If you think you want to be a teacher or want to make a career change, and you are ready to get started with the option to teach in both private and public settings, you will need to get the appropriate preliminary credential right from the beginning.

If you're already a teacher working for a private or charter school and love what you do, but would like to give yourself the option to work for a public school, then a preliminary credential can get you there. Or, if you’re already a preliminary credentialed teacher but still need to clear your credential, an induction program might be an appropriate option.

If you are already a credentialed teacher working in the field and you want to specialize in an additional area, such as special education, a second credential is what you need.

The Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential is designed for individuals who wish to be TK-6th grade (i.e. Elementary) licensed teachers in the state of California.Our Elementary Teacher Preparation program will offer you in-depth coursework that leads to a California Preliminary Multiple Subject teaching credential.

The program offers an enhanced credential/master’s program with a focus on preparing the general education teacher to respond to the needs of all learners through an innovative program that infuses CCTC education specialist standards into the general education curriculum. This program offers advanced training that will support your ability to effectively teach all students in your classroom, particularly those with special needs.

The Preliminary Single Subject Credential is designed for individuals who wish to teach 6th to 12th grade (i.e. Secondary) or teach one subject across all levels (TK-12) as licensed teachers in the state of California. Our Secondary Teacher Preparation Program offers in-depth coursework that leads to a California Preliminary Single Subject teaching credential.

Like our Elementary Teacher Preparation Program, this program awards students both a credential and master’s degree with a focus on preparing the general education teacher to respond to the needs of all learners through an innovative program that infuses many CCTC education specialist standards into the general education curriculum. This program offers advanced training that will support your ability to effectively teach all students in your classroom, particularly those with special needs.

We are excited to offer preliminary credential teachers two pathways for clearing your multiple subjects, single subject or special education credential. You may also choose to complete your clear credential work concurrently with a Master of Science in Education degree for experienced teachers (30 units total).

Depending upon your work history and interests, you may choose to enroll in our Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership (for teacher leaders) or tailor your own educational path with our Individually Designed Program option. An advisor can help you determine which master’s emphasis and course plan is right for you. Four (4) graduate units completed as part of the Induction Program would count towards any of the two master’s programs.

Note: The Induction Program to Clear Credential is a job-embedded program that focuses on mentoring and support. You must hold a preliminary teaching credential and be employed as a teacher in order to complete the Induction program.

The Education Specialist Program in Mild to Moderate Disabilities at Mount Saint Mary’s University has been designed to provide you with many professional options. The core of your program will be the Education Specialist Credential Program, that leads to a California Preliminary Special Education in Mild to Moderate teaching credential. The Education Specialist Program includes general and special education courses and field experiences. Upon completion, you will be able to attain an education specialist teaching position if you don’t already have one.

The Education Specialist Program awards students both a credential and master’s degree, with a focus on preparing the general education teacher to respond to the needs of all learners through an innovative program that infuses CCTC education specialist standards into the general education curriculum. This program offers advanced training that will support your ability to effectively teach students with special needs and develop a leadership role at your school site for all struggling learners.

Scholars in this Master of Science program are guided to excel as champions of learners who are deaf and hard of hearing. Students will acquire the expertise to teach and support the listening and spoken language development of children and youth from infancy to 22 years old. It is an engaging and exciting pursuit of specialized education.

The program focuses on quality education practices, brain plasticity research and state-of-the-art digital hearing technology. Scholars will explore perspectives from fascinating fields including audiology, counseling, speech language and occupational therapy. The appealing coursework emphasizes a family centered and interdisciplinary approach.

Guidance from full-time faculty at John Tracy Center (JTC), world-renowned for its listening and spoken language services, fosters both learning and leadership. Choices of study include full or part time and distance or onsite professional development models. Completing this rigorous program involves five to eight semesters of study that includes a breadth of experiential fieldwork and a short, required summer course at JTC in Los Angeles.

The Instructional Leadership (IL) program is a 30-unit, Master of Science in Education degree that prepares experienced teachers who already possess a preliminary credential to become teacher leaders on campus. You will refine your pedagogy and curriculum development skills and develop the leadership skills required for coaching, mentoring and providing professional development.

Electives include courses on effective strategies for engaging parents, National Board Certification preparation, grant writing for classroom resources and Clear Credential courses. The culminating activity is an inquiry project that you conduct in your own classroom or school, putting into practice the skills you have developed. The program can be completed in five semesters or at your own pace.

Candidates enrolling in the Instructional Leadership program are also eligible to concurrently earn the Certificate in Inclusive and Responsive Teaching (CIRT) without taking any additional units beyond the 30 required for the main program. This certificate will aid you in improving both your marketability and classroom practice.

Alternatively, students with a prior master’s degree can pursue a Certificate in Instructional Leadership. The 15-unit certificate program offers fully credentialed teachers the same core courses as those in the Master of Science in Education, plus one additional elective. This program, which can be completed in one year, or at your own pace, is ideal for experienced educators with master’s degrees hoping to bring teacher leadership skills to their classrooms and school sites.

The Individually Designed Program (IDP) program is a 30-unit Master of Science in Education for currently practicing teachers that allows students to "mix and match" graduate level education courses to best suit their unique needs and interests. Options for units include clearing your credential (requires separate admission), applying BTSA portfolio work towards credit, working towards additional authorization on your credential (either elementary or secondary), taking select Instructional Leadership or Special Education courses and more.

The program can be completed in five semesters or at your own pace. The culminating activity is a master’s project that you conduct in your own classroom or school, putting into practice the skills you have developed in your courses.