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, earning credentials that may help them enter the profession and master’s and doctoral programs that provide the skills to be transformational leaders. Campuses offer programs that enable teachers to earn
National Board Certification and the system’s national leadership in professional development includes the
Expository Reading and Writing Course, which has played a prominent role in advancing college readiness in English.
The CSU also is deeply involved in
Subject Matter Projects that advance teacher expertise in mathematics, science, reading and literature, writing, history/social science, the arts, international studies, world languages, and physical education and health. These projects offer Summer Institutes that afford teachers opportunities for in-depth collaborative learning.
Explore Teacher and Educator Programs
Explore programs across the CSU that will help you earn your bachelor’s degree and teaching credential at the same time, or earn your graduate degree in education.
Become a Mathematics or Science Teacher
California needs more mathematics and science teachers. Learn how to share your skills in STEM through the CSU's Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative.
Become an Early Childhood Educator
To meet the growing demand created by universal prekindergarten in California, the CSU will offer a PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential by the 2023-24 academic year.
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, also known as liberal arts, is an interdisciplinary major that explores a wide range of subject areas. These areas include but not limited to: Literature, Humanities, History, Philosophy, Science, Writing, Music, Art, Foreign Languages, Kinesiology, Psychology, Sociology, and Geography. The goal of a liberal studies degree is to build foundational skills and knowledge that graduates can apply to different career paths. These programs typically involve core courses in the humanities and social sciences and typically offer the foundation for elementary school teaching.
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.
Doctorate Programs (Ed.D. and Ph.D.)
Sixteen campuses now offer an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership or Ph.D. in Education.