PPS Credential
Pupil Personnel Services Credential (School Social Work Credential)
School social work is a specialized area of practice within the MSW program at CSUMB. The Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) also known as the School Social Work Credential, prepares candidates to be effective school leaders, change agents, problem solvers, counselors, consultants, & advocates for children and youth.
The PPSC, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, authorizes individuals to provide school services as social workers. The PPSC is typically a requirement for social work employment in California Pre-K-12 public schools. The PPS Credential offers a focused curriculum in school social work practice to prepare graduates to support the case management and mental health needs of students in our public schools, from preschool to grade 12. Candidates will receive specialized training to work with English Learners (ELs) and Migrant students in high-poverty schools.
Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization
The Child Welfare and Attendance Authorization (CWA) is an add-on specialized credential that PPSC candidates may pursue. Issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, it authorizes individuals to provide school services as child welfare and attendance regulators. This credential is designed to provide candidates with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to successfully advocate for youth, with a special emphasis on at-risk and under-achieving youth with attendance barriers.
Essential Roles of the School Social Worker
- Developing & enhancing a positive school climate
- Building & facilitating effective student support structures i.e. Student Success Teams (SSTs), Student Assistance Programs (SAPs)
- Providing mental health & crisis services to students and families
- Developing effective programs based on students’ needs
- Providing classroom & student behavior support to teachers and administrators
Coursework and Field Requirements
Candidates in the School Social Work Program must meet all the core requirements for the MSW degree and complete designated electives and additional required courses.
School social work credential candidates must successfully complete 1,000 hours of field experience (a combination of both first and second-year MSW field placements). Candidates must have an advanced field placement in a school-based setting with a minimum of 450 hours completed under the supervision of a credentialed practitioner. A minimum of 100 hours is to be completed with at least 10 pupils of an ethnic background different from that of the candidate. The school field assignment is provided in at least two age groups (preschool, elementary, middle, high school) with a minimum of 100 clock hours at each setting.
A PPS/SSW candidate must be supervised by someone who holds a PPS credential in School Social Work, or an MSW with another PPS credential, and a minimum of two years post MSW experience. In those instances where the supervisor of record does not have a PPS/SSW credential in School Social Work, the approved university program will ensure that the SSW Performance Expectations are reinforced and incorporated into the field experience. A valid CWA authorization is required in those settings where the candidate will accrue in addition to the 1,000 hours, 150 hours, and experience toward the CWA authorization for a total of 1,150.
Application Documents:
- Current resume
- Previous unofficial transcripts
- Admission to the MSW Program
- Fingerprint and background checks at CSU Monterey Bay Police Department or alternative live scan locations.
- Certificate of Clearance issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Staff and faculty will review all applications holistically. An applicant's GPA, writing strength, demonstration of professional social work values/experiences, and a statement of interest specific to their professional or personal experience in K-12 schools are taken into consideration. An in-person interview may be required.
The application window for admission opens October 1st and closes February 1st.
Applications need to be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on January 31st.
Upon Completion of the PPSC
Individuals will be able to assess home, school, personal, and community factors that may affect a student’s learning. It gives the opportunity to identify and provide intervention strategies for children and their families, including counseling, case management, and crisis intervention. It will allow individuals to consult with teachers, administrators, and other school staff regarding the social and emotional needs of students. Individuals will be able to coordinate family, school, and community resources.
Upon Completion of the CWA
Individuals will be able to access appropriate services from both public and private providers, including law enforcement and social services. It authorizes individuals to provide staff development to school personnel regarding state and federal laws pertaining to due process, child welfare, and attendance laws. It will address school policies and procedures that inhibit academic success. It gives individuals access to implement strategies to improve student attendance and participation in school-wide reform efforts. It allows individuals to have a promoted understanding and appreciation of those factors that affect the attendance of culturally diverse student populations.
Career Outlook
School social work is one of the fastest-growing areas of social work practice. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 19% growth rate for social workers between 2012 and 2022, faster than the average for all professions. Within California and especially within the Monterey Country tri-county area, there has been an increasing demand for social workers in schools.
Contact Information
Please contact the PPS Coordinator with any further questions.
Email: ssw@csumb.edu
2023 and 2024 Cohorts
The following list of courses and the semester in which the courses must be completed will guide enrollment to attain a Master of Social Work degree. Courses are required to be taken in the sequence listed. Any variance from the Individual Learning Plan must be formally requested in writing and approved by the student’s Advisor and Department Chair. It is understood that any variance from the outlined ILP will create a minimum of a one-year delay in graduation.
Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
First Year, Fall Semester
- SW 501 - Diversity & Social Justice
- SW 510 - Foundations of Social Work
- SW 520 - Generalist Practice: Individuals and Families
- SW 540 - Cross-Cultural Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- SW 596 - Field Practicum I
First Year, Spring Semester
- SW 530 - Generalist Practice: Groups
- SW 531 - Generalist Practice III: Community and Organizational Practice
- SW 550 - Social Work Research
- SW 570 - Social Policy and Analysis
- SW 598 - Field Practicum II
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Fall Semester
- SW Elective
- SW 600 - Applied Social Work Research Project I
- SW 620 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Engagement and Assessment
- SW Elective
- SW 696 - Advanced Field Practicum I
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Spring Semester
- SW Elective
- SW 670 - Social Policy & Advocacy
- SW 630 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Intervention and Evaluation
- SW Elective
- SW 698 - Advanced Field Practicum II
MSW Electives
Students must complete a minimum of four electives. Of those four electives; two, or up to three of the four electives can be Foundation electives. At least one, or up to two of the four electives need to be an Advanced Practice elective. Foundation electives are numbered in the 500s while Advanced Practice electives are numbered in the 600s. A list of electives can be found below. A total of 60 units are needed to graduate.
Complete two, or up to three of the following Foundation elective courses:
- SW 561 - Leadership & Administration
- SW 562 - Social Work with Latino Families
- SW 563 - Social Work Conflict Resolution
- SW 564 - Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 565 - School Social Work
- SW 566 - Crafting a Grant Proposal
- SW 567 - Forensic Social Work
Complete one, or up to two of the following Advanced Practice elective courses:
- SW 610 - Social Work Practice in Behavioral Health
- SW 611 - Social Work with Children, Youth, & Families
- SW 612 - Gerontological Social Work
- SW 621 - DSM Analysis & Application
- SW 660 - Substance Abuse Intervention
- SW 663 - Crisis Intervention
- SW 664 - Advanced Models of Clinical Practice
- SW 666 - Integrated Health Care
- SW 669 - Veterans & Military Families
The following list of courses and the semester in which the courses must be completed will guide enrollment to attain a Master of Social Work degree. Courses are required to be taken in the sequence listed. Any variance from the Individual Learning Plan must be formally requested in writing and approved by the student’s Advisor and Department Chair. It is understood that any variance from the outlined ILP will create a minimum of one-year delay in graduation.
Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
First Year, Fall Semester
- SW 501 - Diversity & Social Justice
- SW 510 - Foundations of Social Work
- SW 540 - Cross-Cultural Human Behavior in the Social Environment
First Year, Spring Semester
- SW 531 - Generalist Practice III: Community and Organizational Practice
- SW 550 - Social Work Research
- SW 570 - Social Policy and Analysis
- SW Elective - If not taken during summer or winter.
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Fall Semester
- SW 520 - Social Work Generalist Practice: Individuals and Families
- SW Elective
- SW 596 - Field Practicum I (Monthly)
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Spring Semester
- SW 530 - Social Work Generalist Practice: Groups
- SW 598 - Field Practicum II (Monthly)
- SW 670 - Social Policy & Advocacy
- SW Elective - If not taken during summer or winter.
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Third Year, Fall Semester
- SW 600 - Applied Social Work Research Project
- SW 696 - Advanced Field Practicum II (Monthly)
- SW 620 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Engagement and Assessment
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Third Year, Spring Semester
- SW Elective - If not taken during summer or winter.
- SW 630 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Intervention and Evaluation
- SW 698 - Advanced Field Practicum II
MSW Electives
Students must complete a minimum of four electives. Of those four electives; two, or up to three of the four electives can be Foundation electives. At least one, or up to two of the four electives need to be an Advanced Practice elective. Foundation electives are numbered in the 500s while Advanced Practice electives are numbered in the 600s. A list of electives can be found below. A total of 60 units are needed to graduate.
Complete two, or up to three of the following Foundation elective courses:
- SW 561 - Leadership & Administration
- SW 562 - Social Work with Latino Families
- SW 563 - Social Work Conflict Resolution
- SW 564 - Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 565 - School Social Work
- SW 566 - Crafting a Grant Proposal
Complete one, or up to two of the following Advanced Practice elective courses:
- SW 610 - Social Work Practice in Behavioral Health
- SW 611 - Social Work with Children, Youth, & Families
- SW 612 - Gerontological Social Work
- SW 621 - DSM Analysis & Application
- SW 660 - Substance Abuse Intervention
- SW 662 - Family Therapy
- SW 663 - Crisis Intervention
- SW 664 - Advanced Models of Clinical Practice
- SW 666 - Integrated Health Care
- SW 669 - Veterans & Military Families
The following list of courses and the semester in which the courses must be completed will guide enrollment to attain a Master of Social Work degree. Courses are required to be taken in the sequence listed. Any variance from the Individual Learning Plan must be formally requested in writing and approved by the student’s Advisor and Department Chair. It is understood that any variance from the outlined ILP will create a minimum of a one-year delay in graduation.
Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
First Year, Fall Semester
- SW 501 - Diversity & Social Justice
- SW 510 - Foundations of Social Work
- SW 540 - Cross-Cultural Human Behavior in the Social Environment
First Year, Spring Semester
- SW 531 - Generalist Practice III: Community and Organizational Practice
- SW 550 - Social Work Research
- SW 570 - Social Policy and Analysis
- SW Elective - If not taken during summer or winter.
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Fall Semester
- SW 520 - Social Work Generalist Practice: Individuals & Families
- SW 564 - Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 596 - Field Practicum I (Monthly)
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Spring Semester
- SW 530 - Social Work Generalist Practice: Groups
- SW 598 - Field Practicum II
- SW 670 - Social Policy & Advocacy
- SW 611 - Social Work with Children, Youth, & Families
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Third Year, Fall Semester
- SW 600 - Applied Social Work Research Project I
- SW 696 - Advanced Field Practicum I
- SW 620 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Engagement & Assessment
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Third Year, Spring Semester
- SW Elective
- SW 630 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Intervention & Evaluation
- SW 698 - Advanced Field Practicum II
MSW Electives
Students must complete a minimum of four electives. Of those four electives; two, or up to three of the four electives can be Foundation electives. At least one, or up to two of the four electives need to be an Advanced Practice elective. Foundation electives are numbered in the 500s while Advanced Practice electives are numbered in the 600s. A list of electives can be found below. A total of 60 units are needed to graduate.
Electives cannot be taken in the first semester. Five hundred-level electives can be taken by any student after the first semester, six hundred level are advanced courses and may have pre-requisites that can be referenced in the Master of Social Work catalog. Bear in mind, that not all electives are taught every year, and new courses may be added. It is important to plan your class schedule carefully. Some electives are taught in the winter or summer inter-sessions.
Enrolling or planning to enroll in an elective that is not listed below must be approved by the student’s advisor and the Title IV-E Coordinator.
Title IV-E scholarship recipients are required to complete the following electives:
- SW 564 - Trauma Informed Practice (fall of the second year)
- SW 611 - Social Work with Children, Youth, and Families (spring of the second year)
Title IV-E student may choose their other elective courses from the following list. Any of these will assist in preparing for a career in child welfare. Electives can be chosen that best suit the interest and schedule availability.
- SW 562 - Social Work with Latino Families
- SW 566 - Crafting a Grant Proposal
- SW 567 - Forensic Social Work
- SW 597 - Special Topics – First Five Infant Family Mental Health
- SW 660 - Substance Abuse Intervention
- SW 663 - Crisis Intervention
Title IV-E students interested in moving into supervision or management might consider the following.
- SW 561 Leadership and Administration
- SW 566 Crafting a Grant Proposal
The following list of courses and the semester in which the courses must be completed will guide enrollment to attain a Master of Social Work degree, as well as the Pupil Personnel Services Credential and Child Welfare & Attendance Authorization. Courses are required to be taken in the sequence listed. Any variance from the Individual Learning Plan must be formally requested in writing and approved by the student’s Advisor and Department Chair. It is understood that any variance from the outlined ILP will create a minimum of a one-year delay in graduation.
Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
First Year, Fall Semester
- SW 501 - Diversity & Social Justice
- SW 510 - Foundations of Social Work
- SW 520 - Generalist Practice: Individuals and Families
- SW 540 - Cross-Cultural Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- SW 596 - Field Practicum I
First Year, Spring Semester
- SW 530 - Generalist Practice: Groups
- SW 531 - Generalist Practice III: Community and Organizational Practice
- SW 550 - Social Work Research
- SW 570 - Social Policy and Analysis
- SW 598 - Field Practicum II
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Fall Semester
- SW 565 - School Social Work
- SW 600 - Applied Social Work Research Project
- SW 620 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Engagement and Assessment
- SW 564 - Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 696 - Advanced Field Practicum II
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Spring Semester
- MAE 645 - Educational Policy Advocacy (optional if earning CWA credential)
- SW 670 - Social Policy & Advocacy
- SW 630 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Intervention and Evaluation
- SW 611 - Social Work with Children, Youth, & Families
- SW 698 - Advanced Field Practicum II
MSW Electives
Students working towards earning a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare & Attendance Authorization are required to complete the four electives listed below.
Foundation elective courses:
- SW 564 - Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 565 - School Social Work
Advanced Practice elective courses:
- SW 611: Social Work with Children, Youth & Families
- MAE 645: Educational Policy & Advocacy
The following list of courses and the semester in which the courses must be completed will guide enrollment to attain a Master of Social Work degree as well as the Pupil Personnel Services Credential and Child Welfare & Attendance Authorization. Courses are required to be taken in the sequence listed. Any variance from the Individual Learning Plan must be formally requested in writing and approved by the student’s Advisor and Department Chair. It is understood that any variance from the outlined ILP will create a minimum of one-year delay in graduation.
Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
First Year, Fall Semester
- SW 501 - Diversity & Social Justice
- SW 510 - Foundations of Social Work
- SW 540 - Cross-Cultural Human Behavior in the Social Environment
First Year, Spring Semester
- SW 531 - Generalist Practice III: Community and Organizational Practice
- SW 550 - Social Work Research
- SW 570 - Social Policy and Analysis
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Fall Semester
- SW 520 - Generalist Practice: Individuals and Familie
- SW 564 - Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 596 - Field Practicum I
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Second Year, Spring Semester
- SW 530 - Generalist Practice: Groups
- SW 598 - Field Practicum II
- SW 670 - Social Policy & Advocacy
- SW 611 - Social Work with Children, Youth, & Families
Summer (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Third Year, Fall Semester
- SW 600 - Applied Social Work Research Project
- SW 696 - Advanced Field Practicum I
- SW 620 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Engagement and Assessment
- SW 565 - School Social Work
Winter (Optional): Depending on faculty availability
- SW Elective
Third Year, Spring Semester
- MAE 645 - Educational Policy & Advocacy
- SW 630 - Advanced Generalist Practice: Intervention and Evaluation
- SW 698 - Advanced Field Practicum II
- SW 611 - Social Work with Children, Youth, & Families
MSW Electives
Students working towards earning a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare & Attendance Authorization are required to complete the four electives listed below.
Foundation elective courses:
- SW 564 - Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 565 - School Social Work
Advanced Practice elective courses:
- SW 611: Social Work with Children, Youth & Families
- MAE 645: Educational Policy & Advocacy
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program within five years of undergraduate graduation
- 3.5 GPA and A- or higher for all the SW courses
- A minimum of five years of work experience in a human service field
- Three additional letters of recommendation from a BSW professor, a BSW field/internship supervisor, and a work-related supervisor
The Hybrid pathway is carefully crafted to provide students with a balanced mix of in-person and virtual classes, catering to diverse learning preferences and lifestyles. This format allows students to balance their education with personal and professional responsibilities while gaining the knowledge, values, and skills needed to be competent social workers. Eligible applicants will have a GPA of 2.75 or higher with three to five years of paid human service work experience.