Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)
PPS 504 Methods of Research
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 545
This course will examine multiple methods of research in counseling and human development. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research will be discussed. Specifically, students will be exposed to the many aspects of the research process: theoretical frameworks, research questions, research proposal, survey design and implementation, interviews, observations, interpretation of statistics, and presentation of findings. Students will learn how to use research and data to inform their professional practice.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 510 School Counseling Practicum
Prerequisite: TB Clearance and Certificate of Clearance
This course provides first-year candidates an opportunity to establish professional identity as a school counselor through engagement in professional preparatory activities. Practicum activities include developing knowledge and application of entry level competencies. Cannot be taken as a directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 511 Comprehensive School Counseling Programs
This course explores the influence of historical and philosophical changes in school counseling, which led to the development of a research-based framework for the design and delivery of school counseling services for all students. Candidates are introduced to the development of Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and the high-impact, data-informed school counseling practices that promote equity and structure the school counselor's work. Cannot be taken as a directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 512 Digital Literacy & Technology
This course introduces candidates to data, technology, and academic skills needed by practicing school counselors. In addition, candidates become familiar with university academic support services. Cannot be taken as directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 1
PPS 513 Ethical Practice & Policy
This course introduces candidates to the ethical and legal standards, and related policy and organizational challenges involved in the practice of school counseling. Ethical decision-making models, scope of practice, application of ethical standards and legal requirements, and ethical responses to unethical behavior will be addressed. Cannot be taken as directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 514 School Counseling Skills for Academic Success
This course introduces counseling skills and focuses on building relationships, reflecting empathy, and prioritizing concerns to facilitate academic success. Candidates develop proficiency in basic counseling attending and response skills and utilization of techniques across various theoretical orientations. Essential counseling skills are developed through engagement in experiential learning activities. Cannot be taken as directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 515 Developing School Counselor Leadership
This course provides an introduction to school counselor leadership. Candidates will become familiar with the function and behaviors that comprise effective leadership and different ways of exercising leadership. There will be an emphasis on attitudes and qualities of leadership and how to work with others in a leadership context to support systemic change. Cannot be taken as directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 520 School Counseling Supervision 1
This course provides candidates with an opportunity to apply professional and accreditation standards in a PreK-12 setting. Supervisory discussions and course activities focus on ethical responsibilities, culturally appropriate counseling, and delivery of small group and classroom interventions. In addition, students will develop, deliver, and evaluate integral components of a comprehensive school counseling program that address student achievement, attendance and discipline. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 521 Advancing Educational Equity and Access
This course explores culturally responsive mindsets and actionable strategies that produce equitable educational access and success. By developing a comprehensive school counseling program connected to the district's mission and improvement plans, school counselors have a unique opportunity to promote academic, career, and social-emotional success for all students. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 522 Classroom Instruction for School Counselors
This course focuses on inclusive, data-informed school counseling classroom instruction in the academic, career, and social/emotional domains. Students will weave data, theories, teaching skills, and engagement strategies into classroom lessons to help all students develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 523 School Counseling Skills and Intervention Strategies
This course expands and refines essential attending and response skills that promote healthy social-emotional development and academic success. Candidates will acquire additional skills and strategies based on theoretical frameworks while identifying the role of racial and cultural assets in the application of these skills. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 524 School Counseling Theories and Academic Success
This course introduces candidates to the major theoretical approaches for counseling, typical and atypical development across the lifespan, and cognitive models utilized in schools. Theories, models, and best practices are discussed and evaluated, especially their appropriateness for working with culturally diverse groups. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 525 Small Group Development for School Counselors
This course focuses on developing essential skills for designing and delivering small group counseling in schools. Candidates will weave data, theories, leader/facilitator skills, and engagement strategies into small group lessons to help students develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 532 The World of Immigrant Students
Will provide candidates with knowledge to assess the learning style characteristics of linguistically diverse Latina/o youth in schools today and apply interventions compatible with Latina/o students' learning modalities. May be taken for letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 533 Counseling Latino Immigrant Youth and Families
Will provide candidates with knowledge to assess the learning style characteristics of linguistically diverse Latina/o youth in schools today and apply interventions compatible with Latina/o students' learning modalities. May be taken for letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 534 Bilingual Educational Theories
Will provide candidates with knowledge to assess the learning style characteristics of linguistically diverse Latina/o youth in schools today and apply interventions compatible with Latina/o students' learning modalities. May be taken for letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 535 Academic Development & Success
This course prepares candidates to implement a comprehensive school counseling program focusing on developing prevention and intervention programs to assist PreK-12 students' academic performance. The course includes using data to reduce barriers and improve outcomes for all students. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 536 Inclusion and Equitable Practices
This course explores multi-tiered support systems, cultural capital, and strengths-based perspectives to develop strategies that encourage academic success for neuro and gender diverse students, foster youth, homeless, social and economically disadvantaged, undocumented youth, racial and ethnic groups, English Learners, and LGBTQ+ in the delivery of school counseling services. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 543 School Counseling Programs and Legal Mandates
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 545
Provides overall perspective of school counseling emphasizing the National Standard for School Counseling; organizing, managing, and evaluating school guidance programs; developing appropriate program delivery systems; identifying community resources; legal mandates; and professional ethics. Not challengeable.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 544 Law and Ethics in Counseling PPS/LPCC Focus
This course is designed to cover all the components necessary for Candidates to fully understand the legal mandates and professional ethics associated with School Counseling and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 545 Comprehensive School Counseling
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PPS 578A
This course covers the history of the profession and introduces school counseling candidates to the professional role of the school counselor. Students will learn how to design and deliver a school counseling program that improves student achievement and closes opportunity gaps in alignment with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Cannot be taken as directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 546 Introduction to School Counseling
An introduction to the profession of school counseling. Emphasis is placed on historical foundations, theories, practices of counseling, helping relationships, developing skills in individual group practices, and legal and ethical issues. Not challengeable. No Directed Study. 25 hours of practica required.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 547 Theories for School Counseling
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 545
This course provides a general overview of core counseling and educational theories that support an effective counseling relationship in the school setting. The primary focus is on providing an opportunity to develop a personal theory of counseling that encourages and validates multiculturalism and diversity. Cannot be taken as directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 549 School Counseling Theories
Presents and examines various theories of counseling that form the foundation for the work of the school counselor. The major theories are studied from both a historical and current application viewpoint. New theories are also covered as well as ethical and diversity issues. 25 hours of practica required.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 551 Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology
This course is intended to provide graduate students with basic knowledge of psychopathology and to familiarize students with current concepts, diagnostic considerations, and empirical applications for working with mental illness. We will address the phenomenology, classification, epidemiology, course, and possible etiological and sustaining factors associated with clinical diagnoses. This course has two primary goals: (1) to enable students to make accurate and informed diagnoses of psychopathology and (2) to promote critical thinking around such issues as the concept of disorder andthe classification of psychopathology, including cultural implications in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 554 Advanced Theories in Counseling
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 549, 571, and 572, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PPS 551
. This is a three credit online course intended to focus on the integration of theory and practice for advanced graduate counseling students. Critical analysis of several major theories of counseling/personality will take place and their application with certain populations. The course will provide a contextualized background for psychotherapeutic work, understanding of theoretical material, and the ability to conceptualize and apply theory using hypothesis testing, and then applying it to treatment.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 558 Psychopharmacology for School and Community Based Counseling
This course is designed to cover all the components necessary for Candidates to fully understand all aspects of psychopharmacology, including the biological bases of behavior, basic classifications, indications, and constrainications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications so that appropriate referrals can be made for medication evaluations and so that the side effects of those medications can be identified. Cannot be challenged.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 559 Substance Abuse Counseling LPCC/PPS Focus
This course is designed to cover all the components necessary for Candidates to fully understand al l aspects of substance abuse counseling including co-occurring disorders and addiction; major approaches to identification, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse and addiction; legal and medical aspects of substance abuse; populations at risk; the role of support persons, support systems, and community resources. This course cannot be challenged.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 560 School Counseling Supervision 2
This course provides candidates with an opportunity to apply professional and accreditation standards. Supervisory discussions and course activities focus on ethical responsibilities, culturally appropriate counseling, and delivery of small group and classroom interventions. In addition, students will develop, deliver, and evaluate integral components of a comprehensive school counseling program that address student achievement, attendance and discipline. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 561 Data, Research, & Evaluation
This course helps students understand the basic principles of research design, action research, and program evaluation. Candidates will learn to evaluate published research, use accountability systems data, and evaluate the school counseling program components to increase student outcomes. There is an emphasis on conducting action research at a school site following ethical guidelines and standards of practice. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 562 Culturally Responsive Pedagogy for School Counselors
This course uses a lens of social equity to examine learning theory, pedagogy, instructional design, and classroom leadership. Course topics include a critical analysis of curriculum design models and a review of tiered systems of support and interventions aligned with state and national school counseling standards. The course will assist students in learning about and developing culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy across the three school counseling domains: academic, career, and social/emotional, for all education levels. In addition, the course evaluates effective classroom management strategies, and collaborative and co-teaching models. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 563 Collaborative Strategies & Referral Systems
This course examines collaboration and consultation models, group dynamics, the development of referral systems, and facilitating effective meetings to advocate for student success and systemic change. Course activities include developing strategies that cultivate creative, innovative practices that support a collaborative school culture that contributes to the comprehensive school counseling program. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 564 Instruction and Achievement
Designed to provide counselor candidates with an overview of curriculum standards, curriculum design, lesson plan development, instructional strategies, and how to assist new teachers.
Grade Mode: Letter, Audit
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 565 Career Development
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 545
Introduces theories, methods, strategies, assessment instruments and materials used in educational and career counseling and guidance for students of all ages. There is a strong emphasis on the use of Internet resources in this course. Not challengeable. No Directed Study.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 566 Social Emotional Development & Academic Success
This course prepares candidates to implement a comprehensive school counseling program that incorporates data, positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), and restorative practices. The course focuses on prevention and intervention strategies within a tiered system of support where candidates collect, evaluate, and share data. In addition, candidates will integrate a theoretical approach to reduce factors that impede or limit student development. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 567 School Safety and Crisis Prevention
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 545
Introduces theories, methods, and strategies used in school safety, crisis intervention, conflict management, and violence prevention. Highlights involvement in crisis intervention teams. Not challengeable. No Directed Study.
Grade Mode: Letter, Audit
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 568 Career Development & Academic Success
This course focuses on career development theory and readiness, including career identity development across the lifespan, assessment of interests and skills, and promotion of successful transitions to postsecondary education. In addition, candidates will learn how to establish a school-wide career and college culture by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that prepares all students for future career choices. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 569 Crisis Intervention & Trauma Informed Practice
This course provides a foundational understanding of crisis response, trauma and related theoretical concepts, trauma-informed practices, and prevention and intervention strategies that support students, families, and the community. Discussion of the cultural, legal, and ethical issues related to crisis and trauma are included. In addition, course content will focus on knowledge of intervention strategies and processes, understanding the depth of response, locating resources, and advocating for safe, supportive schools. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 571 Individual Counseling Skills
Designed to provide candidates with knowledge and skills of the elements of effective counseling and the interpersonal skills to assist pupils academically and personally. Not challengeable. No Directed Study. 25 hours of practica required.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 572 Group Counseling Skills
This course is designed to provide candidates with knowledge of group dynamics and the skills to facilitate group work in a school setting. Not challengeable. No Directed Study. 25 hours of practica required.
Grade Mode: Letter, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 573 Counseling Diverse Populations
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 578B
Examines diversity in a school setting from the cultural-general to the culture specific. Emphasis is placed on previously learned counseling skills as applied to culturally diverse populations. Not challengeable. No Directed Study.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 574 Facilitation, Consultation, and Collaboration Skills
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 573
Introduces theories, models, and processes of consultation. Examines methods, strategies, and skills to effectively coordinate and facilitate task groups, consult with parents and staff, coordinate comprehensive pupil support systems, and manage a collaborative system. Not challengeable. No Directed Study.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 575 Counseling Skills: Level I
Prerequisite: PPS 578A
This course provides an introduction to the interpersonal skills and techniques used in counseling to support academic success. Includes in-class role play experiences. Cannot be taken as a directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable,
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 576 Organizational Management and School/Community Collaboration
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 573
Studies the practices and principles of public school management, human relations, leadership, organizational systems, school-community collaboration, and team building. Cannot be taken as directed study. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2,3
PPS 577 Counseling Skills: Level II for Group Work
Prerequisite: Completion of or enrollment in PPS 575
This course extends the skills and techniques learned in Counseling Skills: Level I. It also builds an understanding of group dynamics and the skills needed to facilitate group work in a school setting. Cannot be taken as a directed study. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 578A Practicum I in School Counseling
Prerequisite: TB Clearance, Certificate of Clearance, and Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PPS 545
PPS 578A is a one unit course that requires a minimum 50 hours of field-based activities. Practicum offers a structured opportunity for first year educational counseling candidates to begin establishing their professional identity within the educational community. Activities take place in classroom and field-based settings, and provide opportunities for development of initial knowledge and application of skills. May be taken for credit/no credit only. Not challengeable. No directed study.
Semester Hours: 1
PPS 578B Practicum II in School Counseling
Prerequisite: TB Clearance, Certificate of Clearance, and Completion of PPS 578A
PPS 578B is a one unit course that requires a minimum 50 hours of field-based activities. Practicum offers a structured opportunity for first year educational counseling candidates to begin establishing their professional identity within the educational community. Activities take place in classroom and field-based settings, and provide opportunities for development of initial knowledge and application of skills. May be taken for credit/no credit only. Not challengeable. No directed study.
Semester Hours: 1
PPS 580 School Counseling Supervision 3
This course provides candidates with an opportunity to apply professional and accreditation standards. Supervisory discussions and course activities focus on ethical responsibilities, culturally appropriate counseling, and delivery of small group and classroom interventions. In addition, students will develop, deliver, and evaluate integral components of a comprehensive school counseling program that address student achievement, attendance and discipline. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 581 Leading School Counseling Programs
This culminating course focuses on the practical application of leadership, advocacy, and systemic change theory as it applies to developing comprehensive school counseling programs. It extends the knowledge and skills related to stakeholder collaboration to create a school climate that embraces cultural diversity and promotes academic, career, and social/emotional success. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 582 Postsecondary Paths & Academic Success
This course prepares candidates to implement effective strategies for preparing all students for a successful transition to postsecondary education. The course focuses on college and career readiness areas, including high school graduation and college entrance requirements, career pathway options, college application, and financial support options, and promoting successful transitions to postsecondary education. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 583 SFBC to APCC: The Path to Licensure
This course represents the transition for graduate students from the University of LaVerne program to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). It prepares candidates who are completing the SFBC concentration to apply for the Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) number and uphold the requirements of their APCC number. The application process will be examined. Updated legislation and current scope of practice regulations will be discussed as well as diversity in therapeutic practice. Students will explore pathways for their personal scope of practice and any specialization components. Letter grade only, not challengeable,
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 583A Supervised Field Work - Level I
Provides school counseling candidates with 200 hours of supervised field work in school and/or community settings. It emphasizes human assessment, counseling services, program coordination, supervision, consultation, and legal and ethical issues. Not challengeable. No Directed Study. May be taken for credit/no credit only.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 583B Supervised Field Work-Level II
Prerequisite: TB Clearance, Certificate of Clearance, and Completion of PPS 583A
Provides school counseling candidates with 200 hours of supervised field work in school and/or community settings. It emphasizes human assessment, counseling services, program coordination and supervision, consultation, and legal and ethical issues. Not challengeable. No Directed Study. May be taken for credit/no credit only.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 583C Supervised Fieldwork Level III
Prerequisite: TB Clearance, Certificate of Clearance, CBEST passage, and Completion of PPS 583B
Supervised Fieldwork - Level III provides candidates with 200 hours of experience in a school and/or community setting. Candidates enrolled in the course will engage in counseling, consultation and program development activities under the direct supervision of a credentialed school counselor. Candidates will use fieldwork as a means to gain and extend their knowledge and skills related to school counseling. They will gain experience in advocacy, team-building, collaboration, use of assessment data, and working with diverse populations. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 584 Clinical Practicum
This is a two-unit practicum course involving the participation in planned clinical experiences in an approved agency or other setting under an approved supervisor. It is intended to provide counselor trainee the clinical experience necessary to pursue a License as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Not Challengeable. Credit/No Credit.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit, Letter
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 585 Pedagogical Practices
This course prepares candidates to develop, implement, and evaluate school counseling classroom instruction for all students. Candidates will delve into the classroom experience via instructional and engagement strategies with classroom relationship-building concepts through a culturally responsive lens. Evaluation skills include the use of Participation, Mindsets & Behaviors, and Outcome Data. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 586 Data Informed School Counseling Programs
This course provides candidates with an opportunity to operationalize the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model for School Counseling Programs. Candidates will connect these data-informed programs with overall school plans as part of the educational system. Additionally, candidates use ethical practices and technology to conduct a program evaluation of a comprehensive school counseling program. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 587 Advocating for Equitable and Ethical Practice
This course examines the values, ethics, and legal issues affecting professional practice in school counseling. Candidates will practice applying ethical principles and legal mandates that support the implementation of equitable services and provide a foundation for advocacy and social change. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 2
PPS 592 CWA: Supervised FW & Coursework
This course provides PPS candidates with supervised fieldwork hours focusing on child welfare and attendance in PK-12 settings. Course activities emphasize compulsory education laws, student discipline procedures, transfers to alternative programs, and development of prevention and intervention programs for attendance related issues. Letter grade only. Not challengeable.
Semester Hours: 3
PPS 597 Graduate Seminar in School Counseling
Prerequisite: Completion of PPS 583A and Advanced Standing
This is the culminating activity for the M.S. in Educational Counseling. Each student develops a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge, experiences, and skills gained in the School Counselor Preparation Program and a professional employment portfolio. Not challengeable. No Directed Study. May be taken for credit/no credit only.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit, Audit
Semester Hours: 2-3
PPS 599 Independent Study
Student-designed courses approved by a faculty member. Prior approval of goals, objectives, procedures, and assessment plan is required. May be taken multiple times with a different topic for credit. Not challengeable.
Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit
Semester Hours: 1-4