MA in Teaching and Elementary and Secondary Teaching Credentials

Elementary School Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in elementary education is targeted to individuals who wish to begin their teaching careers with both a teaching credential and a master's degree.  Major themes found in both the credential and advanced core courses include teacher as constructivist, nurturer, moral educator, reflective practitioner, mediator of diversity and change agent.  Students must declare their interest in the MAT program on the admission application.  The MAT includes 12 additional units beyond the core credential course work, focusing on theory, research and seminar courses.

The Multiple Subject Teaching credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, K-12.  It is the credential sought by those who wish to teach elementary school (K-6).  To obtain a Multiple Subject credential, candidates must:

• complete an approved liberal studies subject matter preparation program or pass the MSAT examination;
• complete the Multiple Subject teacher credential program (or Multiple Subjects CLAD or BCLAD program) that includes the course work shown below, and;
• pass the California RICA exam.

More information is available in the catalog:

• Multiple Subjects Credential CLAD/BCLAD
• Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education
• CLAD Supplemental
• Fifth Year Program (Professional Clear Credential)

Secondary School Teaching

The Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in secondary education is targeted to individuals who wish to begin their teaching careers with both a teaching credential and a master's degree.  Major themes found in both the credential and advanced core courses include teacher as constructivist, nurturer, moral educator, reflective practitioner, mediator of diversity and change agent.  Students must declare their interest in the MAT program on the admission application.  The MAT includes 12 additional units beyond the core credential course work, focusing on theory, research and seminar courses.

In California, the appropriate credential to teach a special subject in a departmentalized classroom, such as Math or English at the middle school or high school level, is the Single Subject Teaching Credential.  This credential authorizes public school teaching in a departmentalized classroom.  To obtain a Single Subject credential, candidates must:

• complete an approved subject matter preparation program or pass the appropriate Single Subject Assessment for Teaching (SSAT) and Praxis Subject Assessments examinations, and;
• complete the Single Subject teacher credential program that includes the following course work.

More information is available in the catalog:

• Single Subject Credential
• Professional Clear
• CLAD Supplemental
• Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education