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. At UMass Global, students taking two classes a session can earn their credential in as little as 10 months. A total of 33 credits is 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: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.Teacher Preparation Program: Next, is the completion of a Commission-approved 2042 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program. Basic Skills: The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an equivalent exam will ensure your proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.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).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.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.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).Health Clearance: A negative tuberculosis test, conducted within 60 days prior to application, is required.Application and Fees: Submission of the necessary application forms and fees to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Dr. Nicole Schneider

Associate Dean, School of Education, Associate Professor of Education

Education

Specialty Literacy

nschneid@umassglobal.edu

(951) 697-0111

(951) 653-5891

Dr. Nicole Schneider serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Education at University of Massachusetts Global. She joined UMass Global in 2014 and teaches in the Multiple and Single subject credential and CTEL programs. Her expertise is in K-8 literacy instruction, content area literacy and English language development with a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive teaching practices. In her current role as Interim Associate Dean of the SOE, Dr. Schneider supports faculty, staff, and students in the Multiple and Single Subject Credential, Early Childhood Education, and CTEL programs.

Before joining UMass Global, Dr. Schneider taught literacy methods courses in the Teacher Education Program at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina and taught online graduate courses at Grand Canyon University and University of Phoenix for over five years.

Dr. Schneider is a National Board-Certified Teacher and holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential as well as a Reading Specialist Credential in California. She spent over ten years teaching elementary school in southern California. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she served as a Reading Specialist, an English Language Development teacher and a BTSA mentor.

Dr. Schneider’s research interests include dyslexia, supporting students with ADHD in the classroom, Universal Design for Learning, and strategies to support second language development. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, baking, and doing CrossFit.

Education History

2013 - Ed.D. Educational Leadership, Appalachian State University, North Carolina

Dissertation: “Reading Fluency Assessment: The Role of Word-Level Automaticity”

2005 - M.S. Reading Education, California State University, Fullerton

1996 - B.S. Elementary Education, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, New York

Professional Experience

2014-PRESENT: Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Global

2001: Online Instructor, Grand Canyon University, Graduate School of Education

2001: Assistant Professor, Teacher Education Division, Lees-McRae College

Education History

2013 - Ed.D. Educational Leadership, Appalachian State University, North Carolina

Dissertation: “Reading Fluency Assessment: The Role of Word-Level Automaticity”

2005 - M.S. Reading Education, California State University, Fullerton

1996 - B.S. Elementary Education, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, New York

Professional Experience

2014-PRESENT: Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Global

2001: Online Instructor, Grand Canyon University, Graduate School of Education

2001: Assistant Professor, Teacher Education Division, Lees-McRae College

Incl. CLAD Cert

4 Courses

Teaching & Education

CTEL, Authorization

Empower English learners with UMass Global's CTEL Authorization & CLAD Certificate. 4-course online program with culturally responsive teaching practices.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Teaching & Education

Multiple Subject, Teaching Credential

The California 2042 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes you to teach the variety of subjects that fuel learning in an elementary school classroom. Plus, our Internship Pathway Campaign allows you to become intern eligible after just four classes!

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Teaching & Education

Teaching Credential - 2042 Single Subject

Teach your passion with UMass Global's California Single Subject Teaching Credential. CTC-accredited program covering 7 content areas with intern eligibility.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs), MA

Support diverse learners with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT in Mild to Moderate Support Needs. CTC-accredited K-22 program with intern eligibility.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Elementary Ed) with 2042 Multiple Subject, MA

Launch your elementary teaching career with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT & Multiple Subject Credential. Intern eligibility after 4 courses opens career doors.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Extensive Support Needs), MA

Empower students with disabilities through UMass Global's MAT in Extensive Support Needs. CTC-accredited credential with intern eligibility and career advancement.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Degree + Credential

Teaching & Education

Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single Subject, MA

Inspire teenagers with UMass Global's AAQEP-accredited MAT & Single Subject Credential. Choose from 7 content areas with intern eligibility and career advancement.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Teaching & Education

Multiple Subject Credential, Added Authorization

Expand your teaching versatility with UMass Global's Multiple Subject Added Authorization. CTC-authorized program for Single Subject teachers to teach K-8.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

CA Only

Teaching & Education

Single Subject Credential, Added Authorization

Broaden your teaching expertise with UMass Global's Single Subject Added Authorization. CTC-authorized program to add one of 7 secondary content areas.

Next Start Date:

Mar 9, 2026

Learn More

Dr. Nicole Schneider

Education History

2013 - Ed.D. Educational Leadership, Appalachian State University, North Carolina

2005 - M.S. Reading Education, California State University, Fullerton

1996 - B.S. Elementary Education, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, New York

Professional Experience

2014-PRESENT: Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Global

2001: Online Instructor, Grand Canyon University, Graduate School of Education

2001: Assistant Professor, Teacher Education Division, Lees-McRae College

Education History

2013 - Ed.D. Educational Leadership, Appalachian State University, North Carolina

2005 - M.S. Reading Education, California State University, Fullerton

1996 - B.S. Elementary Education, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, New York

Professional Experience

2014-PRESENT: Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Global

2001: Online Instructor, Grand Canyon University, Graduate School of Education

2001: Assistant Professor, Teacher Education Division, Lees-McRae College

Related Programs

CTEL, Authorization

Multiple Subject, Teaching Credential

Teaching Credential - 2042 Single Subject

Teaching (Mild to Moderate Support Needs), MA

Teaching (Elementary Ed) with 2042 Multiple Subject, MA

Teaching (Extensive Support Needs), MA

Teaching (Secondary Ed) with 2042 Single Subject, MA

Multiple Subject Credential, Added Authorization

Single Subject Credential, Added Authorization

Future Students

Current Students

Faculty & Staff

About UMass Global