What is a Pupil Personnel Service Credential in School Social Work?

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.

Do you need a masters to get a PPS credential?

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.

How long does it take to get a PPS Credential in School Social Work in California?

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).

What are the benefits of obtaining a PPS Credential in School Social Work?

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.

UMass Global Adds Innovative New Doctor of Social Work Program

IRVINE, Calif. (September 30, 2025) – The University of Massachusetts Global is proud to announce the launch of its new Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program, beginning Fall I Session with classes starting August 31, 2026. Uniquely designed to prepare social work professionals to address both clinical and organizational challenges facing society today — including inequities, digital divides, and increasing mental health needs heightened by recent global crises — the UMass Global DSW empowers working professionals to become innovators and changemakers in clinical practice, management, teaching, administration, and policy.

The 39-credit DSW is a practice-focused doctorate intentionally designed for working adults, offering a streamlined, online curriculum without any in-person residency requirement. Unlike many traditional programs, UMass Global’s DSW emphasizes contemporary skills with a special focus on clinical telehealth, online teaching, and social entrepreneurship. Students are equipped to drive change in both education and practice, learning how to lead in digital environments, champion social justice, and build innovative programs at local, national, and global levels.

“The launch of UMass Global’s Doctor of Social Work program reaffirms our dedication to cultivating the next generation of innovative leaders in the field,” said Dr. Jeannine Meza, Director. “This advanced degree empowers practitioner-scholars to lead positive change and meet the evolving needs of our communities with creativity, vision, and purpose. We are proud to offer a doctorate that inspires new leadership, helps advance individual careers, and elevates the profession in a rapidly changing world.”

The program’s technology-driven curriculum ensures that students graduate ready to provide leadership in various settings, develop or evaluate programs, drive organizational policy, and teach in higher education. The program includes a capstone that focuses on developing modern solutions to real-world social problems, rather than traditional academic research.

The UMass Global DSW program is designed for post-MSW students who have completed two years of working experience. With competitive tuition and an accelerated two-year completion timeline, the DSW offers exceptional value, complemented by its commitment to social equity and academic excellence.

For more information about the UMass Global Doctor of Social Work, visit www.umassglobal.edu/academic-programs/doctor-of-social-work.

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About University of Massachusetts Global

Founded in 1958 and accredited by WSCUC, University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, committed to helping adult learners change their lives through education. We offer over 55 online programs tailored for workplace relevance — associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with teaching credentials, stackable certificates, and authorizations. All UMass Global coursework is 100 percent online, which meshes with the busy lives of our non-traditional students. We are known for attentive student support, accommodating transfer policies, high graduation rates, alumni satisfaction, and low student debt loan default rates. For additional information, visit the university's website.