Can I pursue an MA in Teaching, Elementary Education with a 2042 credential online?

At UMass Global, our coursework is delivered 100% online, although in this case there will be in-person requirements in the classroom, such as teacher interviews, observations, and tutoring students. This also doesn’t include your internship/student teaching, which must be done in the classroom. Still, the 24 credits/8 courses prior to your internship/student teaching are for the most part online, enabling you to keep working while earning your credential and MAT.

Do I have to be licensed to teach in California public schools?

Yes. Elementary and secondary public school teachers must be certified by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to qualify to be employed in a California public school. UMass Global teacher credential programs are all accredited by the CTC.

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

How quickly a person can earn their 2042 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential depends, of course, on how many courses are taken at a time. Most students can count on earning their credential in 12-14 months, but it can be earned more quickly. At UMass Global, it is possible for students to earn their credential in 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.

Is it better to have a Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential?

"Better" is a relative term, depending on your teaching goals and personal interests. With a Single Subject Credential, you’ll teach that subject to different classes throughout the day in middle or high school. You can delve more deeply into the subject and ignite interest in it in your students. Elementary school teachers work through a variety of subjects with their class that stays with them through the entire school day. The Multiple Subject Credential validates teaching the various subjects covered in elementary school, preparing you to provide a wide-ranging educational menu every day. Unless you have no interest in teaching younger students, a Multiple Subject Credential could provide a more varied daily classroom experience than a Single Subject Credential.

What are the requirements to earn a 2042 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in California and to then start teaching?

Earning a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in California requires fulfilling several important criteria to ensure you’re well-prepared to teach in an elementary school. Here's a summary of the key requirements: 1. Bachelor's Degree: You start with a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. At UMass Global, we offer the perfect degree for future elementary school teachers — a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching. 2. Teacher Preparation Program: Next, is the completion of a Commission-approved 2042 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program. At UMass Global, students can complete their credential in 10 months. 3. Basic Skills: The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an equivalent exam will ensure your proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. 4. Subject Matter Competency: Next, students need to demonstrate their proficiency in the multiple areas of subject matter covered in elementary school. This can come from your bachelor’s degree or a subject matter prep program, or by obtaining a passing score on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). 5. Understanding the U.S. Constitution: You must prove a certain level of knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, which can be fulfilled through coursework or passing an examination. 6. Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA): This assessment ensures you are equipped to teach reading to your students. 7. Child Development and Learning of English Learners: This includes the principles of child development as well as the methods of delivering comprehensive instruction to English learners. This is covered in the UMass Global Multiple Subject Teaching Credential coursework. 8. Fingerprinting and Background Check: You will need to undergo a criminal background check through fingerprinting, processed by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 9. Health Clearance: A negative tuberculosis test, conducted within 60 days prior to application, is required. 10. Application and Fees: Submission of the necessary application forms and fees to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Academic Programs | UMass Global

Teaching & Education

STEM Integration for PreK-6

Investigate the impact of STEM education in order to develop and deliver effective STEM lessons and share this information with others to expand STEM methods in your school or school district.

Starts From: $400

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100% Online

Psychology & Counseling

Stress Management, Certificate

Explore how stress affects your physical, emotional, and mental health. This course provides you with a deeper understanding of the many techniques and strategies used to effectively manage stress and create a healthier life.

Starts From: $119

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Psychology & Counseling

Suicide Risk Assessment Interv

Learn about how to conduct the initial suicide risk assessment, monitoring and re-assessment of suicide risk and review strategies focused on therapeutic interventions primary prevention of suicide.

Starts From: $150

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Business

Supply Chain Management Basics

Explore the core concepts and components of supply chain management, including supplier evaluation, logistics, inventory management and other supply chain practices.

Starts From: $299

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1 PDU

Grant Funded

Teaching & Education

Support Reading Development, Course

Build a toolbox of strategies and resources that support students to improve their reading comprehension.

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Earn Graduate-Level PD Credit

Teaching & Education

Support Students with Dyslexia, Course

This course helps you understand dyslexia, explore practical strategies and resources, and create a classroom implementation plan and original support tool to better serve your students.

Starts From: $210

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Earn Graduate-Level PD Credit

Teaching & Education

Supporting Students with ADHD, Course

This course helps you understand ADHD types and symptoms, explore strategies and resources, and create a practical classroom plan and original support tool to better serve students with ADHD.

Starts From: $210

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Healthcare

Survival Spanish for Health Ca, Course

This course provides a foundation in culture and industry-specific vocabulary for the busy health professional looking to better communicate with Latino patients and their families.

Starts From: $1500

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CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Elementary Ed) with 2042 Multiple Subject, MA

Combine your 2042 Multiple Subject Credential with your Master of Arts in Teaching and you’re ready to become a bright light in elementary education. Plus, our Internship Pathway Campaign allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!

Next Start Date:

Aug 25, 2025

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CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Extensive Support Needs), MA

Combine your Preliminary Education Specialist, Extensive Support Needs Credential with a master's in teaching degree and make a difference in the learning and development of students who have moderate to severe disabilities. Plus, our Internship Pathway allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!

Next Start Date:

Aug 25, 2025

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