»Graduate Teacher Education Admission Requirements

Chapman University I Attallah College of Educational Studies

The Teacher Education graduate programs in the Attallah College of Educational Studies prepare reflective, collaborative, and transformative educators committed to supporting the educational, social, and ecological well-being of children, youth, families, and communities.

All master’s degree programs in Teacher Education contain coursework that, along with the passing of exam and fieldwork requirements, supports the candidate in applying for a teaching credential in the State of California.

All Teacher Education graduate degree programs use a common set of criteria for admission, progression, and recommendation for both the issuance of the teaching credential and degree conferral.

Admission to the Teacher Education Programs - All Candidates

Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:

  1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Submit passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or equivalent.
  3. 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.
  4. Submit passing score on, or proof of registration for, the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) applicable to their credential area or equivalent.

 

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Teacher Education programs, all candidates must submit the documents listed below:

  • Graduate Application
    Online graduate application.
  • Supplemental Application
    Supplemental application part of the online application.
  • Official Transcripts
    Official transcripts from all institutions the applicant has received (or will be receiving) a degree from.
  • Letters of Recommendation
    Two letters of recommendation. Both letters should be accompanied by Chapman University recommendation forms. 
  • Statement of Intent
    The statement of intent prompt can be found within the application.
  • Resume
    A current resume or vita that includes information outlining experiences.
  • Documentation of Basic Skills Requirement
    Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, or submit passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), or equivalent.
  • 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.


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. 

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Requirements for Graduate Teacher Education Degree Progression and Completion

Students pursuing graduate Teacher Education degree programs are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures. In addition, these specific degree standards apply:

  • Minimum grade “C+” or above required in all coursework.
  • Maintain 3.000 GPA in the degree.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 in all credential coursework prior to enrolling in 600-level courses.
  • Completing all coursework and fieldwork, which includes a minimum of 600 hours across the arc of the program as required by the current CTC regulations.
  • Successful completion of an approved culminating experience, typically consisting of a portfolio or project, including an oral presentation, before a panel of educators.
  • Due to embedding of credential courses within the master’s degree curriculum, students must pass or fulfill all credential requirements (including examinations external to Chapman University, such as CBEST or equivalent, CSET or equivalent, TPA and/or additional specific assessments for respective credential authorization as required by the CTC at the time of the candidate’s enrollment in their credential program) to be eligible for master’s degree conferral. Students seeking exceptions must file a Graduate Petition form, and exceptions must be approved by the Graduate Academic Council.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Requirements – All Candidates

  1. Passing score on the CBEST or equivalent.
  2. Completion of Subject Matter Competency (Passage of CSET or equivalent prior to Student Teaching.)
  3. Meet the U.S. Constitution requirement (by transcript or exam).
  4. Obtain a Certificate of Clearance.
  5. Complete Infant, Child and Adult CPR requirement.
  6. Negative TB test.
  7. Successful completion of the California Teacher Performance Assessments (CalTPAs) and/or additional specific assessments for their respective credential authorization as required by the CTC at the time of the candidate’s application for their credential.
  8. In addition, all teacher education program candidates are expected to follow the Teacher Education Disposition Policy, which can be found in their respective Program Handbook.
  9. Successful completion of all credential courses listed in the Graduate Catalog for the candidate’s degree program.

Additionally, elementary/multiple subject and special education candidates must obtain a passing score on the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) exam prior to application for a credential (not to be taken before completion of TCHR 500 or MACI 409).

Fieldwork and Graduation Requirements

Fieldwork and Graduation Requirements:

Additional Teacher Education Fieldwork Notes:

  • All candidates will participate in a minimum of 600 fieldwork / clinical practice hours across the arc of the program.  

Course Sequence:

Bilingual Authorization

Students interested in pursuing a bilingual authorization may do so in tandem with their MAT Elementary Education program by passing the appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) subtests in the language as well as the World Languages IV test. While students may take exams in any language other than English offered by CSET, Chapman has relationships with local elementary schools that specifically have bilingual or dual immersion programs in both Spanish and Mandarin. Candidates who have passed their CSETs for bilingual authorization in Spanish or Mandarin prior to their student teaching experience are able to pursue placements under an experienced mentor teachers in these schools.

Candidates who have completed all CSETs for bilingual authorization may apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to add the authorization to their Multiple Subject teaching credential after it has been received.

Summer 2026 Start

Application Deadlines

Priority Deadline: February 2, 2026

Regular Deadline: March 13, 2026

Please note: To be considered for fellowship opportunities, prospective students must submit their application by the priority deadline date.