CSUSM Pupil Personnel Services Credential

The purpose of the CSUSM Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) is to prepare candidates to have the necessary knowledge and skills to be employed as competent school social workers (preschool through 12th grade) in California schools. Candidates who complete one of the options listed below are eligible to apply for the California State PPSC in two areas: 1) School Social Work, and 2) Child Welfare and Attendance. These credentials are awarded and administered through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

PPSC Program Options

1.  Current CSUSM MSW students must apply to be admitted into the PPS Credential Program.
The requirements for the PPS credential are: 

1. completing a field internship in a qualifying public school setting (at 2 different age levels);
2. completing all required documentation and pre-certification materials; and
3. passing two school social work elective courses: MSW 652 Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools I, and MSW 653 Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools II.

2.  School Social Work Certificate
This certificate is for applicants who have: 

1. already earned an MSW degree from an accredited program with a minimum of 45 semester units, or 67.5 quarter units per CTC requirements; and
2. completed the required PPS internship hours at a qualifying public school setting at 2 different age levels and associated PPS documentation. These hours must have been completed within the state of California, and with a Certificate of Clearance from the California CTC. Note: Your application will not be processed unless the required PPS hours have been met.

Candidates are required to complete an application to determine eligibility for this certificate. Candidates in this certificate will take the two school social work elective courses: MSW 652 Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools I, and MSW 653 Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools II. These two classes are online and only offered during spring semester on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:30-8:15pm.

Apply for the PPS Certificate program, select interest in obtaining a “Credential” and in the search field, type “PPS,” then scroll down to CSUSM Extended Learning and select the PPS program. The PPS Certificate is for post-MSW applicants only. The application is now closed. Classes will begin January 22nd, 2025.

Post-MSW PPSC Admissions Requirements

• Unofficial transcript from the institution in which you received your Master of Social Work degree (Must be at least 45 semester units or 67.5 quarter units, per CTC requirements).
• Personal statement (maximum of 1000 words) must include the following:
  • Include the student’s name, list the institution where MSW was completed, and date of graduation
  • Commitment to education and to working with at-risk groups in schools;
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, including racial, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic groups; as well as, diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and physical and mental health conditions;
  • Awareness of social barriers that affect educational achievement;
  • Experience in an educational and school setting from a micro, mezzo and macro perspective; and
  • Career goals in preK–12 educational settings.
• A Professional Resumé
• Complete the CSUSM PPS Field Hours Verification Form - These hours must have been completed within the state of California. 

The total costs for the post MSW PPS certificate are:

• $60 -- semester mandatory University fees
• $3180 -- $530 x 6 units
• $3240 -- Total

Payment plans may be available for the PPS Certificate.

Required Courses for the Pupil Personnel Services Credentials

MSW 652 Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools I (3)

Addresses the specific knowledge and skills required for advanced social work practice in a school setting. Examines roles, responsibilities and the functions of a social worker in educational settings to promote well-being and system change. Emphasizes meeting the needs of diverse student populations and families from a micro-practice perspective. Course content is designed to meet and exceed the Pupil Personnel Services Credential Program Standards set forth by the State of California.

MSW 653 Advanced Social Work Practice in Schools II (3)

Addresses the specific knowledge and skills required for advanced social work practice in a school setting. Examines roles, responsibilities and the functions of a social worker in educational settings to promote well-being and system change. Emphasizes meeting the needs of diverse student populations and families from a macro-practice perspective. Course content is designed to meet and exceed the Pupil Personnel Services Credential Program Standards set forth by the State of California.