Chapman’s Attallah College of Educational Studies offers a variety of teaching credential programs for those who want to teach at the elementary, middle, or secondary level and/or in special education.
The ongoing shortage of teachers in California means qualified educators are in high demand, particularly in the special education, bilingual, science, and mathematics areas.
Our combined teaching credential and master’s degree programs can be completed in as few as 15 months.
All Chapman University Teacher Education programs prepare you for an English Learner Authorization (ELA) to support students' English language acquisition as well as access to academic content across the curriculum. Coursework requirements for the ELA are fully integrated into all credential pathways.
Find the program that’s right for you, and get started today!
Single Subject Credential
The Single Subject credential authorizes a teacher to teach one subject (math, science, language arts, social studies, or music). Teachers holding Single Subject credentials are typically employed at the high school or middle school (secondary) levels.
Multiple Subject Credential
The Multiple Subject (elementary) credential authorizes a teacher to teach all the subjects in a self-contained classroom. This is the credential for those who wish to teach in an elementary (K–6) classroom or specialized multiple subject programs at the secondary level.
Special Education Credentials
A special education teaching credential, called Education Specialist, authorizes the holder to teach students with a range of (dis)abilities. These credentials available authorize service in transitional kindergarten, grades K–12, and classes organized primarily for adults through age 22.
Education Specialist Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) Credential
The MMSN credential (formerly Mild/Moderate) authorizes candidates to teach students with autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury.
Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Credential
The ESN credential (formerly Moderate/Severe) authorizes candidates to teach students with autism, deaf-blind, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury.
Candidates earning both Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN) credentials are authorized to teach students with all types of disabilities.
Joint Education Specialist Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Multiple Subject Credential
Candidates earning both Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Multiple Subject credentials are authorized to teach students in mild-to-moderate special education settings and general education K–6 classrooms.
See TEACH California for more information about special education teaching credentials and requirements in the state of California. See also the CTC webpage for the complete list of MMSN and ESN authorization areas.
