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.
CA Only

At a Glance

1000 Fieldwork Hours
9-15 Credits
Depending on Standard or Advanced Standing
$730/credit

PPSC in School Social Work Curriculum

To be eligible for a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC-SSW) recommendation from UMass Global, MSW students must complete the requirements outlined below. Transfer credits and course waivers are not accepted. The number of additional courses required depends on your MSW program track:

  • Standard Advanced Generalist (SAG) Track (60 credits):
    Students in this track must complete three elective courses: SOWK 631, SOWK 660, and SOWK 661.
  • Advanced Standing Track (30 credits):
    Designed for students with a BSW, this track requires five additional elective courses: SOWK 631, SOWK 660, SOWK 661, SOWK 655, and SOWK 657.
  • Field Practicum Requirement (1,000 total hours):
    All students must complete school-based fieldwork, including 450 hours in public school settings, 150 hours focused on Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) services, and 400 hours fulfilled through the MSW internship.

Courses

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 655

Substance Abuse

3 Credits
SOWK 657

Mental Health and Mental Illness

3 Credits

Our Faculty

Admission Requirements

  • Prospects: Indicate your intent to pursue to the PPSC-SSW credential on the application when applying to UMass Global’s MSW program.
  • Current Students: Declare your intent to pursue the PPSC-SSW credential by making an appointment and meeting with your academic advisor.
  • Complete the state’s Basic Skills Requirement in order to be eligible for a credential recommendation.
  • Apply to be recommended to the CTC by UMass Global after completing the required 3-5 credential courses.

California Residency

This program is only available to California residents.

Student Status

Admission to the PPSC-SSW program is restricted to UMass Global MSW students.

 

Note: 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.

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).

An African-American high school student walking with his teacher or school principal, in the hallway by a row of lockers. They are talking. The teacher has a serious expression on his face, a mature man in his 50s. The male student is an 18 year old teenage boy carrying a backpack.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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).

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.

Testimonials

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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