Chico State Professional & Continuing Education

Program Highlights | Career Outlook | Courses | How to Apply

Serve. Support. Succeed!

Would you like to support student well-being in public schools? Chico State offers a fully online, post-master’s Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work (PPSC-SSW) for MSW professionals seeking to serve in California pre-K–12 school settings.

The PPSC-SSW program provides the specialized training required to earn a California Pupil Personnel Services Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). This credential is required for employment as a school social worker in California public school districts.

With a PPSC-SSW, you are authorized to provide a wide range of student support services for grades pre-K through 12, including:

• Assessing home, school, and community factors that affect student learning.
• Delivering mental health counseling and behavioral support services.
• Collaborating with teachers, administrators, and caregivers.
• Coordinating services among families, schools, and community agencies.
• Advocating for student equity and inclusion in school systems.

Chico State’s PPSC-SSW program is designed for working professionals who already hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and students currently enrolled in Chico State’s MSW program. With a flexible format, online courses, and practicum support, you can prepare for your credential and future career supporting students in California public schools. 

Career Outlook

Why become a School Social Worker? The need for school social workers is critical across California, particularly in Northern and rural regions.

Credential Demand

California school districts require a PPSC-SSW to be employed as a school social worker. Credentialed professionals are in especially high demand due to increased mental health needs in pre-K–12 education.

Workforce Shortage

California currently has a student-to-school social worker ratio of over 6,100 to 1, far exceeding the nationally recommended ratio of 250 to 1. This gap represents a significant opportunity for credentialed professionals to make an immediate impact. (Source: hopefulfutures.us/action-california)

Regional Opportunities

Northern California, including the North State region and Butte County, shows a robust demand for PPSC-SSW professionals. School districts in rural and high-need communities are actively seeking MSW-level candidates with the credentials to support student mental health, behavior, and academic achievement.

By earning your PPSC-SSW through Chico State, you will position yourself to fill this vital need in communities that need you most—and launch a meaningful, secure career in school-based social work.

About the PPSC-SSW Program

• Complete the courses in one summer (June–August).
• Fully online courses with synchronous meeting times.
• Accredited and approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
• Fees: $600/unit. Total cost: $4,200.*  

Courses

Courses are taught by credentialed and experienced school social workers. Contact our program coordinators, Lena Correa or Maia Illa, to learn more at ppsc-ssw@csuchico.edu.

SWRK 670: Social Work and Education Policy (3 units)

Explores macro-level policy issues in pre-K–12 education, student rights, education funding, and the school social worker's role in systems change. [Read full description]

SWRK 672: Social Work in Educational Settings (3 units)

Covers trauma-informed, culturally responsive social work practices in schools, emphasizing collaboration, equity, and multi-tiered support systems. [Read full description]

SWRK 599: Practicum Support (1 unit)

Provides support in completing or verifying school-specific practicum hours and preparing for credential application. We offer practicum support to our students through advising and as a liaison with school sites. [Read full description]

Applications Open January 1!

To apply to the Summer 2026 cohort, you must:

• Have a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
  Or
• Be a current student in the Chico State MSW program

Note: Current students from MSW programs at other universities or those with other master’s degrees are not eligible.

Priority deadline is March 30.

Application Requirements

1. Application form.
2. Personal Statement of Interest (1 page) stating your interest in school social work, relevant background information, and how you plan to use this credential.
3. All MSW Practicum Evaluations (fall/spring) for all years of graduate study.
4. Unofficial transcripts of ALL colleges and universities attended, indicating at least 27 post-bachelor's degree units.
5. Proof of submitted application for a Certificate of Clearance from the California Teaching Commission OR a Certificate of Clearance document number.
6. Two Letters of Recommendation detailing your experience with social work. Recommendations are submitted directly by the recommender.