California Teaching Credential Programs

The School of Education offers several teaching credential programs for initial licensure. For those interested in becoming teachers at the elementary or secondary levels, the School of Education offers programs that lead to the Preliminary 2042 Multiple Subject or 2042 Single Subject California Teaching Credential with the English Learner Authorization. For those interested in becoming teachers in special education, the School of Education offers the Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist California Teaching Credentials with English Learner and Autism Authorizations.  

Admission Requirements

  1. Application: Submit an application for admission to UMass Global.
  2. Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. And submit official transcripts from any other institution where post baccalaureate work was attempted or completed.
    1. GPA for admission is calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed either in the baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate program, including credits earned towards a credential.
  3. Subject Matter Verification: All Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Education Specialist candidates must submit the Intended Subject Matter Competency Route Form including one of the following routes by which the requirement will be fulfilled:
    1. A completed baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in one of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s (CTC) approved academic majors.
           or
    2. Evidence of registration or passing scores for the appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).
      1. If the appropriate CSET has been passed by the applicant, official scores may be submitted in lieu of the Intended Subject Matter Competency Route Form.

                    or

   c.  A subject matter waiver letter from a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved subject matter preparation program.

                    or

   d. Transcripts showing completed and approved coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in the content area of the credential.

                   or 

   e. A combination of passing scores from CSET subtests and approved coursework.

   4. Letter of Good Standing (if applicable): Applicants transferring from another institution’s credential program must submit a letter from that institution’s Education Department attesting to the applicant’s good standing in the program. The letter must be written on institutional letterhead by the Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or other administrator in a similar position.

Items 1-3 above are required for all applicants; item 4 required only if applicable. Those with GPAs of 2.49 and below must meet additional requirements as noted below. Applicants may not enroll in credential coursework until successful completion of subject matter competency.

  5. Applicants with GPAs lower than 2.5 must be admitted through the alternative admission process. The applicant’s submission must include items 1-3 listed above and a statement/letter specifying the following: 

a. how they have addressed the circumstances surrounding the low GPA

b. what systems they have in place to be successful in graduate school

c. experience teaching and/or working with students

d. why they want to become a teacher 

Applicants who enroll in these credential programs can complete their programs in a "credential only" format or, if they meet graduate degree admission criteria in a Master of Arts in Teaching format. (please see MAT degree program for details). 

*Students admitted to credential programs are not automatically admitted to master's degree programs. 

Credential Program Information and Requirements

Transfer Credit

Teacher preparation coursework is not automatically transferable from another institution and transferability of coursework cannot be determined until a student is admitted to a credential program. A request to transfer coursework may be granted IF

  1. The course(s) can be shown to be equivalent in content to the University of Massachusetts Global course(s);
  2. Meets the University of Massachusetts Global graduate transfer credit policy;
  3. Is approved by the Associate Dean.

Credential courses that are more than seven years old prior to application for the credential cannot be transferred into the program. There is no time limit on prerequisite courses. Up to 9 credits may be transferred into the credential programs.   

Residency

Candidates entering the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential program from another institution will be required to complete at least 12 semester credits of education coursework toward the Preliminary Credential in residence at University of Massachusetts Global prior to Student Teaching. Intern Teaching and Student Teaching credits do not count toward residency. 

Candidates entering the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential program who hold a valid preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Credential may waive certain courses in the program. Please see an academic advisor to determine which courses can be waived. All candidates entering these programs must complete at least 12 credits of their coursework plus Internship or Student Teaching at University of Massachusetts Global. 

Early Field Experience

Prior to admission, and/or within these first 3 courses (EDUU 510, EDUU 511, EDUU 512), applicants must complete 40 hours of field experience in public or private school educational settings, with 5 hours reflecting the credential sought. This experience can include hours spent observing, volunteering, substitute teaching, and working as a paraprofessional. Forms are completed and submitted in the courses stated above. Education Specialist credential candidates have additional hours logged throughout their program.  

Subject Matter Competency

All applicants must demonstrate subject matter competency either with verification of completion of a subject matter preparation program in the appropriate subject matter (Elementary, Single Subject, or Education Specialist candidates), verification of an official passing score report indicating passage of all subtests for the appropriate subject matter examination (CSET), approved academic degree major, or coursework aligned to subject matter domains.  Verification of any of these must be reflected in the candidate’s electronic file and be received prior to an application for an Internship Credential or Student Teaching. CSET subtests results can be no older than ten (10) years.  

Certificate of Clearance

Verification of a receipt of Certificate of Clearance or Certificate of Clearance (including fingerprints) or a copy of a valid credential or short-term permit must be submitted to the School of Education within the first session of enrollment. Candidates who do not submit verification of a Certificate of Clearance cannot advance in any credential coursework that requires observation or fieldwork in a K-12 setting. Anyone with a revoked credential will not be admitted to any credential program until the credential is reinstated by the CTC. A Certificate of Clearance or Child Development permit must be active prior to clinical practice.

Negative Tuberculosis Test

Candidates must submit to the School of Education, within the first session of enrollment, a current “negative” tuberculosis test that verifies the candidate does not have active tuberculosis or a tuberculosis risk assessment questionnaire administered by a licensed health care provider verifying that the candidate does not have risk factors for tuberculosis.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification

All candidates must submit to the School of Education a valid CPR certification for pediatric and adult. The CPR certification must verify both categories and must be current and submitted prior to applying for any clinical practice. CPR certification must be valid and current when a candidate applies for their preliminary credential.

U.S. Constitution Requirement

All candidates must meet this requirement prior to applying for any clinical practice.  Candidates must meet this requirement in one of the following ways:

  1. Passing score on a college-level exam on the U.S. Constitution from a regionally accredited college or university;
  2. A two-semester credit college-level course from a regionally accredited institution with a grade of “C” or better; or
  3. Bachelor's degree from a California State University.
  4. One of the following University of Massachusetts Global undergraduate courses:
    HISU 101United States History Survey I3
    HISU 358United States History and Democracy3
    LEST 304Constitutional Governance3
    POSU 110Introduction to American Politics3

RICA Exam

Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credential candidates must pass the state Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) prior to applying for a credential. The RICA should be taken immediately after completion of EDMU 520 Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms I and EDMU 521 Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms II.  Education Specialist credential candidates that hold a multiple or single subject credential may be exempt from this requirement.  After June 30, 2025 the RICA will be replaced by the Literacy Performance Assessment. More information will be provided in clinical practice courses.

Coaching Fee

A one-time $125 non-refundable coaching fee will be charged on the first day of your first course. The coaching assessment fee includes access to GoReact and a support coach to assist with tracking of non-degree credential requirements.

Clinical Practice – Multiple Subject, Single Subject or Education Specialist

Advancement to Clinical Practice

Applications for clinical practice must be submitted online by the candidate through the SOE Services MyUMassGlobal site by the established deadline date. Subject matter competence, basic skills, and all requirements listed above must be met prior to the application deadline except the RICA exam.  Candidates also need to have completed all credential coursework except clinical practice courses, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and be a student in good standing.  

For information on internship eligibility and requirements please refer to the “internship credential programs” section below.

Student Teaching

  1. Student Teaching in the Multiple and Single Subject programs consists of two eight-week sessions of full-day student teaching at two different grade levels that meet the cross-cultural criteria. For special education only credentials, the candidate has two eight-week sessions of full-day student teaching assignment that meets the cross-cultural criteria. (Candidates must complete at least 600 hours in clinical settings, For Special Education candidates 200 of the 600 hours must take place via early field experience.) 
  2. Student Teaching placements must be completed in a California public school with an approved setting and begin Fall 1 or Spring 1.
  3. The Education Clinical Coordinator, not the student, will determine the student’s placement in Student Teaching. Placement requests are not permitted per CTC regulations.
  4. Approved university personnel will supervise all student teachers.
  5. Student Teaching placements in special education classrooms are not acceptable for the Single Subject or Multiple Subject Credentials. Summer school placements are not permitted.
  6. For single subject candidates, the EDSU 533 methodology section must align with the subject matter competency route.

Under certain conditions a candidate may petition to waive the first session of Student Teaching. Documented evidence must be provided that the candidate has completed one full year (175 days) of satisfactory public-school teaching as a contracted full-time teacher in the credential area sought prior to Student Teaching at University of Massachusetts Global. Experience under a University Internship Credential, substitute teaching, work as a paraprofessional, and/or various specialist-type teaching experiences do NOT qualify for a waiver. Contact your Education Clinical Coordinator for the Student Teaching waiver requirements and form. 

Candidate performance in Student Teaching will be reflected with a grade of Pass or No Pass. A grade of Pass indicates that the candidate has demonstrated acceptable competency in meeting the required Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs). A grade of No Pass indicates that the candidate has not met the TPEs and must meet with the Education Clinical Coordinator.  Students in this situation will be placed on an action plan and may have to complete an additional Student Teaching assignment or may be dismissed from the program. 

Multiple Subject Student Teaching

EDMU 563Initial Student Teaching- Multiple Subject4.5
EDMU 564Final Student Teaching-Multiple Subject4.5

Single Subject Student Teaching

EDSU 563 Initial Student Teaching- Single Subject     4.5

EDSU 564 Final Student Teaching- Single Subject      4.5

Internship Credential Programs – Multiple Subject, Single Subject and Preliminary Education Specialist

University of Massachusetts Global offers Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved Internship Credential Programs in Multiple Subject, Single Subject and Preliminary Education Specialist. The Internship Credential has the same legal status as the CTC Preliminary Credential, except that it is valid only in a specifically designated school district or consortium and is only valid for a maximum of 2 consecutive years. For this reason, interns must obtain an employment contract before an intern credential can be issued. The intern assumes full teaching and legal responsibility for their classroom from the first day of the teaching assignment as a paid employee of the School District. Each intern candidate must work under the direct and continuing supervision of a University of Massachusetts Global Supervisor and District Mentor who provides support at the classroom level in the cooperating school. The intern must be continuously enrolled in coursework and a student in good standing. To be eligible for a University of Massachusetts Global Internship Credential candidates must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above in credential program courses.     

Internship Admission Requirements

Candidates coming to the University of Massachusetts Global Internship program from another University must end their current internship credential with their previous university and complete the restriction change. Contact credentialalerts@umassglobal.edu to start this process.

To be admitted to an Internship Program at University of Massachusetts Global, an applicant must:    

  1. Be admitted into a University of Massachusetts Global stand alone or MAT credential program for Multiple Subjects, Single Subjects, Education Specialist;

  2. Meet with an Education Clinical Coordinator to obtain information about these internship credential options and eligibility;

  3. Provide verification of subject matter competency (Multiple Subject, Single Subject Credential or Special Education programs);

  4. Provide proof of meeting U.S. Constitution requirements;

  5. Provide a copy of a negative T.B. clearance or TB Risk Assessment;

  6. Provide an active Copy of a Certificate of Clearance or any active permit issued by the CTC to teach P-12 in a public school;

  7. Complete program specific 120-hour pre-service requirements for Internship Credentials. Please meet with your Education Clinical Coordinator for pre-service course requirements;

  8. Complete the Intern Eligibility Application which is found on the SOE Services MyUMassGlobal site;

  9. Submit a completed Verification of Employment (VOE) form to an Education Clinical Coordinator. The VOE form must be approved by the Education Clinical Coordinator. Once the VOE is approved, the student can be placed in class and will receive an email directing them to pay for their internship credential on CTC online. Payment must be received by CTC within 90 business days.

Requirements to Maintain Internship Credential 

Internship candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be continuously enrolled in Clinical Practice courses. Candidates must maintain a log of hours documenting support/mentoring and supervision.

An intern who does not enroll in courses for two or more consecutive sessions may be ineligible for the intern credential. 

If a student’s employment is terminated by the district or the student, the student must contact the Education Clinical Coordinator immediately.

Multiple Subject Intern Option

EDMU 561Initial Intern Clinical Practice- Multiple Subject4.5
EDMU 562Final Intern Clinical Practice-Multiple Subject4.5

Single Subject Intern Option

EDSU 561 Initial Intern Clinical Practice- Single Subject     4.5

EDSU 562 Final Intern Clinical Practice- Single Subject      4.5

*Additional Internship Requirements

EDUU 588Intern Continued Supervision0

Interns that have completed Initial and Final Clinical Practice but have not satisfied all requirements for the credential must be continuously enrolled in EDUU 588 Intern Continued Supervision,  and maintain a 3.0 GPA until requirements are completed.  EDUU 588 is a 0-credit course which requires a $250  fee for each session a candidate is enrolled in.    

Interns enrolled in EDUU 588 who complete their program requirements are encouraged to apply for the preliminary teacher credential as soon as they fulfill all requirements. Candidates do not need to wait until the end of EDUU 588 to start the application process.   

Education Specialist: Mild to Moderate Support Needs Intern Option

Interns in the first year of an internship must be continuously enrolled in the following and maintain a 3.0 GPA:

Supported Teaching
EDTU 565-ASupported Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)2
EDTU 565-BSupported Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)2
EDTU 565-CSupported Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)2
EDTU 566-ASupported Teaching II: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Interns Only)2
Internship Seminars*
*An internship must be a minimum of two terms in length. The total credits will vary depending on the length of the internship.
EDUU 580Education Specialist Intern Seminar A2
EDUU 581Education Specialist Intern Seminar B2

Advanced Internship

Interns that have completed the supported teaching and internship seminars in the first year of an internship and return the following academic year as an intern must be continuously enrolled in the following and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Supported Teaching
EDTU 565-DSupported Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Advanced Interns Only)2
EDTU 565-ESupported Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Advanced Interns Only)2
EDTU 565-FSupported Teaching I: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Advanced Interns Only)0-2
EDTU 566-BSupported Teaching II: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (Advanced Interns Only) (*)0-2
Co-requisite Advanced Internship Seminar
EDUU 590Education Specialist Advanced Internship Seminar A2
EDUU 591Education Specialist Advanced Internship Seminar B (*)0-2
Total Credits6-12

* Advanced interns who complete their program requirements may apply for the preliminary teacher credential at the end of Fall II or at the end of Spring II. Spring trimester seminar and supervision courses will be waived if the candidate has completed all program requirements (both course and non-coursework requirements) by December 1st. See “Credential Program Information and Requirements” in the catalog.

Education Specialist: Extensive Support Needs Intern Option

Interns in the first year of an internship must be continuously enrolled in following and maintain a 3.0 GPA:  

Supported Teaching
EDTU 567-ASupported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only)2
EDTU 567-BSupported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only)2
EDTU 567-CSupported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only)2
EDTU 568-ASupported Teaching II: Extensive Support Needs (Interns Only)2
Internship Seminars
EDUU 580Education Specialist Intern Seminar A2
EDUU 581Education Specialist Intern Seminar B2

Advanced Internship

Interns that have completed the supported teaching and internship seminars in the first year of an internship and return the following academic year as an intern must be continuously enrolled in the following and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Supported Teaching
EDTU 567-DSupported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Advanced interns Only)2
EDTU 567-ESupported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Advanced interns Only)2
EDTU 567-FSupported Teaching I: Extensive Support Needs (Advanced interns Only) (*)0-2
EDTU 568-BSupported Teaching II: Extensive Support Needs (Advanced Interns Only) (*)0-2
Co-requisite Advanced Internship Seminar
EDUU 590Education Specialist Advanced Internship Seminar A2
EDUU 591Education Specialist Advanced Internship Seminar B0-2
Total Credits6-12

* Advanced interns who complete their program requirements may apply for the preliminary teacher credential at the end of Fall II or at the end of Spring II. Spring trimester seminar and supervision courses will be waived if the candidate has completed all program requirements (both course and non-coursework requirements) by December 1st. See “Credential Program Information and Requirements” in the catalog.

Early Completion Options (Multiple and Single Subject Only)

  1. To qualify for the Early Completion Internship Option candidates must first be admitted to the Multiple or Single Subject Intern Program.

  2. Once admitted to the Internship program candidates must pass two entry assessments to enroll in the Early Completion Option:

    1. Pass both instructional cycles of the California Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). The TPA must be passed on the first attempt.

    2. National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK): Elementary (Test code 051) for Multiple Subjects candidates or Secondary (Test code 052) for Single Subject candidates or submit passing scores for The Teaching Foundations Examination (TFE) (no longer administered but accepted*).  The exam may be taken more than once.

    3. Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA): Multiple Subject candidates only.

  3. Complete the appropriate clinical practice requirements. 

SB 57 Private School Option (Multiple and Single Subject Only)

Under the provisions of S.B. 57, candidates who have taught in a WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited private school for 3-5 years, may be eligible to waive all of student teaching and are not subject to the CalTPA, California Teaching Performance Assessment requirements. See an academic advisor or the Office of Credentials and Clinical Practice (OCCP) for complete details regarding this program option.

California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA)

The state mandated California Teaching Performance Assessment is required for Multiple and Single Subject, and Education Specialist candidates. The assessment consists of two instructional cycles based on the pedagogical sequence of plan, teach and assess, reflect and apply.  Each of these four steps is addressed by each instructional cycle. Candidates complete Instructional Cycle I during EDMU/EDSU 561/563 (multiple and single subject) EDUU 576/580 (education specialists) and Instructional Cycle 2 during EDMU/EDSU 562/564 (multiple and single subject) EDUU 577/581 (education specialists), clinical practice courses. Cycles are submitted through Pearson and candidates pay a fee to submit each cycle. Candidates who fail either of the two cycles must retake the cycle and pay the associated fee.  Both cycles must be passed to be recommended for the Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Credential.  Candidates that have a clear credential or have already passed a Teacher Performance Assessment may be exempt from the CalTPA and should consult with their advisor.

Recommendation for Credential

Upon successfully completing and passing all credential, program and coursework requirements, the candidate may apply to be recommended to the CTC for the credential. For single subject candidates, the EDSU 533 methodology section must align with the subject matter competency route. To apply for the credential, candidates complete the Recommendation Form on the SOE Services MyUMassGlobal site. Once the recommendation is made by the Office of Credentials and Clinical Practice (OCCP), candidates complete a CTC exit survey and submit the credential fee. 

Credential Programs