Combined Masters and Teaching Credential Programs in California
One of the options available to prospective educators in California is getting licensed through the completion of a Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved educator program from an accredited college or university.
Information on Masters Programs in California That Include a Teaching Credential
In the state of California, candidates may earn a preliminary credential for a single subject or multiple subjects. This would include earning a degree in an approved educator preparation program and passing the relevant exams. If the candidate already has a bachelor's degree, then they can complete a master's degree program that would lead to the preliminary credential. The general information for a preliminary credential is summarized in the table below.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required</td><td> Bachelor's degree (minimum)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exam Requirements </td><td> CBEST or <br/> CSET or <br/> CSU</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certification Renewal Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr>
<tr><td>Requirements for Renewal </td><td> The preliminary credential cannot be renewed</td></tr>
<tr><td>Average Salary (2018) </td><td> $37,850 (preschool teachers in CA) <br/> $69,690 (kindergarten teachers in CA) <br/> $80,100 (elementary teachers in CA) <br/> $75,660 (middle school in teachers in CA) <br/> $80,510 (high school teachers in CA)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td>8% (high school teachers nationally)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---SourcesForAccreditedCollegesAndUniversities">Sources for Accredited Colleges and Universities</h3><p>The Commission on Teacher Credentialing maintains a database of institutions that offer graduate education programs as well as approved educator preparation programs. For a single subject preliminary credential, the degree program would be specific to the subject that the candidate would like to teach. A multiple subject credential, on the other hand, would require an educator preparation program that covers several areas that would allow the holder to teach from preschool to Grade 12. In order to apply for a master's degree program, the applicant must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
</p><h3 id="section---OnCampusPrograms">On-Campus Programs</h3><p>The Azusa Pacific University offers a Master's of Arts in Education program in Learning and Technology in the single subject, multiple subject and education specialist categories. This degree program focuses on helping teachers integrate technology into the curriculum they must design for their specific subject area. The candidate is expected to have a GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate degree in order to get a clear acceptance. California Baptist University also offers a single subject, multiple subject, and education specialist credential courses that are combined with master's degree programs. The credential courses include topics such as Educational Psychology, Classroom Management, and Ethics and Technology and Learning. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA in order to apply for these programs.
</p><h3 id="section---OnlinePrograms">Online Programs</h3><p>Online programs are an excellent option for prospective educators who lack the time to be present on a school campus. The Azusa Pacific University also offers a Master's of Arts in Physical Education program which is geared towards a single subject preliminary credential in this area. The master's program is available 100% online. Fielding Graduate University also offers a Masters of Arts in Infant and Early Childhood Development. The program is a combination of online live teaching sessions and self-paced learning activities and is geared towards persons who wish to teach children from birth to the age of six. In order to be considered for acceptance, candidates must have at a minimum, a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5.
</p><h3 id="section---CredentialInformation">Credential Information</h3><p>After meeting the requirements for the preliminary credential, the candidate can then complete the application process through the online portal on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. The preliminary credential is valid for five years and cannot be renewed. While holding the preliminary credential, the educator is expected to complete an approved teacher induction program in order to upgrade to a clear credential.</p>