» Teacher Education Admission Requirements

• Submit an online application (for Summer start only).
• A statement of intent, the prompt can be found within the application.
• A current resume or CV. 
• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• One set of official transcripts from all institutions the applicant has received (or will be receiving) a degree from. 
• Two letters of recommendation are required. 
• Applicants must have a minimum admission grade point average of 3.000. Applicants with an admission grade point average between 2.750 and 2.990 may be considered for admission, and if admitted, will have a hold placed on their second term’s registration. Students must be in good academic standing to continue in the program. Students whose admission grade point average is below 2.750 will not be considered for admission for the Teacher Education master’s degree programs.
• Documentation of Subject Matter Competency: Candidates need to demonstrate competence in the subject they wish to teach. For multiple-subject (elementary) credentials, this can be done through passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) exams or completing a subject matter preparation program. Single-subject candidates (middle or high school) have similar requirements specific to their subject. If applicant would like to use the CSET, yet has not taken it yet, you may submit proof of registration for, the (CSET) applicable to their credential area or equivalent.
• $60 application fee.

For more information on Teacher Education Program requirements, please visit our designated information page. Visit Chapman's website to submit your Graduate Program application here. 

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has established several key admission requirements for teacher education candidates to ensure they are well-prepared for the profession. Here’s a summary of the main requirements:

1. Basic Skills Requirement (BSR): Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics. This can be achieved through various means, such as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, the CBEST, SAT, ACT, or qualifying coursework.
2. Subject Matter Competence: Candidates need to demonstrate competence in the subject they wish to teach. For multiple-subject (elementary) credentials, this can be done through completing a CTC-approved subject matter preparation program, such as Liberal Studies, or passing the CSET exams.

Single-subject candidates (middle or high school) have similar requirements specific to their subject. For example, if you would like to teach English, you may use your bachelor’s degree in English, or you may submit passing CSET exam scores.

1. Bachelor’s Degree: All teacher candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, which is a baseline qualification for earning a teaching credential in California.
2. U.S. Constitution Knowledge: Candidates must prove they understand the principles of the U.S. Constitution. This can be fulfilled by coursework or passing an examination on the subject.

To learn more about Chapman's combined teaching credential and master’s degree programs, full application requirements, and program application deadlines, visit our Teacher Education program webpages.

In California, all teacher education candidates must satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR), demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. This requirement ensures that candidates have the foundational skills essential for effective teaching. 

Several pathways can be used to meet this requirement:

1. A bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university

Other options:

1. California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST): A standardized test assessing basic reading, writing, and math skills.
2. CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Exam: Passing the CSET in Multiple Subjects along with the CSET Writing Skills Exam is an alternative to the CBEST.
3. College Coursework: Certain college-level coursework with a grade of B or higher can be used to demonstrate basic skills. The coursework must meet specific criteria the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) outlined.
4. Other Standardized Tests: Scores from other exams (e.g., SAT, ACT, AP) may be accepted if they meet CTC score criteria.
5. Combination of Methods: Candidates can also combine scores or qualifications from the methods above to fulfill the requirement.

These pathways allow candidates to meet the BSR based on their educational background and prior achievements. For more detailed Chapman University information on using something other than a bachelor’s degree for the BSR, you may visit the Attallah College BSR Requirement page. For more detailed information, you may visit the CTC Basic Skills webpage.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact credentials@chapman.edu.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) subject matter competency requirements are designed to ensure that teacher candidates demonstrate a strong grasp of the subject matter they plan to teach. There are several ways to meet these requirements, including one of the following:

1. Completing a Commission-Approved subject matter aligned degree: Candidates who complete a degree (bachelor, master, or higher) at a fully accredited California college or university in the subject area that aligns with the credential they intend to earn fulfill the subject matter requirement without needing to take the CSET.

For Multiple Subject or Education Specialist this includes degrees in Liberal Studies, Child Development, or Elementary Education.

For Single Subject or Education Specialist for credentials in English, Mathematics, Science degrees may include Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics). For Social Science degrees in Social Science, coursework review is available for related degrees in history, social studies, or related fields. For Music – Music, Instrumental Music, Musical Theater, or equivalent.

1. Passing the CSET Exam: Candidates can pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in the specific subject area they intend to teach.
2. Relevant Coursework or Degree: In some cases, candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree or substantial coursework in the subject area may satisfy the requirement.
3. Out-of-State Credentialing: Teachers who hold a valid out-of-state credential may meet the subject matter requirement through reciprocity agreements, depending on their previous certification and experience.

These requirements help ensure educators are well-prepared in their specific content areas before receiving their credential to teach in California.

Note all test scores and/or evidence of coursework must be submitted as part of your program application. See Chapman's Office of Graduate Admission for program application and program deadlines.