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Preliminary California Teacher Preparation Programs

Undergraduate and Graduate

The Teacher Preparation Programs at Mount Saint Mary’s University offer coursework and fieldwork leading to a California Preliminary Teaching Credential for Multiple Subjects, Single Subject or Education Specialist: mild/moderate disabilities. Students may already be teaching in their own classrooms in public or private schools, or be completing the program prior to employment as a teacher. The Elementary and Secondary Teacher Preparation Programs are open to undergraduate as well as graduate students. Coursework is grounded in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and emphasizes a cycle of planning, teaching, and reflecting that provides students with an ever-deepening understanding of how to provide all students with rigorous academic learning. The programs prepare teachers who are committed to working with diverse student populations in urban settings. Theory and practice are infused throughout the coursework with discussions and readings augmenting early fieldwork experiences in exemplary teachers’ classrooms in Mount Saint Mary’s University associated schools. Courses and fieldwork provide essential knowledge and skills that students need to pass the California Teacher Performance Assessment and qualify for a Preliminary Teaching Credential. Other state and program requirements apply, and students are urged to maintain regular contact with their education program advisor.

The Preliminary and Induction Teacher Preparation Programs meet the standards for and have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), leading to a California Preliminary or Clear Teaching Credential. Students who wish to practice in a state other than California will have additional licensing requirements to complete prior to practicing in a state outside of California. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the lists below to determine whether this program meets the educational requirements in a specific state. Once this information has been reviewed, contact the Education department at educationdepartment@msmu.edu to discuss the process of obtaining a teaching or cleared credential in a state outside of California.

The Education Specialist: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Preliminary Teaching Credential program is only available to graduate students.

Graduate students may complete a Master of Science degree in Education in conjunction with the teacher preparation coursework. All post-baccalaureate programs of study offered by the Education Department are graduate level programs, whether leading to a Masters degree or not (e.g., Elementary and Secondary Teacher Preparation Programs). As such, these programs are governed by policies and procedures for graduate degree programs in all applicable areas.

Admission to Preliminary Teacher Preparation Programs

Undergraduate applicants for a Teacher Preparation Program apply directly to the Education Department for admission. Graduate applicants apply through the Graduate Division (See Graduate Degree Admissions Policies). Ongoing contact with education advisors is important, as teacher preparation requirements are subject to change.

Requirements for admission include:

  • completion of the appropriate application form

  • for graduate students, payment of application fee

  • an application essay

  • a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a four-point scale, documented by official transcripts, unless an exception is made by the Faculty Admissions Committee based on a holistic review of the application.

  • two letters of recommendation indicating suitability for teaching and potential for success in the Teacher Preparation Program. For induction candidates, only one letter is required

  • interview with an Education department advisor related to professional attitude, goals, and personal qualifications

  • approved Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) form

  • for preliminary credential candidates, verification of current medical clearance for tuberculosis

  • for preliminary credential candidates, confirmation of application for the Certificate of Clearance

  • for graduate students, completion of the top portion of the Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) form along with transcripts and other documents to be used for verification.

  • for graduate students, official transcripts from all colleges attended. Must include a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated for equivalency by an agency approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The Graduate Division provides a list of approved agencies.

  • for students applying to an Induction program, a valid Preliminary teaching credential and verification of employment as a full-time teacher in a setting appropriate to the credential

  • For students applying to the Instructional Leadership Program, verification of 2 years of teaching experience

  • For interns, full approval of SMR, Certificate of Clearance, satisfactorily completion of U.S. constitution requirement, offer of employment, and verification of 120 hours of Preservice work as specified by the MSMU Intern Program.

  • Candidate Dispositions Statement.

The Education Specialist: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Preliminary Teaching Credential program has a separate set of application requirements. See DHH description section for details.

Applications are accepted three times a year. The application deadlines are published annually by the Graduate Admissions Office. Students may enroll in up to six units as a non-matriculating student prior to program acceptance.

Admission to a teacher preparation program does not guarantee that a credential will be granted. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to dismiss from a teacher preparation program a student who does not meet program standards. Dismissal from a Teacher Preparation Program takes place for failure to meet program requirements; dismissal, based on evaluation of any of the protocols used for candidate assessment and evaluation (including Candidate Dispositions) may occur at any time during the program.