Program Description

The Master of Arts in Education with the Pupil Personnel Services credential program within the PLNU School of Education is field-based and designed around themes and practices that reflect current Counseling and Guidance research and practice. It is the intent of the faculty to infuse these themes into the courses they teach. We believe conceptualizing, personalizing, and applying these themes through extensive fieldwork is critical for the teacher candidate to be effective in a contemporary educational system.

School Counseling in Action

Districts are continuing to add school counseling positions to their campuses due to the increase in the social-emotional needs of the K-12 students they serve.
One of our graduates Danielle writes:
The skills and knowledge I learned in my PPS program that I use in my current role were guided by the ASCA National Model. Point Loma Nazarene University taught me the recognition about the whole-person development in pursuing my career. In my current role, I try my best to review data to improve student outcomes in the areas of academics, socio-emotional learning  along with college and career. Providing students with the necessary resources in the community is a priority of mine. Resources have become a crucial part of education in ensuring the wellbeing and success of our students.
The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program is offered by the California State Department of Education. If qualified, currently enrolled PPS School Counseling candidates could be awarded up to $20,000 if they agree to:
  • Complete the program and obtain their credential within 6 years of the date your initial GSTG payments are mailed to PLNU.
  • Commit to work at either a priority school or a California State Preschool for 4 years within 8 years of completing your program.