MAE in School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential

Online Master’s Degree in School Counseling Overview

As a professional school counselor, the difference you make in students’ lives may take years to manifest, but the impact you make can last a lifetime. This master of arts in education with a PPS Credential in school counseling degree program prepares you to provide counseling and school-based mental health support for K-12 students who need to overcome personal and academic challenges or plan for life after high school.

As specialists in child and adolescent development, school counselors coordinate the objectives, strategies, and activities of a comprehensive counseling program, and they serve as representatives on district school guidance teams, such as school attendance review boards.

School counselors and other members of the student support team assist students in making decisions, managing emotions, coping with crises, overcoming barriers to learning, and seeking access to the core curriculum. School counselors and members of the support team help students set short and long term goals, improve attendance, reduce and resolve conflicts, and prevent youth suicide. This support team works to create a positive learning environment, teaches self-management skills, acts as advocates for students, and provides relevant academic, career, and personal/social counseling to enable students to make informed decisions toward achieving their future goals.

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Program Highlights

CTC-Approved Curriculum

This masters in school counseling is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

PPS-Only Option

If you already have a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or education, the PPS credential in professional school counseling is offered as a stand-alone option.

Mentorship and Fieldwork

Your professors understand the unique demands of preparing for a career in school counseling while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Drawing from extensive experience in K-12 education, school counseling, leadership, and mental health, our faculty connect theory to practice by helping candidates apply what they learn in online coursework to real-world experiences in school settings. Many of our faculty are practicing or former school counselors, bringing current industry knowledge, practical insights, and a deep commitment to student success.

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Admissions

Learn About Admissions Requirements

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Faculty

Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty

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Degree Information

What You’ll Learn

The MA in school counseling program covers various specific courses including, but are not limited to:

• Child Development & Learning Environments
• School Safety & Crisis Prevention
• Leadership in Advocacy & Equity
• Social Emotional Development
• Professionalism, Ethics, and Legal Mandates
• Introduction of Individual Counseling Theories
• Group Counseling and Counseling Theories

Career Paths for School Counseling Students:

Graduates of the School Counseling Program are prepared for a variety of roles supporting the academic, college and career, and social-emotional development of students, including:

• School Counselor (Elementary, Middle, and High School)
• College and Career Counselor
• Academic and Student Success Counselor
• School-Based Mental Health Counselor
• Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator
• Student Support Services Coordinator
• Wellness Center Counselor
• Intervention and Student Assistance Counselor
• Alternative Education Counselor
• School Counseling Department Lead or Coordinator
• College Access and Outreach Specialist
• Student Services Specialist
• Educational Consultant
• Youth Development and Community-Based Program Coordinator

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an MS (Master of Science) and an MAE (Master of Education) in school counseling specialization?

The distinction between a Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in School Counseling often varies by institution. In most cases, both degrees prepare candidates for careers as professional school counselors and include similar coursework in counseling theory, human development, college and career readiness, multicultural counseling, ethics, assessment, and supervised fieldwork experiences. At Alliant, the MAE in School Counseling combines rigorous academic preparation with extensive supervised fieldwork experiences, preparing graduates to support the academic, college and career, and social-emotional development of K-12 students.

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 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 in our academic calendar.

Can I work full-time and complete the program?

Students must complete a minimum of 900 hours of supervised fieldwork in K-12 educational settings, including 100 hours of practicum and 800 hours of internship experiences, completed under the supervision of qualified school counseling professionals. While coursework is delivered online, fieldwork is conducted in person at approved school sites and typically occurs during regular school hours. Candidates should plan to spend approximately 5-10 hours per week during practicum and 20-25 hours per week during internship, though actual hours may vary based on site placement, school schedules, and individual progress toward program requirements. Throughout their fieldwork experiences, candidates receive support from both a site supervisor and a university faculty supervisor, and participate in weekly group supervision to support their professional growth and development as future school counselors.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The MAE in School Counseling with PPS Credential is a 49-unit program that can be completed in approximately 22 months of continuous enrollment. The program combines flexible online coursework with extensive supervised fieldwork experiences, preparing candidates to meet the requirements for the California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling.

What is the modality of this program?

All coursework is delivered online, allowing candidates to access classes from anywhere in California. However, candidates should be prepared for significant in-person fieldwork commitments at K–12 school sites during regular school hours as part of the program’s practicum and internship requirements.