Embark on a rewarding lifelong
teaching career in TK–12 classrooms.
Today, passionate, well-prepared teachers are needed more than ever, and pursuing a career in teaching means embracing an invaluable and impactful profession with the power to change lives and shape future generations.
With various pathways to becoming a teacher in California, our programs make it possible to choose the path that’s right for you based on the classroom environment in which you want to work
Accredited by the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
Pathways to Earning a Teaching Credential in California
We offer future educators several pathways to obtaining a teaching credential in California, based on the classroom environment you want to work in. You also have the unique opportunity to earn two credentials, boosting your qualifications and marketability as a candidate.
Various program pathways
Earn Dual Credentials
1-2 years to complete
- Degree Programs
- Credential(s) Programs
- Paid Teaching Experience
- Additional teaching options
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this program, graduates will be prepared to make a meaningful impact in the classroom by:
Integrating technology and diverse perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving on real-world local and global issues
Applying learning, instruction and motivation theories to support learners' cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, physical and moral development through inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Integrating assessment and technology into planning and instruction to gather feedback that enhances student learning, classroom management and teaching methods
Conducting and applying research on teaching practices, student learning and education policies to explore new ideas that enhance teaching, learning and the profession
Exploring strategies for creating inclusive, welcoming environments that support diverse learners and students with varying needs, abilities and backgrounds through tailored instructional approaches
Reflecting critically on how personal perspectives and potential biases influence expectations and relationships with learners and their families
Who Is the
California Teaching Credential Program for?
This program is intended for those...
seeking the quickest path to a credential
who hold a master's degree
who need a streamlined option
Financing Your Education
All students have a right to an education, regardless of income or circumstance. Over 60% of our students rely on financial assistance to cover part of their educational expenses.
Tuition rates and unit requirements vary depending on the pathway you choose. The tuition rate is for the 2026–27 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
39-42
Units
$970
Tuition per unit
$37,830 - $40,740
Estimated total tuition
Financial Aid
In addition to external funding resources, students at SOLES may be eligible for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and discounts.
I am a teacher because...
Join us on a heartfelt journey into the world of education as we explore the reasons why educators choose the path of teaching.
In this video, you'll hear the inspiring story and personal experience of Dr. Bobbi Hansen, and the deep-rooted passion that drives her to say, "I am a teacher because..."
USD's SOLES offers a great dual credentialing program that emphasizes the need to intentionally affirm the beauty of diversity by fostering an environment of accessibility, equity, and inclusivity in a classroom. This mission statement really drew me towards the program.
Earn Your CA Teaching Credential
Approved by the California Teaching Commission, our Master of Arts in Teaching in Curriculum and Instruction with a credential pathways program prepares students for their preliminary teaching credential(s) required to teach in California public schools.
If you are considering a teaching career, here are some powerful questions to ask when choosing a teacher preparation program in California and how to select a teacher preparation program that sets you up for success.
Careers in Teaching
A California teaching credential equips prospective educators with the tools they need for an impactful career in education. Some of the roles that graduates choose to pursue with this degree include:
Note: Salary estimates sourced from ziprecruiter.com in January 2025. Estimates are subject to change over time based on updates to available data.
Questions?
Connect with SOLES admissions
You can connect with the SOLES Admissions and Outreach team in a number of ways for more information about our degree programs and certificates