Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

Each of us had at least one teacher who truly inspired us. Today, there’s a need to find the next generation of great teachers. How about you? If you’re thinking about a career in education, you’ve come to the right place.

For over 65 years, UMass Global has been a leader in California education. Our combination of degrees and credentials, featuring online coursework and in-classroom fieldwork, allows you to keep working while working toward becoming that next great teacher.


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).

Teaching Requirements

Understanding Teaching Qualifications

Teaching qualifications can seem confusing, especially when they vary from state to state. Learn about the various credentials, licensure, certificates and more. Plus get in-depth answers to the following common questions:

  • What are the various educational pathways for teachers?
  • What is alternative career teacher certification?
  • Do you need specific credentials to teach certain subjects?
  • Why pursue teaching certificates and authorizations?


READ MORE

Testimonials

Anna H Testimonial for Brandman

I now have the skill set to go forth and be the leader to really help my community and make it better.

Anna M.
Education, Educational Administration, MAE
Infographic showing teaching credential pathways in California.

Your roadmap to becoming a teacher in California

So when it comes to gearing up for a robust education career in the state of California, where should you start? UMass Global is here to help!

We designed this helpful infographic to assist you in navigating your path to becoming a teacher in California. Once you identify your desired destination, use this tool to plot your next steps.

VIEW INFOGRAPHIC


Demo

Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

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

Degree Type
Ways to Learn

Programs Offered

Elementary teacher teaching science to students
CA Only
Teaching & Education

Multiple Subject, Added Authorization

This authorization program, comprised of just four courses, is designed for teachers who already hold a Single Subject Credential in California and want to teach in both multiple subject and single subject environments. 
Jun 23, 2025

Multiple Subject, Added Authorization

CA Only
This authorization program, comprised of just four courses, is designed for teachers who already hold a Single Subject Credential in California and want to teach in both multiple subject and single subject environments. 
Credentials & Authorizations
Online
UsersGroup
Online
Coins
12 Credits
Calendar
Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)
04/28/2025
Happy female teacher assisting school kids during an e-learning class at elementary school.
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!
Jun 23, 2025

Multiple Subject, Teaching Credential

CA Only
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!
Credentials & Authorizations
Online
UsersGroup
Online
Coins
33 Credits
Calendar
Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)
04/28/2025
female student with laptop studying at home
Teaching & Education

Parent and Family Partnerships

This course covers the positive effect of parent and family partnerships on adolescents’ school achievement and literacy attainment.
$150

Parent and Family Partnerships

This course covers the positive effect of parent and family partnerships on adolescents’ school achievement and literacy attainment.
Certificates & Courses
Online
UsersGroup
Extended Education
BulletedList
1 PDU
Coins
$150
05/13/2025
An African-American high school student walking with his teacher or school principal, in the hallway by a row of lockers. They are talking. The teacher has a serious expression on his face, a mature man in his 50s. The male student is an 18 year old teenage boy carrying a backpack.
Teaching & Education

Prevent Bullying in the Classroom

Analyze the issues involved with school bullying and create a bullying prevention plan to implement in your classroom to deal with bullying behaviors and support bullying victims.
$270

Prevent Bullying in the Classroom

Analyze the issues involved with school bullying and create a bullying prevention plan to implement in your classroom to deal with bullying behaviors and support bullying victims.
Certificates & Courses
Online
UsersGroup
Extended Education
BulletedList
3 PDUs
Coins
$270
05/13/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have your sights set on teaching a particular subject, you should pursue the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Educators holding this credential are authorized to teach a specific subject to students ranging in age from preschool to 12th grade, and less commonly, adult students. See possible subject areas.

A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential is the primary requirement for teaching in California's elementary schools, grades K-6, but may authorize the holder to teach in higher level grades as well. It includes course work to allow teachers to support students who are learning the English language (ESL). Get more info.

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes educators to teach and support students with identified disabilities and provide special education support for students in a particular area of focus such as autism and language development. They can also conduct educational assessments to identify how to best help students progress toward achieving their academic goals. See more specialties.

Even if a teacher meets a different state’s requirements, they will still need to apply for a new license to teach there. See the specific guidelines and dig deeper into earning your credential with our resource, "The California educator's guide to choosing the right teaching credential."