The CSU’s teacher preparation program is the largest in the state and among the largest in the nation, awarding approximately 7,000 California teaching credentials annually.
The CSU’s
programs for educators are designed to enable them to continue on career-long growth trajectories. Candidates can earn teaching, administrative, counseling, school psychology and other school-based credentials that may help them enter the profession. The CSU also offers master’s and doctoral programs that provide the skills to be transformational leaders.
Explore Teacher and Educator Programs
Explore programs across the CSU that will help you earn your bachelor’s degree, or a graduate degree in education. In conjunction with these degree programs, you can earn your teaching credentials.
Become a Teacher
The CSU offers many pathways to become a teacher. In addition, you can advance your career as an educator, school administrator, school counselor, school psychologist and other school-based professional roles.
Become an Early Childhood Educator
To meet the growing demand created by universal prekindergarten in California, several of the CSUs offer a PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential.
Bilingual Authorization
Bilingual Authorizations allow the holders to provide instruction to English Learners (EL). Assembly Bill (AB) 1871, signed by the Governor on September 30, 2008, provides for the issuance of bilingual authorizations rather than certificates, and expanded the options available to meet the requirements for the Bilingual Authorization.
Education Specialist Instruction Credential
The Commission issues a two-level special education teaching credential. Regulations approved in 2010 established two new levels for candidates completing the program standards approved in 2008 and 2009. The new levels will be ‘preliminary’ and ‘clear’. A Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential is the first document issued after an individual has met basic credential requirements. The Clear credential is issued once all credential requirements have been completed.
Liberal Studies
Liberal studies is an interdisciplinary major that explores a wide range of subject areas to build foundational skills and knowledge that graduates can apply to different career paths. These programs typically involve core courses that offer a foundation for elementary school and special education teaching. Some CSUs also offer Integrated Teacher Education Programs (ITEP) that result in a teaching credential along with the BA.
Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science
Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science allows the holder to the subject of computer science to the teaching credential. There are two types of supplementary authorizations: introductory and specific. The introductory supplementary authorization added to Single Subject teaching credential authorizes the holder to teach at any grade level the supplementary subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks for study in grades 9 and below, while added to a Multiple Subject teaching credentials authorizes the holder to teach departmentalized classes related to the supplementary in grades 9 and below. The specific supplementary added to the Single subject teaching credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject in grades preschool, kindergarten-12, and classes organized primarily for adults.
Master’s Programs in Education
CSU’s graduate programs in education offer advanced coursework in education with specialization in areas including but not limited to curriculum and instruction, educational administration, counseling, school psychology, educational technology, special education, early childhood education, foundations of education, and many more.
Education Doctorate Programs (Ed.D.)
Most CSU Universities offer an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for working professionals who want to become transformational leaders for PK-12 school districts or community colleges.