Become an Engaging Middle or High School Teacher

By combining this California teaching credential with a Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education, we’ve streamlined the process to become a middle or high school teacher. Our CTC-accredited Single Subject Teaching Credential prepares you to engage students as a school’s “biology teacher” or “French teacher,” whatever your subject is. You’ll start with coursework to lay your teaching foundation, moving into strategies tailored to pre-teen and teenage learners. 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, Secondary 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 secondary education lessons, to understand and differentiate instruction for varying needs, and to assess student progress.
  • Specialty Content Teaching Strategies: We offer the following content areas — English, World Languages, Math, History/SS, PE/Health, Science, and Music/Art.

At a Glance

Online
42 Credits
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 and CSET examinations.

Career Outlook for MA in Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single 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

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

EDUU 511

Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling

3 Credits
EDUU 512

The Art & Craft of Teaching

3 Credits
EDSU 531

Secondary Instructional Strategies for Language/Culturally Diverse Classrooms

3 Credits
EDSU 530

Theories, Methods, and Materials for Teaching English Learners

3 Credits
EDSU 532

Effective Literacy Instruction for Single Subject Candidates

3 Credits
EDUU 682

Paradigms, Practices, and Policies in Education

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

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

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. 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.

Earning a master’s in teaching has numerous benefits for an educator. Here are a few key benefits:

  • Expertise — You’ll expand your skills as an educator through the additional courses needed to earn your MAT, which all focus on broader issues in education.
  • Increased salary potential — Most school districts offer higher pay tiers depending on the level of education.
  • Career options — Having a master’s degree expands career options into areas such as curriculum coordinator, department head, assessment director, and various administrative roles.
  • Expanded teaching — Should you choose at some point to broaden your teaching from the special education realm, an MAT can allow you to do so, although you may still have to gain subject matter expertise if you move into a completely new area. Still, your MAT would open possibilities teaching at community colleges, doing educational consulting, working at education nonprofits, and other options.

Yes, you can pursue an online Masters degree plus California teaching credential at UMass Global. While most of the coursework is delivered online, there are in-person requirements such as classroom observations, teacher interviews, and student tutoring. Additionally, you'll need to complete an in-person internship or student teaching. However, the 24 credits leading up to your internship can be completed online, making it possible to balance your studies with your current job.

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.

Testimonials

Annie Mae Bohnsack

If I were to give any advice it is this...the teaching credential program can be challenging, but you are not alone in it. You have classmates and professors that want to support you and help you reach your educational goals.

Annie Mae B.
Teaching, MA with Single Subject Physical Education Credential

 

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