School Counseling Program Overview

Part mental health therapist, part career coach, part college advisor — school counselors play a varied role in the lives of today’s students. They also act as liaison between schools, parents, and students. In this rigorous program, you'll develop the skills needed to become a better communicator with students of all backgrounds and cultures. You'll learn to model and apply counseling strategies to address student social and emotional challenges, as well as prepare students for the transition to college and the workplace. The UMass Global Master of Arts in Counseling coursework includes the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling (PPSC), enabling you to become a school counselor in K-12 grade schools. 

  • Online coursework enables you to work while earning your MA in Counseling and PPSC.
     
  • In-person practicum consists of 100 hours of supervised counseling fieldwork.
     
  • During final year, 800 hours of supervised fieldwork completes the requirements for your PPSC.
     
  • Also, earn the California Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Authorization as part of your program. 

A stand-alone School Counseling Credential may be available to candidates who have earned a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Counseling, or the equivalent in a directly related field from a regionally accredited institution.

CA Only

At a Glance

Online
48 Credits
Next Start Date
Fall I (Aug 25, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Experience

Gain a Competitive Edge

Upon graduating, you will receive the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization helping you stand out when applying for jobs.

Teacher

Immediate Impact

UMass Global has a long history of preparing educators for the workforce with quality programs and credentials helping our students apply what they learn immediately outside of the classroom.

Expert

Innovative and Immersive Education

Our future-ready program offers instruction in tele-therapy and virtual counseling for remote learners.

Career Outlook for MA in Counseling, PPS Credential (School Counseling)

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

CSPU 619

Practicum and Supervision in School Counseling

3 Credits
CSPU 616

Leadership and Systems Change

3 Credits
CSPU 516

Children and Youth in Developmental Context

3 Credits
CSPU 514

Cultural and Community Issues in Counseling and School Psychology

3 Credits
CSPU 513

Group Leadership and Intervention

3 Credits
CSPU 512

Advanced Counseling and Intervention

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

Demo

Ready to pursue your master's degree?

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • An autobiographical essay (2-3 pages)
  • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
  • Current Resume (showing experience working with children)
  • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted 

California Residency

This program is only available to California residents.

Program Start Dates

The program starts four times a year in Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, and Summer I. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Calculate Time and Cost

Testimonials

The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.

Robert P.
Professional Clinical Counseling, MA

The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.

Dominique H.
Psychology, BA

 

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Want More Information About Psychology and Counseling?

Explore career opportunities in these helping professions and discover a path that fits your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

A school psychologist typically works with individual students and their families while a counselor tends to work with the larger school population. School psychologists for example might help qualify an individual for special services, while a counselor tackles matters such as crisis intervention and preparing students for their overall future success. Read more.

Some foundational skills schools and districts are looking for in candidates include patient education and support, disorder diagnosis, treatment and care, and strong written and oral communication skills. Those with specializations in telehealth, report writing and crisis intervention are positioned well for these critical roles.

Just like other mental health professions, you will need an advanced degree to practice as a school psychologist. Some states, like California, also require a specific credential program dedicated to the area of study. Once these prerequisites are complete, you’ll then apply for licensure.