PPS Credential in School Social Work
Earn a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance Services at Azusa Pacific University
You’ll gain a competitive edge for employment in social work services within P-12 school settings—graduating with a credential that showcases your advanced skills. Build your résumé through diverse practicum experiences, pursue opportunities to share research at conferences with faculty, and discover strategies to help children succeed academically and thrive emotionally. This program is designed as a complement to the MSW degree program.
Program at a Glance
Today’s schools need social work professionals equipped to help shape environments where students can succeed academically and thrive emotionally. Prepare to make a difference in this area with APU's Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance Services.
Designed as a complement to the Master of Social Work degree, and as a stand-alone post-MSW program, this credential combines a solid theoretical base and evidence-informed practice models related to school social work.
Application Deadline
- March 1 for summer enrollment (this deadline also applies for all applicants needing to fulfill the PPS field practicum requirement)
- June 1 for fall enrollment
Program Information
- Program Units: 12
- Cost per Unit: $795
- Base Cost: $9,540*
Location
- Azusa (Main Campus), Inland Empire, Hybrid
Gain Hands-on Experience
- Study alongside faculty who are active practitioners of school social work.
- Put learning into practice during practicum opportunities.
- Discover evidence-informed practice models related to school social work.
- Learn skills such as crisis intervention and identifying community resources.
By the Numbers
Get Started
Program Details
Designed as a complement to the MSW degree program, this credential combines a solid theoretical base and evidence-informed practice models related to school social work and child welfare and attendance. Through relevant coursework and practicum opportunities, you will learn how to support children, parents, and school personnel while shaping a responsive environment to help children succeed academically and thrive emotionally.
Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.
To apply for the PPS Credential in School Social Work program, you must be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, APU’s Master of Social Work program, or have already completed an MSW degree. You must also have completed your undergraduate degree at a regionally accredited college or university.
Current MSW Student Admission Requirements
The PPSC program is open to all students enrolled in the 60-unit APU MSW program who have successfully completed foundation-level curriculum, are enrolled in the Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families specialization, and complete the PPSC program requirements as outlined below:
- Must be currently enrolled in the APU MSW program
- Attend PPSC orientation prior to applying to a specialization field practicum
- Complete the PPSC application
- Provide a personal statement as outlined in the PPSC General Program Requirements (PDF)
- Certificate of Clearance through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website should be obtained within 30 days of admission to the program
- Provide evidence of meeting basic skills requirements (as outlined by the CTC)
Accepted students must complete a plan of study:
For more information, refer to the PPSC Auxiliary Student Handbook (PDF) and the PPSC General Program Requirements (PDF).
To learn more about participating in the PPSC program, contact Jean Un, director of field education, at [email protected].
Post-MSW Admission Requirements
Post-MSW PPSC applicants must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Hold an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, with advanced coursework focused on clinical or direct practice; or two years of post-MSW practice experience with children, youth, and families
- Provide verification of completion of a course with child psychopathology content, or evidence of 2 years of work experience with children and families
- Complete the PPSC application
- Provide official transcripts, along with syllabi and course descriptions as needed to provide proof of prerequisite coursework completed
- Obtain a Certificate of Clearance through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website
- Provide a plan for meeting Basic skills requirements (as outlined by the CTC)
Accepted post-MSW students must complete the plan of study (PDF).
For more information, refer to the PPSC Auxiliary Student Handbook (PDF) and the PPSC General Program Requirements (PDF).
To learn more about applying, contact Emily Kemp, director of admissions and student services, at [email protected] or (626) 857-2400.
Note: The Certificate of Clearance and basic skills requirements are program requirements, but not conditions for admission.
Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes those services and personnel who partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with the benefits and services included in your degree program.
Department of Social Work
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| PPS Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance (per unit) | $795 |
View a complete list of university fees.
All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.
Financial Aid
Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Military Benefits
Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.
To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic
catalog:
If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.
Contact Your Admissions Representative
Additional Program Contact
Emily Kemp, MSW, director of admissions and student services, [email protected], (626) 857-2400
Department of Social Work
Phone
- BSW Program: (626) 857-2410
- MSW Program: (626) 857-2401
- BSW Program: [email protected]
- MSW Program: [email protected]
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Student Services Center
Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.
International Services
International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.
-
Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
- Further, our credential programs are accredited by California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Career Outlook and Outcomes
Golden State Teacher Grant (GTSG) Program
The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.