How does adding a Master of Arts in Teaching benefit me beyond having my bachelor’s degree and teaching credential?

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.

I already have my California teaching credential. Can I transfer it into the Master of Arts in Teaching program?

Yes. If you hold a California Preliminary or Clear Single Subject, Multiple Subject, or Education Specialist Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) credential, you may be able to transfer a block of credit into the specific MAT program that matches that credential area. For example, a Single Subject credential can only be used to transfer into the MAT in Secondary Education with 2042 Single Subject Credential; a Multiple Subject credential can only be used to transfer into the MAT in Elementary Education with 2042 Multiple Subject Credential; and an MMSN credential can only be used to transfer into the MAT with MMSN. In these MAT programs, the total degree is 42 credits, 30 of which are fulfilled by your existing matching credential, leaving 12 credits—typically EDUU 511, EDUU 681, EDUU 682, and EDUU 683—for you to complete to earn your master’s.

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).

Course Based Programs

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).

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global Course-Based Benefits

Designed for Adult Students

Convenient online classes start every 8 weeks, 6 times a year.

Dedicated Resources

From applications to graduation, University of Massachusetts Global helps you achieve your goals with comprehensive student support services.

Faculty-Led Courses

Receive relevant, real-world instruction in small class sizes that can be applied directly to your workplace.

Programs Offered

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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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.

Degree Earned: Certificates & Courses

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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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Support Reading Development, Course

1 PDU

Grant Funded

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

Degree Earned: Certificates & Courses

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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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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.

Degree Earned: Certificates & Courses

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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:

May 4, 2026

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Teaching (Elementary Ed) with 2042 Multiple Subject, MA

CA Only

Degree + Credential

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

Degree Earned: Master's

Next Start: 05/04/2026

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Next Start: 05/04/2026

I would have never been able to quit my job to enroll in school. That was not an option because I'm a breadwinner in my household. Having the opportunity to keep my job and continue to work, and to work around my schedule as a full-time employee and a mother of a toddler was really the icing on top.

Monica T.

Business Administration, MBA

My journey at UMass Global has been transformative. The university not only equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for success but also instills a sense of purpose and a passion for lifelong learning. If you are considering applying to UMass Global, be prepared to embark on a fulfilling educational adventure that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Julia R.

Teaching, MA with Extensive Support Needs Credential

SDC Teacher, Palmdale School District

The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.

Dominique H.

Psychology, BA

Course-Based Programs

Instructor-Led Learning, Built For Busy Lives

WASC Senior College and University Commission

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global Course-Based Benefits

Designed for Adult Students

Dedicated Resources

Faculty-Led Courses

Programs Offered

Supply Chain Management Basics

Supply Chain Management Basics

Support Reading Development, Course

Support Reading Development, Course

Survival Spanish for Health Ca, Course

Survival Spanish for Health Ca, Course

Teaching (Elementary Ed) with 2042 Multiple Subject, MA

Teaching (Elementary Ed) with 2042 Multiple Subject, MA

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