Become an Outstanding Elementary School Teacher

By combining this California teaching credential with a Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education, we’ve streamlined the process to enter a K-8 classroom and make a difference with young learners. Our CTC-accredited Multiple Subject Teaching Credential prepares you to become accomplished in the wide-ranging topics that make elementary school teachers unique. You’ll start with coursework to lay your teaching foundation, building into strategies for specific subjects from there, while developing skills in collaboration and creating inclusive learning environments for all students. After your first four classes, you’ll be intern eligible, enabling you to start teaching, earning a salary while completing your credential coursework. With only three additional courses, you’ll also have earned your Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education.

  • MAT Opens More Doors: Beyond teaching, an MAT opens doors to other roles, such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, assessment director, grade level lead, administration, teaching at a community college, and more.
  • Curriculum Design, Classroom Management: You’ll use California content standards to learn to design engaging elementary education lessons, to understand and differentiate instruction for varying needs, and to assess student progress.
  • All the Subjects for Young Learners: This Multiple Subject Teaching Credential covers these subject areas: English/language arts, natural sciences, mathematics, visual and performing arts, history and social science, human development, physical education, and health.

At a Glance

Online
42 Credits
$730/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Teacher

Just Three Classes to your MAT

With just three additional courses, you’ll earn your Master of Arts in Teaching along with your California Teaching Credential.

California Teaching

CTC Approved

UMass Global’s MAT and credentials are recognized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Standards

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 examinations.

Career Outlook for MA in Teaching (Elementary Ed) with 2042 Multiple Subject

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDMU 521

Literacy and Language in K-8 Classrooms II

3 Credits
EDMU 523

History, Social Science and Visual/Performing Arts in K-8 Classrooms

3 Credits
EDMU 524

Teaching and Learning Mathematics in K-8 Classrooms

3 Credits
EDMU 525

Teaching and Learning Science in K-8 Classrooms

3 Credits
EDUU 682

Paradigms, Practices, and Policies in Education

3 Credits
EDUU 512

The Art & Craft of Teaching

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

All Faculty
Shari Farris Ed.D.
Dr. Shari Farris, EdD
Associate Dean, School of Education, Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Shari Farris EdD

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the teaching credential program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
  • Official transcripts showing a conferred Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution

California Only

Successful completion of this program leads to state licensure, which is limited to the state of California, and approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Letter of Good Standing

Applicants transferring from another institution's teaching credential program must supply a letter from that institution's Education Department attesting to the applicant's good standing in the program. The letter should be written on institutional letterhead by the Dean, department chair, director of teacher education, or someone in a similar position.

Subject Matter Verification

Subject matter competencies must be fulfilled to qualify for enrollment in student teaching or internship. Candidates must sign an intent to satisfy the subject matter competency requirement through one of the following: CSET exam, subject matter preparation program, approved coursework aligned with subject matter domains, or approved academic degree.

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).

Calculate Time and Cost

Demo

Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

Have questions about enrollment, degree programs or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 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.

"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.

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).

Testimonials

Andrea Quiroa

UMass Global online programs are flexible and reliable, allowing you to pursue your dreams and work in the field. All the professors are supportive and respectful, and my credential supervisors' support and feedback have given me the motivation to continue on my path.

Andrea Q.
Teaching, MA with Multiple Subject Credential

D. Scott was the best instructor. She really made this course helpful with her knowledge on the TPA process and her guidance and belief in me helped me pass!

Heather G.
Teaching, MA
Kinder Teacher, Helendale School District

I am proud to say that once I took the first step of calling UMass Global, I was supported by all the staff from the very beginning, and throughout my entire college career. I am thankful to UMass Global for giving me the support, tools, and opportunity to complete my dreams of being an educator.

Elaine S.
Teaching, MA with Multiple Subject Credential
Teacher, Bellflower Unified School District

 

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