When looking into what the best online teaching credential programs California has to offer, there’s a lot to factor in; cost, flexibility, location and accreditation are just to name a few. If you’re looking for higher education that will set you up for success, these top schools have been ranked as some of the best online teaching credential programs California has to offer.

Collegelearners is replete with up-to-date information on cheapest online teaching credential programs california, teaching credential programs california online, multiple subject teaching credential programs in california online, and so much more. Need more information? Kindly visit our catalog for more. What are you waiting for?

cheapest online teaching credential programs california

Introduction

In California, more than 300,000 new teachers are needed by 2025.1 If you’re ready to become one of them, you’ll need a teaching credential from an accredited program. The state has a wealth of such programs, many of which offer online degrees and certificates for flexibility and convenience in earning your education. We’ve ranked the top five schools in the state that offer online teaching credential programs below.

Chapman University

Chapman University, a private university in Orange, California, offers an online teaching credential program through its School of Education. The school’s online teaching credential program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The online teaching credential program at Chapman University consists of 18 courses and takes 60 credits to complete. In order to earn a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on secondary education (which is required for most teaching positions), you’ll need to take 24 additional credits after completing this program. This will give you 36 total graduate credits—enough for admission into many California teacher preparation programs that require 40 graduate credits upon admission (note: this does not include student teaching).

The online curriculum includes classes like “Teaching Reading in Secondary Classrooms” and “Research Methods for Educational Studies.” Some courses are taught by part-time faculty members who have been working as teachers themselves since before they entered academia; others are taught by full-time professors who have extensive research experience within their fields as well as classroom experience outside of academia; still others are taught by visiting scholars who come from all over the world​

California State University, Fullerton

The California State University, Fullerton (CSU Fullerton) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Students enrolled in either program will be required to complete a minimum of 30 units as well as a teaching practicum requirement before being eligible for credentialing.

The CSU Fullerton also offers a Master’s Degree in Education with specializations available in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Literacy and Language Studies, Educational Technology Leadership, Curriculum Design and Development and Educational Leadership.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a public research university located in San Diego, California. It is the oldest and largest of the 23 campuses in the California State University system. San Diego State University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

You can get your teaching credentials at San Diego State University if you are interested in becoming a teacher for grades K-12 or for special education programs for students with physical and mental disabilities. The university offers both full-time and part-time master’s degree programs that prepare you to become certified teachers once you complete your studies.

California State University, Long Beach

CSULB offers a variety of online programs for aspiring teachers to earn their credentials. The university is known for its high ranking among universities in California, with an average GPA of 3.2 and a faculty-to-student ratio of 23:1. CSULB is also one of the largest schools in the state, with over 30,000 students enrolled at any given time; it’s located in Long Beach, just south of Los Angeles.

Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University provides online teaching credential programs for students interested in receiving a California Teaching Credential. The university’s online program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which allows you to teach K-12 students as early as your second year of study. The program consists of 15 courses that must be completed within six years.

Sonoma State University also offers a variety of other online programs for working professionals and adult learners who want more flexibility than traditional campus-based colleges can offer. If you’re looking for an affordable way to earn your teaching credentials while maintaining your current job or family commitments, this is an excellent option!

These are the best online teaching credential programs in California.

Online teaching credential programs are becoming more and more popular, especially among the population of people who want to begin their careers in education. While some states require that a candidate for a teaching credential get their degree from an accredited institution (meaning one that has been approved by the state), California does not have this requirement. Instead, candidates must go through an approved program of study and then pass all required exams as well as complete all other requirements for licensure within two years of graduation.

This makes it much easier for those who wish to get an online teaching credential in California because they do not have any extra hoops to jump through before starting their education. However, finding out which programs are best can be difficult since there are many options available across California—and beyond! That’s why we’ve put together this list of top-rated online teaching credentials programs so you’ll know where to direct your efforts right away!

Conclusion

Obviously, you want to make sure that the online education program you choose is accredited by the state. Some states require that all teacher credential programs be approved by their Board of Education before they will grant a teaching license. Others may only require accreditation from an independent third-party agency. It’s important to contact your state’s Department of Education and ask them how they recommend evaluating teacher education programs before making any decisions about which college or university offers what kind of online degree in California.

cheapest teaching credential program in california

All of the means for acquiring a teaching credential in California start with the interested candidate earning a bachelor’s degree and passing exams. Some options have fewer exams than others, which could make these routes less expensive. Find out more about the requirements and options below.

Education Required	Bachelor’s degree
Exam Requirements	Varies
Certification Renewal Period	Varies
Average Salary (2019)	$63,700 (teachers in CA)*
Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)	8% (teachers nationally)**

Sources: *Salary.com; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Credential Options in California

The type of credential relevant to an interested candidate is dependent on what level of education they wish to teach. Candidates interested in teaching elementary school must obtain the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential while candidates interested in teaching high school must obtain the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Candidates interested in becoming special education teachers need to acquire the Education Specialist Instruction Credential. Within these options there are multiple pathways to obtaining certification, all with different price points.

multiple subject teaching credential programs in california online

Candidates who are interested in this credential have several options within this route. These include going to a college or university along with work experience, Peace Corps experience, and various internship programs. Based on the information available, the exams that must be taken and passed are all the same, making these routes similar in price. One would just have to determine if gaining work experience could be beneficial for paying for college costs.

Single Subject Teaching Credential

This route has similar options to the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. These options include college or university attendance, internship programs, and work experience. The Early Completion Intern Option lists an additional exam than the other options, and so may be more costly.

Education Specialist Instruction Credential

Earning this credential can be done by attending a college or university and completing internship programs. There could be a number of exams to pass for special education teachers, based on a number of different specialties, so this option could be the most expensive.

General Cost of Education

Because all of the options require earning a bachelor’s degree, the cheapest way to attain a teaching credential in California could start with finding an affordable degree program at an accredited college or university. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost for in-state residents for a four-year degree program at a public university in California was $22,081, inclusive of room and board for the 2017-2018 academic year. Without room and board, the cost was $8,020. Out-of-state residents paid $29,173 for tuition and fees at a 4-year public university in California. The total cost of attending private school in the state averaged $47,410 for the same year. Without room and board, tuition and fees averaged $33,483.

Popular Schools
California Baptist University – Online logo

California Baptist University – Online responds quickly to information requests through this website.
California Baptist University – Online
MASTER
Master’s – Education: Early Childhood Studies Master’s – Education: Teaching
Northcentral University logo

Northcentral University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Northcentral University
MASTER
Master – Education: Curriculum & Teaching
DOCTORAL
PhD – Education: Curriculum & Teaching
CERTIFICATES
Education Specialist – Early Childhood Education
Grand Canyon University logo

Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Grand Canyon University
BACHELOR DEGREES
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
MASTER
M.Ed. in Early Childhood
DOCTORAL
Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning – Qualitative Research
Pacific Oaks College logo

Pacific Oaks College responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Pacific Oaks College
CERTIFICATES
Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential
University of Southern California logo

University of Southern California responds quickly to information requests through this website.
University of Southern California
MASTER
Masters of Arts in Teaching
Capella University logo

Capella University responds quickly to information requests through this website.
Capella University
MASTER
MS Ed – Early Childhood Education Studies MEd – Teaching and Learning
DOCTORAL
Doctorate – Education: Curriculum & Instruction Doctorate – Education: Reading & Literacy

California Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

The information found below is meant to be an informative guide for anyone looking for teaching schools in California. There are many colleges and universities in California that offer teacher preparation programs that prepare aspiring teachers for a long career in the classroom. For more information on the various teaching degrees in California, scroll down to find lists of top-rated teaching programs, a table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs, and student reviews. Whether you’re fresh out of school or looking to change your current career, the teacher career guide below can help you jumpstart your way into a fascinating career in education.

Quick Facts

• There are 151 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in California.¹
• 45 colleges and universities offer an associate’s degree in education.*¹
• 53 colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in education.*¹
• 82 colleges and universities offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.*¹
• 17 schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best College Values 2019.²
• 1 school ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2020.³
• 24 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2019.⁴
• 10 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2019.⁵
• 17 not-for-profit teacher programs are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP.

*For not-for-profit colleges and universities with teacher degree programs.

Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs in California

Kiplinger’s Best College Values 2019*

• Stanford University (#20)
• University of California-Berkeley (#64)
• University of Southern California (#83)
• University of California-Los Angeles (#84)
• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (#86)
• Santa Clara University (#112)
• University of California-Santa Barbara (#146)
• University of California-San Diego (#155)
• University of California-Irvine (#170)
• California State University-Long Beach (#184)
• San Diego State University (#196)
• Pepperdine University (#199)
• University of San Diego (#223)
• Loyola Marymount University (#230)
• University of California-Davis (#256)
• University of California-Santa Cruz (#289)
• Point Loma Nazarene University (#292)

*Institution-wide ranking.

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2020

• Loyola Marymount University

US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2019

• Stanford University (#3 tie)
• University of California-Los Angeles (#3 tie)
• University of Southern California (#12)
• University of California-Berkeley (#18 tie)
• University of California-Irvine (#23 tie)
• University of California-Davis (#36 tie)
• San Diego State University (#53 tie)
• University of California-Santa Barbara (#53 tie)
• Loyola Marymount University (#57 tie)
• University of California-Riverside (#66 tie)
• University of California-San Diego (#71 tie)
• University of California-Santa Cruz (#85 tie)
• Claremont Graduate University (#104 tie)
• University of San Diego (#134 tie)
• Chapman University (#143 tie)
• University of San Francisco (#143 tie)
• Mills College (#151 tie)
• California State University-Sacramento (#172 tie)
• Pepperdine University (#186 tie)
• Alliant International University (#195-258)
• Azusa Pacific University (#195-258)
• Brandman University (#195-258)
• University of La Verne (#195-258)
• University of Redlands (#195-258)

Fast Track Teacher Certification California

California Alternative Teacher Certification

There are several alternative pathways to becoming a certified teacher in California. Regardless of the pathway, however, all candidates must meet California’s basic skills requirements for reading, writing, and mathematics and either take a course on the US Constitution or pass an examination proving adequate knowledge. All candidates must also complete an application for a teaching credential and submit the necessary form for a criminal background check. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing oversees all requirements for teacher certification, both through traditional and alternative pathways.

Requirements for Alternative Certification

The basic qualification for alternative teacher certification is a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a teachable subject. Those who are interested in teaching a specific subject must verify knowledge of the subject matter. Verification of subject matter knowledge is done by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Those interested in teaching in self-contained classrooms (grades K-8) must also verify content area knowledge by passing the appropriate CSET exams. The CSET exams are typically taken after completing a teacher preparation program, though some programs may require candidates to sit for the exams prior to admittance.SPONSORED SCHOOL(S)

Walden UniversityFeatured Program(s): BS in Elementary Education, MS in Education (Accelerated) – Teacher Leadership, Doctor of Education (EdD) – Curriculum, Instruction & AssessmentRequest Info

Liberty UniversityFeatured Program(s): Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Special Education – Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary EducationRequest Info

Post UniversityFeatured Program(s): Associate of Science – Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science – Child Studies, Master of EducationRequest Info

Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in California

There are several different alternative pathways a candidate can take to achieve certification in California. These include through a university internship program, a school internship program, teaching at a private school, or the Peace Corps. More information about each of these options can be found through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

University Intern or District Intern Credential

Internship programs allow hopeful new teachers to work in the classroom, gaining practical experience while completing coursework in a teacher preparation program. Whether working through a state-approved university or public school (district) internship program, all credential-through-internship applicants must have already completed a bachelor’s degree, passed the California basic skills test, and met the fingerprinting and background clearance requirements. Candidates must also pass the appropriate subject assessments for the subject(s) to be taught, and complete an appropriate course or exam in the US Constitution. Those pursuing this pathway are expected to complete all requirements for a professional certificate within two years; a one-time, one-year hardship extension may be requested.

Credentialing Through Private School Experience

Not all private schools require teachers to be certified through the state. Those with at least three years of experience in private school classrooms may apply for public school teacher credentialing with the state and have the student teaching component waived. Those candidates with six or more years of classroom experience may have the teacher preparation program requirement waived entirely.

Credentialing Through the Peace Corps

Applicants for California teacher credentialing who served at least 18 months in the Peace Corps may be eligible to teach while working towards meeting the teacher preparation program requirement. Candidates must have spent at least 50% of the Peace Corps experience in a classroom setting and must meet all other requirements for credentialing, including holding a bachelor’s degree, satisfying the basic skills requirement, meeting English language skills and reading requirements, and completing a course or exam in the US Constitution, as well as passing the appropriate subject matter exams. Once issued, the certificate is valid for up to five years as the candidate completes an approved teacher preparation program in order to qualify for a standard teaching license.

Sojourn Certificate

Individuals who are academically qualified to teach a foreign language or culture through completion of a college-level program in a foreign country may be eligible for the Sojourn Certificate. In addition to meeting education requirements, individuals must have taught within a foreign country within the past year, satisfy the basic skills requirement, receive an employment offer from a California school district, and pass a background check. If issued, the Sojourn Certificate allows the holder to teach a foreign language as they work towards meeting standard teacher certification requirements.

Transferring Teaching Licenses from Another State

For teachers holding an out-of-state certificate, there are options for reciprocity in California. These applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, meet California’s basic skills requirement, and have an active teaching credential that is considered comparable to California’s. For more information on reciprocity, see our guide to reciprocity or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.

teaching credential programs California online

As of 2019, there are approximately 250 institutions throughout California that offer teacher credential programs, ranging from the certificate to graduate degree level. The programs typically require a combination of coursework and practical fieldwork as a public school student teacher. While the student teaching program is conducted on site, some schools offer students the opportunity to complete their courses online. This is an excellent option for students living in rural areas or who do not have time to travel to the school. Take a look below to learn about four schools which offer online teacher credential programs.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching program that gives students the opportunity to receive a teacher credential recommendation. Prospective students can choose to enroll in the elementary school Multiple Subject Teaching concentration or one of the secondary school concentrations (English, mathematics, social science, science). Each program includes coursework and practical field experience that cover four broad areas: foundations, language and literacy, teaching methods, and field experience and capstone portfolio. The program requires a minimum of 28 credits and can be completed in one to three years.

California State University

CSU’s state-wide CalStateTEACH program is a Multiple Subject program that combines online coursework with student teaching in a local classroom. The program requires students to complete 15 semester units over one to three years. Students have three credentialing pathways in the program: student teaching, intern teacher, and employed private teacher. All pathways require fieldwork as a student teacher in a public school as part of the program.

Pacific Oaks College

Students at Pacific Oaks College have online teacher credential program options at the certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. The school offers three Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree options: elementary education, elementary and special education, and human development with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. The B.A. degrees require a minimum of 120 credits and include fieldwork as a student teacher. At the master’s degree level, students can choose between a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education or a M.A.T. in Elementary Education. Both programs require 43 credits to complete, including student teaching. A standalone Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential certificate is available for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. This program requires 37 credits of coursework and student teaching fieldwork.

Concordia University – Irvine

At Concordia University in Irvine, students who already possess a degree can enroll in the teacher credential program, which combines online coursework and student teaching. There are four credential program options: single subject, multiple subject, mild-moderate teaching, and clear induction. The school offers the single subject credential in several areas, including English, mathematics, music, science, social science, and art. Courses last 7-15 weeks and students are required to complete one public school semester of student teaching, which typically lasts 18 weeks.

Teacher Credential Resources

There are several steps you need to take to become a teacher in California besides completing a teacher credential program in an accredited school, including student teaching and successfully completing a teacher credentialing exam for your chosen area of expertise from special education to secondary education. Study.com has the resources you need to discover how to prepare for the appropriate exams and become a teacher in California:

• How to Become a Teacher in California Online
• Prepare for your CSET/CBEST Exams
• RICA Exam: Test Prep & Practice