5 Types of Education Degrees and California Teaching Credentials
According to the California Department of Education (CDE), California is home to more than 360,000 teachers and more than 14,000 public, private, and charter schools.
While teachers in California only need a bachelor’s degree, many choose to continue their studies and earn a master’s degree in education. Equipped with advanced expertise, these professionals are not only teachers to their students but also mentors to colleagues, consultants to administrators, and invaluable resources to the families in their communities.
For those interested in starting or advancing to a high level in education, here are five types of education degrees and California teaching credentials to consider.
Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Education
Before considering a master's degree in education, understanding the potential benefits of going beyond California’s minimum education requirements is important. Typically, teachers with master’s degrees are seen as more competitive job candidates, but a wide range of other equally tangible benefits exist as well.
Potential benefits of earning a master’s degree in education include the following:
- Potential salary increases and higher starting salaries
- Becoming qualified for high-level positions in education, such as administrator, consultant, and curriculum designer
- Learning about new trends in curriculum and educational methods
- Conducting research in niche areas and becoming a specialist in a certain aspect or type of education
Additionally, earning a master’s degree can be accessible to students of all kinds. Many colleges and universities offer hybrid and online programs as well as scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
Types of Education Degrees and Credentials
Multiple types of K-12 educators exist. Included are those who teach a single subject to multiple groups of students, those who teach multiple subjects to one group, and those who specialize in meeting the unique needs of students with learning differences.
Fortunately, multiple types of education degrees and state-issued credentials are available to ensure that each educator is well-equipped to teach in their chosen setting.
Teaching Credentials
Teachers in California are required to be credentialed through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Each credential allows educators to work in a specific setting. While the CTC offers a wide range of credentials, three main credentials are available to choose from.
Single Subject
Holding the CTC’s Single Subject Teaching Credential allows educators to teach a specific subject across multiple grades in a preschool or K-12 school. Separate credentials exist for everything from hard sciences, such as physics and chemistry, to Social Sciences, Arts, and Languages.
Multiple Subject
The CTC’s Multiple Subject Teaching Credential allows educators to teach every subject in a single self-contained classroom. The CTC defines a self-contained classroom as one in which a single group of students is taught all or most subjects by one teacher.
While self-contained classrooms are most used at the elementary level, the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes educators to work at any level in preschools, K-12 schools, and schools that serve adult learners.
Education Specialist
The CTC’s Education Specialist Instruction Credential is for teachers who wish to support and serve learners with educational differences. It allows instructors to work in general and special education settings as well as development centers, resource rooms, correctional facilities, and hospitals. Teachers who hold this credential can also conduct educational assessments.
With this credential, educators can choose to specialize in early childhood special education as well as serve students with moderate needs, extensive needs, hearing impairments, and visual impairments.
Master of Arts in Education
A Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed) is a type of education degree designed to give students an advanced yet flexible set of skills they can use in a wide range of educational roles. Many MA Ed program graduates become K-12 classroom educators, but they can also become school leaders, educational consultants and managers at nonprofit organizations, curriculum designers, and college faculty members.
In an MA Ed program, students take classes on subjects such as the following:
- Curriculum Development
- Equity in Educational Communities
- Educational Assessment and Evaluation
- Educational Research
- Educational Technology
- Different Media and Teaching Methods in Instruction
MA Ed programs also typically allow students to choose from electives covering topics such as Educational Leadership and Special Education. Program length can vary, but an MA Ed can be earned in as little as 18 months.
Master of Arts in Special Education
While MA Ed programs often offer classes on special education, professionals who wish to focus entirely on serving individuals with learning differences can earn a Master of Arts in Special Education (MA SPED). An MA SPED can be a great option for students who want to teach special education programs of all kinds at all levels or become special education program managers, student advocates, behavioral intervention specialists, and more.
Classes in MA SPED programs often cover the following:
- Human development
- Program management
- Clinical assessment
- Support for students with moderate and/or severe needs
- Curriculum modification and enrichment for special education students
- Serving English language learners
In addition to these advanced classes, MA SPED students take classes on teaching math, science, and social sciences in special education settings. Similar to an MA Ed, an MA SPED can be earned in as little as 18 months.
Education Degree and California Teaching Credential Requirements
Enrolling in an MA Ed program typically requires having a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants may also be asked to submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining their professional goals and achievements.
To earn a California teaching credential, applicants must satisfy these requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Display subject matter mastery by passing a subject matter exam, holding a degree in a related field, or completing CTC-approved coursework
- Take a two-semester class or pass an exam on the U.S. Constitution
- Finish a CTC-approved preparation program that includes lessons on the development of language skills, technology in educational settings, health education, and other foundational topics
- Submit a recommendation from a sponsor for their preparation program
Following these steps can result in earning a Preliminary Credential from the CTC. The credential is valid for five years, during which time educators must earn their Clear Credential by completing a teacher induction program, which is a two-year mentoring program for new teachers.
Become the Instructional Expert California Students Need
Through the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University, current and future teachers can learn the skills they need to become expert instructors and informed educational leaders. With both an MA Ed and an MA SPED, students can choose and customize a path that fits into their specific career goals.
To find out more about how NDNU helps students qualify for CTC credentials and enrich their educational tool kit, contact the admissions team to learn more about our hybrid and 100% online master’s degree in education programs today. Fill out the form below to start your higher education chapter.
Recommended Readings
Can a Master’s in Education Increase Your Salary?
Deciding on the Best Master’s in Education Programs
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Special Education?
Sources:
California Department of Education, Fingertip Facts on California Education
California Department of Education, Private School Data
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Becoming a Teacher in California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Education Specialist Instruction Credential (CL-808CA)
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CL-561C)
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Self-Contained Classrooms