online

Teacher Education

CA Preliminary Teaching Credential and MA in Education

Transform Your Passion into Impact.

Program Overview

Embark on a personalized journey with our comprehensive and relational online teaching credential and master’s program, tailored to be completed in 12 to 18 months. This program is designed to equip you with the expertise and competencies necessary to:

  • Utilize your distinct insights and skills to foster engaging and impactful educational experiences.
  • Enhance student agency and achievement with proven, evidence-based teaching methods.
  • Advocate for critical social justice, ensuring every classroom is a space of affirming and generative learning.
  • Develop the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive as an educator, both at the outset and throughout your career.

Coursework is integrated within a supportive cohort model, intentionally structured to expand both your professional network and personal growth. With academic and clinical support from a team of diverse and seasoned educators, you’ll engage in a reciprocal learning experience where your perspectives and practices enrich classroom and school ecologies.

District Partnerships

Our district partnership fellowships are designed to support your journey as an educator, offering a $25,000 living stipend and hiring advantages within our partner districts post-graduation. You can earn your CA Teaching Credential and MA in Education in 12-18 months, providing a fast-track yet thorough approach to teacher education.

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Our Commitment to Critical Social Justice in Education

Critical social justice is core to who we are, what we do, and what we value in CGU’s Teacher Education program. The act of teaching alone is not social justice if we are not teaching in ways that honor our students and communities. For us, critical social justice is not an empty gesture or a checklist, but rather a challenging, humbling, love-soaked, reflective practice that takes practice. We operate from the premise that schools are not neutral because they contain and reflect the inequities deeply and structurally embedded within our nation. Therefore, we support our students in understanding this landscape so they can:

  • Actively seek and make change that disrupts inhumane, unjust, and inequitable patterns and practices.
  • Affirm and empower students (households, communities, colleagues, and ourselves) to harness the resources needed to navigate an unjust world with empathy, savvy, and agency.
  • Dismantle systems and practices of oppression and reimagine love-soaked, empowering ecologies.

To enact our values, we developed Critical Social Justice Competencies that guide our faculty’s and students’ teaching practices, we elevate scholarship and experiences of diverse voices, and we center collective wellness and community in everything we do.

Program At-a-glance

  • 36-38 units

    required units

  • CA Preliminary Teaching Credential and MA in Education

    degree awarded

  • Online

    modality

  • Spring, Summer

    program start

  • 12-24 months | full time*

    estimated completion time

Areas of Concentration

  • Multiple-Subject CA Preliminary Credential + MA in Education

    Prepares you to teach in elementary schools.

  • Single-Subject CA Preliminary Credential + MA in Education

    Prepares you to work in middle and high schools teaching a specific subject.

  • Education Specialist Credential (Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs) + MA in Education

    Prepares you to work in special education environments. This program requires 38 units.

Faculty

  • Portrait of Delacy Ganley

    DeLacy Ganley

    Dean, School of Educational Studies
    Professor of Education

    Research Interests

    Culturally relevant education; resiliency and achievement of marginalized populations; intersection of families, community, and school; language acquisition; social capital theory; systems theory

  • Rebecca Hatkoff

    Rebecca Hatkoff

    Director of Teacher Education and Clinical Assistant Professor

    Research Interests

    Critical Social Justice Teaching Competencies; Classroom and School Ecology; Effective and Empowering Pedagogy for all Students, Teacher Candidates, and Teachers; Strength-Based Views of Schools, Teachers, Students, Households, and Communities

  • Claudia Bermudez

    Claudia Bermúdez

    Clinical Assistant Professor
    Preliminary Program Coordinator
    Department of Teacher Education

  • Samara Suafoa

    Samara Suafo’a

    Clinical Assistant Professor
    Assistant Director of Department of Teacher Education.

  • Laureen Adams

    Laureen Adams

    Adjunct Faculty, Allies of Dreamers Certificate program

    Research Interests

    Teacher education, urban teacher preparation and resilience, schooling experiences of Black students, teacher and student relationships, teacher care, culturally sustaining pedagogy, critical race theory, liberatory education, healing, qualitative methodologies, Africana studies

Curriculum

Pathways to Certification

PROGRAM LENGTH: 12-18 MONTHS

Residency

  • Emulates the immersive nature of medical residencies with personalized training.
  • Earn your credential and MA in one year.
  • Provides hands-on classroom experience under a mentor, with progressively increasing responsibilities.
  • Unpaid, but check out our funded district partnerships can provide a living stipend and hiring advantages post-completion.
  • Spend at least 20 hours/week as a Resident in a classroom, consistently with the same Mentor Teacher for a full year taking on a gradual release of responsibility.
PROGRAM LENGTH: 18-24 MONTHS

Internship

  • Paid program, with an average salary of $45,000 per year.
  • Ideal for experienced general educators desiring full-time pay and benefits.
  • Candidates find and apply for the internship with guidance from CGU.
  • Complete a full year as the teacher of record in your classroom.
  • Start in spring with a pre-internship student teaching placement.
  • Opportunities to work in local school districts.

Program Components

Graduate and Clinical Coursework

  • Teaching and Learning Process Series (4 parts): These courses are virtual and synchronous, blending culturally responsive theory with practical applications. They culminate in an MA Thesis/Capstone Ethnographic Narrative Project, preparing you to depeen your commitment to and understanding of critical social justice teaching.
  • Internship or Residency Foundations: This course prepares you with essential knowledge and skills for your clinical experience.
  • Literacy & Methods Series (2 parts): Dive into the pedagogy of your chosen credential area through these virtual, synchronous classes. They are essential for developing enriching teaching skills.
  • Teaching Performance Assessment Class (2 parts): This component offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning to support you in meeting California’s credentialing requirements.
  • Elective Courses and Special Education Seminars: Depending on your pathway, choose from various electives or engage in seminars focused on Special Education practices, offered both virtually and in person.

Clinical Experiences

  • Residency or Internship supported and evaluated by a CGU Clinical Faculty Advisor.

The Teacher Education program is an online program that may not meet student visa requirements. Additionally, the program is designed to prepare California K12 school teachers. Graduates without U.S. work visas will likely find it difficult to find employment opportunities in California K12 schools.

Application Guidelines

University Requirements
Application Fee

$80 (fee is non-refundable)

Official Transcripts

Undergraduate/graduate

Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission.

Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU.

International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts.

English Proficiency Exam

Required (international applicants only)

A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:

  • Citizens or permanent residents of countries where English is the sole official language of instruction, e.g., Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, and Wales (see the CGU Bulletin for a complete list of accepted countries).
  • Applicants who hold an undergraduate or advanced degree, or will have earned such a degree prior to enrolling at CGU, from an institution in the US or in countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (see above).
  • Applicants who have successfully completed an academic English pre-master’s or intensive graduate bridge program from a nationally recognized, regionally accredited four-year college or university in the United States in the last two years, with submitted evidence of successful completion, and subject to curriculum approval.
  • CGU allows for an English proficiency waiver if the applicant has received, or will receive prior to enrollment at CGU, an undergraduate or advanced degree from an institution where English is one of the primary languages of instruction for the majority of courses in the student’s program. To receive the waiver, documentation must be provided by the applicant to show that English is the language of instruction at their university/college.

CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053.

International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements.

Resume

Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume.

Program Requirements
Statement of Purpose

In three pages maximum (typed, double‐spaced, 12 pt. font), respond to the following prompts and upload the response in the “Upload Supporting Documents” section of the online application.

1. Describe how your personal and educational background has shaped your desire to be a teacher.
2. Explain why you think this program is the best fit for you given what you know about the mission of CGU’S Teacher Education Program.
3. What personal assets (intellectual, linguistic, physical, or spiritual) will you bring with you to the challenge of teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students?

Academic Prerequisites

Completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Letter of Recommendation

2 letters required

When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success as a teacher who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. References from those who can speak to your experience with children, your credential area, teaching in any context, etc. are preferred. Please do not enter family members as references. For programs requiring two letters of recommendation, you are welcome to enter an optional third reference. If you are struggling to secure two letters of recommendation, please reach out to an admissions representative.

Standardized Test Scores

CBEST and CSET

Basic Skills & Subject Competency Requirements

If you have not graduated from a regionally accredited university with a BA/BS, please enter your CBEST scores in the online application, and send a copy of your test scores with your application or upload documents demonstrating proof of meeting the basic skills requirement in another CTC approved way.

If you are using the CSET to show your subject matter proficiency but have yet to pass it, you must submit proof of registration for an upcoming CSET examination. If you are using another CTC approved method, please upload supporting documents.

You may upload score reports, proof of CSET registration, and any other relevant documents in the “Upload Supporting Documents” section of the online application (upload under “Additional Documents”).

If you receive your test scores after submitting your application (or if you have more score reports than you are permitted to upload) please send them to the Teacher Education Office (925 N. Dartmouth Ave., Claremont, CA, 91711) or email an electronic copy to admissions@cgu.edu.

Interview

You will go through a central interview and reference check process before being admitted. Invitations to interview are extended once basic eligibility requirements are confirmed.

Key Dates and Deadlines

CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.

Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.

Spring 2025
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2024
Final Deadline – January 2, 2025
Classes begin – January 21, 2025

Summer 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline – June 1, 2025
Classes begin – July 14, 2025

Apply Now

 

Cost & Aid

ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
Program 36 units
Tuition per unit* $975

*The discounted tuition rate listed is effective for new students beginning on or after Spring 2022.

 

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
$245 Student Fee
$150 Technology Fee
International Student Services Fee*: $661 fall semester, $776 spring semester
**Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to change.

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2024-2025.

review financial aid

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Pathways FAQ

Question Residency Internship

How do I qualify for this opportunity?

  • Standard residency: CGU places candidates for a full year in the classroom of a Mentor teacher in a public or charter school, usually within a 30-mile radius for the standard residency.
  • Funded residency: Candidates are placed in local public partner districts. Locations may vary based on grant opportunities.
  • Residency placements are primarily in public charter schools.
  • Internships may be secured after starting the program and are not a requirement to apply or enroll.
  • Candidates must be hired as an intern within a public or charter school district approved by CGU.
  • CGU provides support in the internship search process but does not guarantee placement.
  • Assistance with resume preparation and job search is available through CGU’s Career & Professional Development Office.
  • Candidates must start in Spring, participate in a pre-teaching experience, and pass the CSET to be internship eligible.

How long does it take to complete the program?

  • 12-18 months.
  • 18-24 months.

When can I start?

  • Spring or Summer.
  • You can complete the program in 12 months, starting in late July and ending in July the following year.
  • Spring.
  • Complete the program in 18 months, starting in January and ending in July of the following year.

Is this a paid opportunity?

  • Standard Residency: No, but you can substitute for your Mentor Teacher.
  • Funded Residency: Includes a living stipend, typically around $25K.
  • Yes, with starting salaries around $54K plus benefits.

What are the time requirements of this program?

  • At least 20 hours weekly at the clinical site plus graduate and credential coursework.
  • Full time at your school site plus graduate and credential coursework.

What are the typical working hours at the school site?

  • Standard Residency: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM on three weekdays.
  • Funded Residency: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
  • 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM from Monday – Friday and additional hours as required by your job.

What credentials can I earn at CGU?

  • Multiple-Subject General Education (elementary).
  • Single-Subject General Education in Math, Science, Social Studies, English, or World Languages.
  • Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs in Special Education.
  • Multiple-Subject General Education (elementary).
  • Single-Subject General Education in Math, Science, Social Studies, English, or World Languages.
  • Special Education (SPED) internships are currently unavailable.

What are the academic prerequisites?

  • Meeting Basic Skills Requirement.
  • Registering for Subject Matter Requirement before beginning; fulfilling requirement before TLP 2.
  • Meeting Basic Skills Requirement.
  • Fulfilling Subject Matter Requirement.
  • Completing Pre-Internship Clinical Experience or CGU’s Residency Pathway.
  • Passing TLP 1 and Foundations in Education for Interns.

What documentation is required to start?

  • LiveScan & DOJ Clearance.
  • Proof of TB negative status.
  • U.S. Constitution Requirement fulfillment.
  • Livescan & DOJ clearance.
  • Proof of TB negative status.
  • U.S. Constitution Requirement fulfillment.

Can I earn an MA in Education simultaneously?

  • Yes. CGU candidates earn their credential and MA in Education simultaneously.
  • Math candidates can opt for an additional MS in Mathematics.
  • An MA/MS with a credential generally results in a higher initial pay level.
  • Yes. CGU candidates earn their credential and MA in Education simultaneously.
  • Math candidates have the option to earn an additional MS in Mathematics.
  • An MA/MS with a credential generally results in a higher initial pay level.

Can I transfer units from another graduate program?

  • Transfer is allowed for elective units only.
  • A maximum of 6 units may be transferred.
  • Transfer of units is possible but limited to elective unit requirements.
  • Interns typically have 2 elective units available for transfer.
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