EdS in School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential

EdS in School Counseling Online Program Overview

This Educational Specialist credential program prepares you to provide counseling support for K-12 students who need to overcome personal and academic challenges or plan for life after high school. The educational specialist degree has courses in adolescent behavior, methodology, evaluation, and professional counseling to prepare you to give every student a chance to prosper.

The program has an emphasis in school-based mental health (SBMH) and prepares you to pursue a career as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). It provides the training to build your skills and confidence to provide education-related mental health services and evaluations in a school setting. The counselor education program also prepares you for the PPS credential, which allows you to practice in California’s schools.

If you have a bachelor’s degree and want to be an important part of a school-based team, this graduate study program will prepare you to support the academic and social emotional development of k12 students such as through mental health counseling or career counseling.

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Degree highlights

Beyond a Master’s Degree

The program provides an advanced education that surpasses that of a master’s degree while preparing for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

All Bachelor’s Degrees Welcome

If you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution, in any subject, you fulfill the admissions requirement to enter the EdS degree program.

Online, On Your Time

You can earn your EdS and PPS credential online and learn how to work with students, online, in K–12, to gain the experience you need to succeed in the field.

“This is a profession in which you can really change the hearts and minds of many and extend your impact. There are many opportunities to be able to completely transform systems and be able to provide the support in more than just direct ways that exponentially increases your impact in the lives of many students.”

Rodrigo Enciso

School Psychologist and CSOE Alumnus

Degree information

An Education Specialist in School Counseling with PPS credential is more advanced than a master's degree but generally requires less coursework than a PhD or EdD. If you have a bachelor's degree and want to make a difference in the lives of school children by becoming a licensed professional counselor, this graduate degree program prepares you to make a positive change for individual students in the classroom.

The Education Specialist in Counseling degree with emphasis in School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) is a 70-credit program and takes a minimum of three years to complete, over 13 terms. Earn your education degree and begin working as a licensed professional counselor or a certified school counselor by enrolling in one of our programs today.

Student Learning Outcomes

Thinking about becoming a professional counselor? Alliant University makes it easy for you to start a school counseling profession. Coursework for the EdS in School Counseling program ensures you are academically prepared for a school counselor certification and in the following professional competencies:

School counseling practice and development with the knowledge of the history and foundations of their profession; of service models and methods; of public policy development; and of ethical, professional, and legal standards.
Student diversity in development and learning with knowledge of individual differences, abilities, and disabilities and of the influence of biological, social, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socioeconomic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in development and learning.
Prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health with the knowledge of human development and psychopathology and biological, cultural, and social influences on human behavior.
Effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills through knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills.
Socialization and development of life skills through knowledge of human developmental processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of behavioral, affective, adaptive, and social skills.
Data-based decision-making and accountability with knowledge of varied models and methods of assessment useful in identifying strengths and needs, in understanding problems, and measuring progress and accomplishments.
Consultation and collaboration with knowledge of behavioral, mental health, collaborative, and/or other consultation models and methods.
Effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills through knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills.
School and systems organization, policy development, and climate with knowledge of general education, special education, and other educational and related services.
Home/school/community collaboration with knowledge of family systems, student development, learning, and behavior, and methods to involve families in education and service delivery.
Research and program evaluation with knowledge of research, statistics, and evaluation methods.
Information technology skills, with the knowledge of information sources and technology relevant to their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?

Graduates with an EDS in School Counseling with an Emphasis in School Based Mental Health will be prepared to pursue a career as a professional school counselor at the elementary-, middle-, high-school level. Graduates may also choose to pursue specialized roles in K-12 settings as an Educationally Related Mental Health Services counselor or evaluator. They may also consider pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and work in the private sector.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional Financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
When does the degree program start?

The graduate degree program is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. Learn more with our eight-week term academic calendar.
How long does it take to complete the EdS in School Psychology degree program?

The Education Specialist in Counseling degree with emphasis in school-based mental health (SBMH) is a 70-credit program and takes a minimum of three years to complete, over 13 terms.
What is the modality of this program?

The EdS in School Counseling program is offered online. All classes and coursework can be completed virtually, allowing for flexibility with your education. An online, synchronous residency is included in the counselor education program.

Degree Campus Locations

The Education Specialist in School Counseling is only offered as an online program. If you’re looking to become a professional school counselor, you can earn your counseling degree on your own time where you are. Explore our online counselor education programs below.

Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world. Our Vision is an inclusive world empowered by Alliant alumni.

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Why CSOE

At CSOE, we believe that education is the great equalizer and are committed to preparing and empowering the next generation of educational professionals. If you are looking to make a difference as a school counselor, Alliant University is here to help.