M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential
Program Information
The Basics
Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential
Approximate Time to Completion:
- Full Time: 2 years
- Part Time: 2.5 – 3 years
Units: 48 Graduate Units
Class Schedule
Each class typically meets once per week at 4:00 or 7:00 p.m. for 2 hours and 50 minutes. Some classes meet at 1:00 p.m. Most students take 2-3 classes per semester. Summer and intersession classes typically hold more frequent class meetings.
Enrollment
This program enrolls approximately 20-25 new students each year.
Application Deadline
This program admits students for the fall semester. Click here for application deadline information.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and student loans. Click here for financial aid information.
What can I do with this degree?
This program prepares students to become professional counselors. Students in this area plan to be school counselors in elementary, middle school, and high school settings or to work with agencies serving K-12 children and their families. Students have knowledge and skills in student advocacy as well as in the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive, results-based guidance and counseling programs. Through this program, students fulfill the requirements to earn a California Pupil Personnel Services Credential in addition to their master's degree.
Application Checklist
- The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application. This application can be completed online at: www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/application.php
- The application fee of $45. Checks should be made out to the University of San Diego.
- One official sealed transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
- Three professional letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
- A 500-word statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should describe how the USD program will fit your personal and professional goals. Please include your strengths in interpersonal skills, experiences with cultural diversity, involvement in team building, and participation in volunteer activities.
- A current resume.
- Required documents for international students (if applicable).
- Official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Transcript Evaluation Report.
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Requirements for Admission
Standardized Testing Requirements
- No standardized testing is required for admission to this program.
Education Requirements
- Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program.
- The minimum cumulative Grade Point Average is 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Applicants must complete a pre-requisite course in Educational Psychology focused on K-12 learning. This course may be completed prior to beginning the program or during the first semester of enrollment.
Experience Requirements
- Experience in a related field is recommended, but not required for admission.
Interview Requirements
- The most qualified applicants will be invited to USD for a group interview. Applicants who are unavailable for this group interview will have the option of completing a phone interview.
Requirements for International Applicants
Please note that international applicants must submit additional materials in order to be considered for admission. More information on these requirements is available here.
- A Course-by-Course Transcript Evaluation Report from World Education Services (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). Transcripts issued directly in English by the academic institution are preferred. Otherwise, all transcripts that are not issued in English must be officially translated by an approved agency.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required and may only be waived if English is the applicant’s primary language or if he or she obtained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Internet-based test: 83
- Computer-based test: 237
- Paper-based test: 580
- IELTS minimum score:
- Band score 7
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Deadline to Apply
All application materials, including transcripts, test score reports and letters of recommendation, must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the deadline in order for your application to be considered. View current deadlines for admission.
Application Status and Decisions
To confirm that application materials have been received or to check the status of your application, please log in to the MySanDiego portal with your applicant log-in or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 619-260-4524. Admissions decision letters are sent via US Mail.
| Send all application materials to: | For questions about this program or the admissions requirements contact: |
Office of Graduate Admissions Phone: (619) 260-4524 |
Office of Admissions and Outreach Phone: (619) 260-7988 |
 |
 |
