Pupil Personnel Services Credential
Transform Lives Through Social Work
The Post-Master’s Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PM-PPSC) program is designed specifically for practicing professionals who already hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Offered through SJSU’s School of Social Work, this accelerated program bridges the gap between your existing graduate training and the specialized state certifications required to practice as a clinician in California public schools. This flexible, online program can be completed from anywhere within California and includes two 10-week courses and a four-credit field placement in your own city.
Accreditation: Completing this program makes you eligible to apply for the California State PPSC in two areas: 1) school social work and 2) child welfare and attendance.
Program Information
Modality
Online
Program Length
20 weeks · 10 units
Cost Per Unit
$662* for Fall 2026 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
Rolling Admissions
Start Terms
Fall · Spring · Summer
How to Apply
General Requirements
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Master of Social Work (MSW) degree completed from an accredited institution
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Official transcript from the institution attended for your MSW degree, and official transcript for the bachelor’s degree institution
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Current resume
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A personal essay
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Three letters of recommendation
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A Certificate of Clearance from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
Out-of-State Eligibility
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This credential is only available to students residing within California.
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Rolling admissions. The program is available in fall, spring and summer.
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Apply directly through the SJSU School of Social Work.
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Submit the required application form and electronic copies of ALL items listed in Admissions Requirements, by the posted deadline, via email to the SJSU School of Social Work Post-Masters PPSC email at socialwork-post-masters@sjsu.edu.
Featured Courses
What can you do with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential?
The PM-PPSC credential is required to practice as a designated school social worker in California, and SJSU makes completing your credential flexible and easy.
Benefit from an online curriculum designed specifically to accommodate busy, working professionals. You will also be able to complete your field work in a school near you. You will graduate in 20 weeks with increased earning potential as a social worker within California schools.
- Bay Area Salaries: School Social Workers in the Bay Area earn an average annual salary of $68,000 to $140,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles for the PM-PPSC credential, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- School Social Worker
Top Companies
- Cupertino Union School District
- Oakland Unified School District
- San Francisco Unified School District
- Santa Clara Unified School District
- Sequoia Union High School District
Top Sectors
- Community and social services
- K-12 education
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