What is a 2042 Single Subject Teaching Credential?

With a Single Subject Teaching Credential, you’re cleared to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most California middle schools and high schools, in grades K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. For most, earning this credential is the last hurdle to clear before becoming an English teacher, biology teacher, or other subject teacher in traditional secondary schools (middle and high school). To earn the credential, students must complete a combination of coursework and in-person teaching (either as an intern or as a student teacher).

What are the requirements for earning a 2042 Single Subject Teaching Credential and to then start teaching?

To earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential in California, there are several key requirements candidates must fulfill. These requirements are designed to ensure teachers are well-prepared to provide high-quality education to students in their specialized subject area. Here are the main requirements:Bachelor's Degree — Candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. If you want your degree to satisfy the single subject you choose for your credential, it will have to align with one of the CTC-approved subjects. Otherwise, additional coursework could be necessary to attain proficiency in that subject.Completion of a Teacher Preparation Program — Aspiring teachers must complete a CTC-approved single subject teacher preparation program, including an internship (where you are the teacher of record in the classroom) or student teaching.Demonstrate Subject Matter Competency — Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the subject they plan to teach. This can be achieved either by completing a CTC-approved subject matter program or by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in the relevant subject area.Pass the Basic Skills Requirement — Candidates must demonstrate basic skills proficiency by passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an equivalent exam.U.S. Constitution Requirement — Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. Constitution by completing a college-level course or passing an examination.Develop English Language Skills — Teachers must complete comprehensive reading instruction that includes the study of reading comprehension, literature, and other content area texts.Clearance of Background Check — Candidates must undergo fingerprinting and receive clearance from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).Health Clearance — Candidates must provide proof of a negative tuberculosis test within the past 60 days.Application and Fees — Submit the appropriate application and fees to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

How long does it take to earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential in California?

How quickly a person can earn their 2042 California Single Subject Teaching Credential depends, of course, on how many courses are taken at a time. At UMass Global, students taking two classes per session can earn their credential in as little as 10 months. A total of 33 credits are required — 24 credits (8 courses) of introductory block and content area block courses, along with two 4.5 credit internship or student teaching sections.

How is a Single Subject Teaching Credential different from a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential?

A Single Subject Teaching Credential in California allows you to teach a specific subject, such as math, English, science, or a foreign language, typically in middle and high schools where classes are departmentalized. This is a good choice for teachers who would rather specialize in one area and prefer to focus on teaching that subject to different classes of students.A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential allows you to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, which is common in elementary schools. This credential is ideal for those who wish to teach multiple subjects to the same group of students throughout the day, covering the broad spectrum of the elementary curriculum.The degree of specialization is another way to think of this. Multiple Subject Credential teachers have a general level of expertise in a variety of subjects. Single Subject Credential teachers need to have a much higher level of expertise in their specific subject, but not in other areas.

What are the benefits of having a 2042 Single Subject Teaching Credential?

A Single Subject Teaching Credential allows educators to specialize in a subject they're passionate about, offering the opportunity to teach in middle and high schools. This specialization leads to job flexibility, significant impact on students' futures, and personal fulfillment. It opens doors to professional development related to their subject area and can increase marketability, especially in high-demand fields like mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Furthermore, it provides a pathway for career advancement, including roles such as department heads or curriculum developers, making it a rewarding choice for those looking to deeply engage in a specific academic discipline.

Added Authorization (Single Subject) - California Teaching Credential

Add a New Teaching Subject with Just One Course

California teachers who already hold a single or multiple subject teaching credential can now earn authorization to teach an additional subject by completing a single course. With Single Subject Added Authorization, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, eligible teachers select a new subject, complete the required coursework, and — after demonstrating subject matter competency (CSET or relevant coursework) — are authorized to teach that subject at the middle or high school level.

Choose from these single subject areas:

English
Math
Science
History/Social Science
Physical Education/Health
World Languages
Music/Art

At a Glance

Online

3 Credits

$750/Credit

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Next Start Date

Spring II (Mar 9, 2026)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Free Credential Test Prep

All students enrolled in the program receive complimentary credential test preparation from Teach Us, along with additional support to help you excel in your CalTPA and CSET examinations.

Preparing California’s Teachers

UMass Global is California’s second largest provider of teaching credentials; our history of support for education goes back to our founding in 1958.

Intern Eligible in Just 4 Classes

Our Intern Pathway Campaign means you can start teaching while finishing your credential work.

Courses You Might Take

EDSU 540AA

Effective Instruction for English, World Languages, and History/Social Science for Single Subject

3 Credits

EDSU 541AA

Effective Instruction for STEAM Content Areas for Single Subject Candidates

3 Credits

Our Faculty

All Faculty

Nicole Schneider, EdD

Associate Dean, School of Education, Associate Professor of Education

David Sloan, EdD

Professor of Education

Jessica Bogunovich, EdD

Program Chair, Multiple, Single Subject, and MAT/Associate Professor of Education

Shari Farris, EdD

Associate Professor of Education

Allison Smith, PhD

Associate Professor of Education

Ways to Get Started

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this added authorization must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

Completed application
A copy of your active CA teaching credential

Add a Credential

Candidates who hold a Multiple or Single Subject Credential with English Learner Authorization (ELA) can add a Single Subject Authorization to their credential.
Candidates who hold a Single Subject Credential with ELA can add a Multiple Subject Content Authorization to their credential.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC)

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

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My academic advisor was a great support system. He was my advisor throughout my program and he took the time to learn about me personally so we could make the best schedule to accommodate my life.

Steve L.

Education, Teaching and Learning, MAE

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K12 RESOURCES

Added Authorization, Single Subject Credential

Add a New Teaching Subject with Just One Course

At a Glance

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Free Credential Test Prep

Preparing California’s Teachers

Intern Eligible in Just 4 Classes

Courses You Might Take

Effective Instruction for English, World Languages, and History/Social Science for Single Subject

Effective Instruction for STEAM Content Areas for Single Subject Candidates

Our Faculty

Ways to Get Started

Admission Requirements

WASC Senior College and University Commission

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Calculate Time and Cost

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An Online Education Built For You

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Current Students

Faculty & Staff

About UMass Global

Added Authorization, Single Subject Credential

Add a New Teaching Subject with Just One Course

At a Glance

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Free Credential Test Prep

Preparing California’s Teachers

Intern Eligible in Just 4 Classes

Courses You Might Take

Effective Instruction for English, World Languages, and History/Social Science for Single Subject

Effective Instruction for STEAM Content Areas for Single Subject Candidates

Our Faculty

Ways to Get Started

Admission Requirements

WASC Senior College and University Commission

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Calculate Time and Cost

Testimonials

An Online Education Built For You

Get More Information

Want More Information About Teaching & Education?

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Featured Articles

Future Students

Current Students

Faculty & Staff

About UMass Global