Preliminary Credentials
Completing credential courses does not guarantee the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) will issue a credential. If any requirements for a preliminary credential are altered by the CTC during the candidate’s program, the candidate will be held responsible for those requirements in accordance with regulations designated by this accrediting agency.
Preliminary Teaching Credentials
The School of Education offers a specially designed preliminary teaching credentials approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing:
- Multiple Subject teaching credential program is designed for candidates seeking to teach at the elementary grade levels or in P - Adult self-contained, general education classrooms.
- Single Subject teaching credential program is designed for candidates seeking to teach at the junior high, middle school, or high school levels or in a departmentalized setting serving grades P - Adult.
- Education Specialist teaching credential is related to services for individuals with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, mild/moderate or moderate/severe disabilities, other health impairment, and autism spectrum disorders.
This preliminary credential consists of 23-38 units of coursework and 10 units of clinical practice (student teaching) culminating in a preliminary teaching credential (total: 33-48 units).
The candidate then has the option to finish Phase II of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Phase II usually takes place after a candidate has obtained the preliminary credential and has obtained a first teaching position. Phase II consists of 9-15 units, depending on the program, for a total of 48-57 units.
Program Learning Outcomes
Candidates who complete the Master of Arts in Teaching Preliminary Teaching Credentials and Professional Services Credentials will be able to:
Equip
- Promote the success of all students by being servant leaders who serve collaboratively and effectively with professional excellence, honesty, integrity, and sensitivity.
Transform
- Demonstrate the positive power of diversity and advocacy for universal social justice within their classrooms, schools, districts, and communities; and
- Apply faith-based influences and beliefs within educational organizations.
Empower
- Reflect and engage in on-going scholarly, professional, and spiritual growth; and
- Serve effectively as research-based, transformational leaders within their classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.
Program Eligibility for the Master of Arts in Teaching and Preliminary Teaching Credentials
- Proof of passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or another form of Basic Skills Testing as approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
- Proof of registration for the CSET test.
- Education and Grade-Point Average: Teacher candidates must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required in order to be admitted into the M.A.T./credential program. Candidates with a cumulative grade point average lower than 3.000 may apply for “Admission under Exception.”
- Two or more letters of recommendation from appropriate persons who have the knowledge of the applicant’s character and ability to work with children or youth. (References from friends or relatives are not appropriate.)
- M.A.T. interview: All candidate must complete an interview with a program admissions chair.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Common Courses Required of All Multiple, Single, and Special Education Preliminary Credentials | ||
| EDU 6000 | Foundations of Education and Learning Theory | 3 |
| EDU 6002 | Foundations of Special Education 1 | 3 |
| EDU 6003 | Classroom Assessment and Research Practices | 3 |
| EDU 6017 (A,B,C,D) | Teaching and Learning Capstone: Contemporary Issues in the Vocation of Education | 2 |
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 3 | |
| Language Acquisition and Diverse Populations 1 | ||
| Principles of Language Acquisition for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities 2 | ||
| Preliminary Credentials | ||
| Select one from the following: | 10-28 | |
| Total Units | 24-42 | |
- 1
Course requires 20 clock hours of observation and participation specific to culturally and linguistically diverse learners in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting.
- 2
Course requires 20 clock hours of observation and participation specific to learners with moderate/severe disabilities in addition to culturally and linguistically diverse in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting.
Teacher Education candidates who have completed fourteen (14) units of Education coursework at Point Loma Nazarene University required for their bachelor’s degree may complete the remainder of the teaching credential within the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, requiring the addition of the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization nine (9) units and six (6) elective units to complete the M.A.T. degree.
Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Program
A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential enables a candidate to teach in a self-contained (P-Adult) classroom in California. Candidates receive coursework in educational research and theory as well as methodology in reading, language arts, and mathematics. Credential requirements are subject to change based on state and federal requirements which supersede any existing catalog requirements.
Candidates for the Multiple Subject credential must complete the 14 units listed in the Core Courses.
Multiple Subject Specific Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6010 | Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing 1 | 3 |
| EDU 6011 | Interdisciplinary Approaches to Teaching in the Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 6012 | Differentiated Mathematics Instruction for All Learners 2 | 3 |
| Total Units | 9 | |
- 1
Course requires 20 clock hours of participation in a classroom specific to literacy instruction in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting. Candidates work with a small group in the area of literacy under the direction of a cooperating teacher.
- 2
Course requires 20 clock hours of observation and participation specific to math instruction in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting.
Clinical Practice for Multiple Subject
Clinical Practice is the culminating experience in which candidates work full time in classrooms under the guidance of cooperating teachers in public or private schools assigned by the field experience coordinator at the regional center.
Traditional Candidates take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6030 | Elementary Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6034 | Elementary Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Total Units | 10 | |
Or Candidates who are under an intern contract with a school district take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6032 | Intern Elementary Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6036 | Intern Elementary Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Intern Support Courses 1 | 3-27 | |
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Development Plan | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| Classroom Management Seminar | ||
| Effective Instruction Seminar | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| Total Units | 13-37 | |
- 1
This series of courses is designed to support intern educators with just-in-time learning to support classroom management and effective instruction practice. There are nine (9) support seminars to assist intern educators in the classroom which may be taken in sequence or as needed. The intern is required to take three (3) units of intern support each quad until all credentialing requirements are completed.
Total Multiple Subject Clinical Practice Courses: 10+ Units
Total Courses Required for M.A.T. Phase I for Multiple Subject Candidates: 33 Units + Up to 18 additional units for interns
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Program
Candidates for the Single Subject credential must compete the 14 units listed above under Common Courses.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6020 | Literacy Instruction for Secondary Teachers 1 | 3 |
| EDU 6021 | General Methods for Secondary Teachers 2 | 3 |
| Choose one (1) of the content-specific pedagogy courses: | 3 | |
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Language Arts | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Science | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Social Science | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Foreign Language | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Visual Arts | ||
| Methods of Teaching Secondary Physical Education | ||
| Content-Specific Pedagogy for Secondary Teachers 3 | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
- 1
Course requires 20 clock hours of observation and participation specific to literacy instruction in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting. Candidates work with a small group in the area of literacy under the direction of a cooperative teacher.
- 2
Course requires 20 clock hours of observation and participation specific to content area teaching strategies in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting.
- 3
EDU 6029 is offered for content areas that are not listed in EDU 6022-EDU 6028 (i.e. Business, Music, Agriculture, and Home Economics)
Traditional Mild Moderate Clinical Practice Candidates take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6070M | Special Education Mild-Moderate Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6074M | Special Education Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Total Units | 10 | |
Mild Moderate Intern Candidates who are under intern contract with a school district take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6072M | Intern Ed. Specialist Support Needs Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6076M | Intern Ed. Specialist Support Needs Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Intern Support Courses 1 | 3-27 | |
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Development Plan | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| Classroom Management Seminar | ||
| Effective Instruction Seminar | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| Total Units | 13-37 | |
- 1
This series of courses is designed to support intern educators with just-in-time learning to support classroom management and effective instruction practice. There are nine (9) support seminars to assist intern educators in the classroom which may be taken in sequence or as needed. The intern is required to take three (3) units of intern support each quad until all credentialing requirements are completed.
Total: 10 - 28 units
Total Required for Preliminary Credential for Single Subject: 33 units
Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate) Teaching Credential
Candidates for the Mild/Moderate Preliminary credential must complete the 14 units listed above under Common Courses in addition to the following:
Mild/Moderate Authorization Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6010 | Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing 1 | 3 |
| EDU 6050 | Assessment and Services for Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| EDU 6051 | Curricular and Instructional Adaptations for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities | 3 |
| EDU 6052 | Collaboration and Consultation for IEP Implementation, Evaluation, and Program Involvement | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 3 | |
| Differentiated Mathematics Instruction for All Learners | ||
| General Methods for Secondary Teachers 2 | ||
| Total Units | 15 | |
- 1
Course requires 20 clock hours of participation in a classroom specific to math instruction in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting. Candidates work with a small group in the area of mathematics under the direction of a cooperating teacher.
- 2
Course requires 20 clock hours of observation and participation specific to content area teaching strategies in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting.
Moderate Severe Traditional Clinical Practice Candidates take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6070S | Special Education Moderate-Severe Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6074S | Moderate/Severe Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Total Units | 10 | |
Moderate Severe Intern Clinical Practice Candidates take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6072S | Intern Moderate/Severe Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6076S | Intern Moderate/Severe Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Intern Support Courses 1 | 3-27 | |
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Development Plan | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| Classroom Management Seminar | ||
| Effective Instruction Seminar | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| Total Units | 13-37 | |
- 1
This series of courses is designed to support intern educators with just-in-time learning to support classroom management and effective instruction practice. There are nine (9) support seminars to assist intern educators in the classroom which may be taken in sequence or as needed. The intern is required to take three (3) units of intern support each quad until all credentialing requirements are completed.
Total: 10-28 units
Preliminary Education Specialist (Moderate/Severe) Teaching Credential
Candidates for the Moderate/Severe Preliminary credential must complete the 14 units listed above under Common Courses.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| EDU 6010 | Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing | 3 |
| EDU 6050 | Assessment and Services for Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| EDU 6052 | Collaboration and Consultation for IEP Implementation, Evaluation, and Program Involvement | 3 |
| EDU 6054 | Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| EDU 6055 | Organization and Management for Success in the Moderate/Severe Classroom | 3 |
| Total Units | 15 | |
Total Moderate/Severe Authorization: 16 units
Students in the Moderate/Severe credential program take EDU 6053 while students in Multiple, Single and Mild/Moderate Credential programs take EDU 6010.
Notes:
Course requires 20 clock hours of participation in a classroom specific to literacy instruction in a culturally diverse and inclusive school setting. Candidates work with a small group in the area of literacy under the direction of a cooperative teacher.
Course requires 20 hours of observation and participation specific to learners with moderate/severe disabilities in addition to culturally and linguistically diverse and inclusive school setting.
Moderate Severe Traditional Clinical Practice Candidates take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6070S | Special Education Moderate-Severe Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6074S | Moderate/Severe Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Total Units | 10 | |
Total: 10 units
Moderate Severe Intern Clinical Practice Candidates take:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6072S | Intern Moderate/Severe Clinical Practice I (CalTPA Cycle 1) | 4 |
| EDU 6076S | Intern Moderate/Severe Clinical Practice II (CalTPA Cycle 2) | 4 |
| EDU 60CP1 | Clinical Practice Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU 60CP2 | Clinical Practice Seminar II | 1 |
| Intern Support Courses 1 | 3-27 | |
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Support | ||
| Individual Development Plan | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| RICA Support Seminar | ||
| Classroom Management Seminar | ||
| Effective Instruction Seminar | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| TPA Support | ||
| Total Units | 13-37 | |
- 1
This series of courses is designed to support intern educators with just-in-time learning to support classroom management and effective instruction practice. There are nine (9) support seminars to assist intern educators in the classroom which may be taken in sequence or as needed. The intern is required to take three (3) units of intern support each quad until all credentialing requirements are completed.
Total: 10-28 units
Total Moderate Severe Authorization: 39 units
Completion Requirements
In order to earn and receive a Preliminary Teaching Credential, a student must satisfy all of the following:
- A completed Application process with a credential analyst;
- Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.000 or higher;
- No grade lower than a C in any course;
- Passage of all assessments as required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC);
- A recommendation from the credential analyst and director of the regional center;
- Payment in full of all tuition, fees, and other financial obligations owed to the university, including a degree processing fee; and
- If opting for a Master of Arts in Teaching, all requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight (8)-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.