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.

Help students navigate school and life

There’s a shortage of school social workers in California and the country. The UMass Global Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC-SSW) with Child Welfare and Attendance authorization equips you to excel in this in-demand role, fostering students' well-being and growth, helping them stay in school and on track to a bright future.

Throughout this credential program, you’ll learn to:

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.

CA Only

At a Glance

Online: Instructor-Led

9 Credits

$770/Credit

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Next Start Date

Fall II (Oct 26, 2026)

Next Session Starts

3Days

17Hours

56Minutes

46Seconds

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Courses you will take

SOWK 631

Social Work Practice with Adolescents

3 Credits

SOWK 660

Social Work Policy in School Settings

3 Credits

SOWK 661

Social Work Practice in School Settings

3 Credits

SOWK 670

PPS-SSW Field Experience

0 Credits

What our students say

Education is a treasure waiting for people to partake. There’s nothing more effective than getting a degree in a field you’re interested in and passionate about.

Bill K.

Social Work, MSW

UMass Global has been a welcoming school to veterans and adult learners. The courses offered provide exceptional learning and skillsets needed for your profession. This university is a great solution, more importantly to adult learners coming back after years of being out or being a parent, especially a single parent.

Yajaira V.

Social Work, MSW

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Admission Requirements

Official transcripts showing a conferred MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (earning a minimum of 45 semester units).
Current resume documenting experience working with children and youth—either during your MSW program in micro, clinical, or direct practice, or through at least one year of post-MSW professional experience.

California Residency

This program is only available to California residents.

Already Enrolled in UMass Global’s MSW Program?

Declare your intent to pursue the PPSC-SSW credential by making an appointment and meeting with your academic advisor.

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Ways to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

A Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC-SSW) is a specialized credential that qualifies individuals to work as school social workers within the public 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.

You can pursue the PPS Credential in School Social Work if you’ve earned an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program or are currently enrolled in UMass Global’s MSW program.

Current UMass Global MSW students living in California should meet with their academic advisor to declare their intent to pursue the PPSC-SSW credential as early as possible, but no later than the trimester before starting SOWK 675.

PPSC-SSW candidates must complete a minimum of 600 hours of school-based field placement. All school-based field placements must be in California public preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, district level, and alternative schools. Candidates must work at multiple public-school levels, and the distribution of hours will be decided in collaboration with the candidate, field supervisor, and university supervisor.

Current UMass Global MSW candidates must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of field experience that includes these 600 hours for the PPSC-SSW program.

The Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) authorization prepares you to support student attendance and address barriers to school participation.

It requires at least 150 hours of supervised school-based field experience focused on attendance, enrollment and discipline, educational records, parent engagement, and legal and ethical compliance. These hours count toward the program’s required 600 hours of school-based fieldwork.

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 and provides a career path as a school social worker within California public school districts. 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.

The program starts in the following terms: Fall I, Spring I, and Summer I.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.