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If you feel called to help students thrive in school and in life, our master’s in school counseling prepares you to support the academic, social-emotional, and college and career growth of PK-12 students.

Through ������Ƶֱ��’s M.A. in School Counseling, you’ll prepare for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, which authorizes you to work as a school counselor in California public schools.

The program pairs 50 units of coursework, taught in synchronous online classes, with 800 hours of in-person fieldwork in PK-12 schools. It’s designed with returning students, working professionals, and parents in mind.

Along the way, you’ll join a community of dedicated professionals, with faculty and a program director committed to your success.

With a curriculum that blends theory and practice, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on students and the broader school community.

Our Christ-centered program is built around care for the whole student, so you’ll be prepared to serve students and families with competence and conviction across the Central Valley and beyond.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure 

Why Choose ������Ƶֱ��’s Master’s in School Counseling?

• Small class sizes
• Experienced university and adjunct faculty
• Synchronous online classes, keeping you connected to faculty and classmates
• Preparation for the California PPS credential in school counseling
• Complete your school counseling fieldwork across the Central Valley, with placements ranging from Bakersfield to Merced, so you can advance your career without relocating.
  • Now offering select field placement opportunities along California’s Central Coast. Learn more at
• Includes both academic classroom training and applied field experience
• Graduates from this program are highly sought after by school districts
• Coursework shaped by Christian faith and ethical practice, preparing you to serve students with care and conviction
• Accredited by the State of California , 1900 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, California 95814-4213
• Click here for a detailed school counseling program brochure

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Faculty

Dena Fiori, Ed.D.

Clinical Associate Professor of School Counseling, Program Director

Corinne DenHartog, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor in School Counseling

Alison Quinn-Rangel, M.S.

Clinical Instructor in School Counseling

Jill Morrison

Clinical Instructor of School Counseling

Catalog

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.

������Ƶֱ�� Education Unit’s Mission 

������Ƶֱ��’s Education Unit seeks to prepare educators to be scholars, peacemakers, professionals, and leaders who carry out the beliefs of the ������Ƶֱ�� 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 ������Ƶֱ��, 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

The accrediting body for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential is: 

State of California

Commission on Teacher Credentialing

1900 Capitol Avenue

Sacramento, California 95814-4213

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 ������Ƶֱ�� 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.
  • 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:

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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

������Ƶֱ�� 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 the Fall semester.

Locations Offered

Online

Degree Pathway

School Counseling MA Degree Pathway  

Required Courses (50 Units)

• PPC 730 - Foundations of the School Counseling Profession Credits 3
• PPC 731 - Social Emotional Development Credits 3
• PPC 732 - Professionalism, Ethics, and Legal Mandates in School Counseling Credits 3
• PPC 733 - Program Development and Core Curriculum Credits 3
• PPC 734 - Prevention and Intervention Credits 3
• PPC 735 - Academic Development Credits 3
• PPC 736 - College and Career Development Credits 3
• PPC 737 - Social Justice: Equity and Access Credits 3
• PPC 738 - Mental Health Counseling Credits 3
• PPC 739 - Student Supports Credits 3
• PPC 740 - Clinical Practice in School Counseling I Credits 2
• PPC 741 - Clinical Practice in School Counseling II Credits 2
• PPC 742 - Clinical Practice in School Counseling III Credits 4

    Must be taken for a total of 4 units

• PPC 771 - Measurement, Experimental Design and Behavioral Research Credits 3

Master of Arts Core

• PPC 743 - Qualitative Research I Credits 3
• PPC 744 - Qualitative Research II Credits 2
• PPC 745 - Qualitative Research III Credits 1
• PPS 772 - Issues and Values in Schools and Society Credits 3

Your Path to a Master’s in School Counseling Starts Here

Our MA school counseling program will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment, and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at ������Ƶֱ��!

For more information, visit our to schedule a meeting with an admissions professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.

What You Need to Apply to the Master’s in School Counseling

To be considered for admission to ������Ƶֱ��’s M.A. in School Counseling, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission: fpu.edu/applygrad
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.
  • 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 envelope sealed by your institution to:
    • ������Ƶֱ��
      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(s) – Two references are required for the M.A. in School Counseling program. These references should attest to your professional qualities and your academic qualifications, noting your ability to complete graduate-level work. After you submit your application, your listed reference(s) will be contacted via email with a link to provide their recommendation.
• 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
  • ������Ƶֱ�� requires students to have the following courses (all with a grade of a “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 admissions counselor about your options if you don’t have one of the pre-requisite classes.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure here.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

How to Become a School Counselor in California

A PPS credential makes you eligible for school counselor jobs in California public schools, grades PK-12. To earn it and start your school counseling career, you’ll need to complete the following:

• A master’s degree in School Counseling or a related area.
• Successful completion of the exit exam interview and portfolio review process.
• Complete practicum hours, field experience, exit exam, master’s degree and apply for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential in School Counseling.

Beyond public schools, a degree in school counseling can help you pursue roles in private and charter schools and community colleges.

Career Development Happens Here