This credential authorizes the holder to serve as an educational counselor in a school setting at any grade level P-12. This credential is valid for a maximum of five years. Candidate should see Admissions to Credential Programs for specific admission information. Candidates who have completed an appropriate master s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or Education from National University or another regionally-accredited institution can work toward a Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a School Counseling Specialization (PPSC) (i.e. without receiving another master s degree). To meet state-required competencies for the credential, candidates must complete either the entire Master of Science in Educational Counseling or the prerequisites and requirements for the MS in Educational Counseling not already met in previous graduate coursework. Course equivalence cannot be granted for life experiences. This program is aligned with national standards and prepares candidates for the position of school counselor. Graduates of this program generally seek employment as school counselors in P-12 school districts and must hold a PPSC credential for public school employment or employment in a community college. Candidates enrolled in the credential program are not awarded the master s degree until they have completed all coursework and have successfully completed the PRAXIS exam. All coursework must be completed prior to the PPSC credential recommendation. Course equivalence cannot be granted for life experiences. It is strongly recommended, but not required, that applicants have one year of related professional experience working with school age children, preferably in a public school setting. For additional information on credential requirements, please see the School of Education Credential Information section of the catalog.

1. Distinguish among major developmental theories (personality, social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development) and chronological stages of life-long human development and the impact of these stages on school behavior and learning. 2. Appraise and address relevant social and diversity concerns and crises of individuals and groups of students. 3. Develop and evaluate comprehensive guidance programs based on relevant data. 4. Implement individual counseling skills and techniques to help students cope with personal and interpersonal problems appreciating the diversity of each student. 5. Implement group counseling skills and techniques to help students cope with personal and interpersonal problems appreciating the diversity of each student. 6. Integrate positive consultative and collaborative skills and techniques in communication with school staff, parents, and community agencies in order to support candidate academic, career, and personal/social success. 7. Evaluate legal mandates affecting education and school counseling and apply appropriate legal and ethical standards and practices to specific counseling situations. 8. Support academic success for all preK-16 students by employing appropriate standardized and non-standardized group and individual educational and psychological assessment data and data driven educational decisions/interventions. 9. Integrate computer technology relevant to the tasks and role of a school counselor. 10. Construct curriculum for diverse classrooms and classroom interventions strategies based on learning theory. 11. Perform as professional school counselors and professional leaders reflecting the history and trends of the profession to enhance the field of school counseling. 12. Propose career based programs and interventions based on career development theories, and the impact of career development on school behavior and learning. 13. Interpret findings of social science research, developed and implement by the student, to professional practice.