Special Notification

Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.

Program Description

The School Counseling certificate is designed to prepare Counseling MS and Marital and Family Therapy MS students to positively contribute to the lives of California public school students through effective implementation of California's adopted standards and curricular frameworks. Students who successfully complete program requirements are recommended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling. All degree and certificate requirements must be met and the degree awarded prior to recommendation to the CTC for the PPS credential in School Counseling.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

2 years

Possible Careers

In addition to working with students on campus, professional school counselors serve as consultants for school administrators, faculty, staff, parents, community leaders, and other professionals who work with and for students. The role of professional school counselors varies with the public school district and grade levels ranging from preschool through college and university.

Increasingly, the value of professionals possessing both a clinical license (LPCC, LMFT) and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling is being recognized. Qualified individuals are being recruited to fill positions in public school districts to address student social and emotional concerns.

Application Deadlines

Quarter Application Open Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Summer of 2024 Jan 5, 2024 Apr 29, 2024
Autumn of 2024 Jan 5, 2024 Jun 30, 2024
Winter of 2025 Jan 5, 2024 Nov 4, 2024

Admissions Requirements

The School Counseling Certificate is currently open only to enrolled CFS students in good standing or recent CFS graduates whose degree requirements were congruent with current state standards for school counseling. Loma Linda University students in the MS Counseling or MS degree in Marital and Family Therapy program may complete the School Counseling certificate program concurrently with their degree program. The application process for the certificate is separate, and acceptance is not automatic.

  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
  • All official college transcripts received by LLU
  • Health clearance, including TB testing
  • Background check
  • Three letters of recommendation as specified
  • Written personal statement with application
  • Interview with department faculty
  • Applicants for whom English is not first language must present score for TOEFL as published in Loma Linda University Catalog
  • Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must provide valid student visa
  • Basic skills requirement (BSR). Candidates for the PPS credential in school counseling must demonstrate they have met basic education skills as specified by the CTC. Details about the requirement may be found on the CTC website.

Prerequisites

Please reference the Admissions Requirements.
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2024-2025

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
12
Tuition & Fees $26,803
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school)
$1,500

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
  • $15,780
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
  • $25,200
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
  • $26,400
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
  • $9,600
  • Off Campus
  • $25,200
    Transportation Allowance $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $4,200
    Federal Student Loan Fees 0
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)
    Available upon Request

    Notes

    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.