PPS Credential in School Social Work with CWA Authorization
Make a difference in young lives as a school social worker in California's K-12 public schools. Designed for students enrolled in UMass Global’s Master of Social Work program.
Help Students Navigate School and Life with this PPS Credential
There is a serious shortage of school social workers in California and the nation. The UMass Global Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work with Child Welfare and Attendance authorization equips you to excel in this vital role, fostering students' well-being and growth, helping them stay in school and on track to a bright future.
Beyond academic training, you’ll also gain hands-on experience with your in-school fieldwork. This CTC-accredited PPS Credential is your key to a challenging, but thoroughly rewarding social work career.
The role of school social work is wide ranging. As a PPSC student you’ll learn how to help:
- Provide counseling, case management, and crisis intervention strategies to children/youth and their families with social, emotional, and developmental needs.
- Consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to support the social and emotional needs of students.
- Assess home, school, personal, and community factors that impact student learning.
- Coordinate and facilitate resources to support students, families, and the school.
- Implement strategies to improve student attendance.
Requirements
- Prospects: Indicate your intent to pursue to the PPSC-SSW credential on the application when applying to UMass Global’s MSW program.
- Complete the state’s Basic Skills Requirement in order to be eligible for a credential recommendation.
- Current Students: Declare your intent to pursue the PPSC-SSW credential by making an appointment and meeting with your academic advisor.
- Apply to be recommended to the CTC by UMass Global after completing the required 3-5 credential courses.
This program is only available to California residents.
Admission to the PPSC-SSW program is restricted to UMass Global MSW students.
For a detailed list of admission requirements, check out the Academic Catalog PPSC-SSW page or contact UMass Global's School Social Work coordinator at schoolsw@umassglobal.edu.
PPSC in School Social Work Curriculum
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In addition to the core courses you’ll take for your MSW – SAG program (60 credits), you’ll choose the following three elective courses to fulfill the requirements necessary to seek the PPSC-SSW credential.
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If you’re pursuing the PPS Credential in School Social Work along with the UMass Global Advanced Standing track of the MSW program, this option is for you. Already armed with a bachelor’s degree in social work, you’ll dive straight into the essential MSW – Advanced Standing courses (30 credits), available in both full-time (one-year) and part-time (two-year) formats. You’ll also choose the following five electives (15 credits) to meet the CTC minimum requirements for the PPS Credential in School Social Work.
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Hands-on training and experience are crucial for students on the road to becoming effective school social workers. Your field practicum is a collaboration between your UMass Global supervisor, a dedicated field supervisor, and you. The goal is to ensure you have exposure to multiple levels of public-school experience, yet at the same time providing flexibility for your schedule. You’ll complete at least 1000 hours of immersive field experience, including:
Course List Field Experience Hours School-based field placement in public pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, district level and alternative schools 450 Experience toward your CWA (Child Welfare Attendance) authorization, where your focus will be helping students stay in school and succeed academically 150
Fulfilled by the MSW internship requirements 400
Total Fieldwork Hours 1000
How it Works
It's Simple! Apply for the MSW program and declare your intent on the application. If you've already applied, meet with your academic advisor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering going back to school for a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work degree, you have more options than ever to choose from. Browse through these frequently asked questions to explore the right path for your career and find a UMass Global program that helps you achieve your goals.
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A Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Social Work is a specialized credential that qualifies individuals to work as school social workers within the education system. This credential is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of K-12 students in California public schools.
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The PPS Credential in School Social Work with the CWA Authorization is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at UMass Global. The master’s degree and the credential with added authorization are obtained concurrently.
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The PPSC in School Social Work with the CWA Authorization requires completion of 3 or 5 required elective courses, depending on the student’s program, either “generalist” or “advanced standing.” Additionally, it requires 1000 hours of practicum with 600 of those specifically geared to school social work (450 hours in public schools and 150 hours toward Child Welfare Attendance activities).
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Obtaining a PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) Credential in School Social Work offers specialized training to effectively address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students. This credential equips school social workers with the expertise to provide holistic student support, identify early signs of challenges, and collaborate with educators and families. With a focus on crisis management, cultural competence, and individualized support plans, professionals with a PPS Credential contribute to improved student outcomes while enhancing their own marketability and personal fulfillment in the field.