Overview

The 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 50 units of coursework (listed below) and a minimum of 800 hours of clinical practice 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 bachelor's 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 Counseling program. Course eligibility is determined by the School Counseling Program Director to be equivalent to those required in this 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 prior to recommendation for a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) in School Counseling:

1. A master's degree in School Counseling or a related area.
2. Successful completion of the exit exam Interview and Portfolio Review process.
3. Once the practicum hours, clinical practice hours, program exit exam, and master's degree requirements are completed, the individual may apply for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential in School Counseling.

Accreditation

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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:

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 Model

The 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.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University Master of Arts in School Counseling program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the MA in School Counseling program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Form – Two references are required for the MA in School Counseling program. These references should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work.
  • Forms can be found at fpu.edu/graduate-reference
• Statement of Intent – Provide a written statement explaining your interest in the program, long-term goals, and your experience in the field.
• Program Interview – After submitting your application materials including transcripts, a representative will contact you to schedule an interview.
• Program applicants will be required to submit an impromptu writing sample, one page in length, during the interview time.
• Evidence of application for a Certificate of Clearance for a valid California Teaching Commission credential.

Pre-requisite classes for the M.A. in School Counseling program

FPU requires students to have the following courses (all with a grade of "C" or better) before starting the M.A. in School Counseling program: Child Growth and Development, General Psychology, and Introduction to Statistics. Please contact your admission counselor about your options if you don't have one of the pre-requisite classes.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Length/Semester Starts

The program ranges from 4-5 semesters, determined by the academic plan chosen. Cohorts begin in Fall and Spring.

Locations Offered

Synchronous Online

Degree Pathway

School Counseling MA Degree Pathway