What Type of Teaching Credential Is Right for You?
Passionate, well-prepared teachers are in high demand. As the state of California continues to face a growing need for educators for elementary school through high school, there’s never been a better time to answer that call. But before you can lead your own classroom, the first step is choosing the right teaching credential.
California offers three main types of teaching credential:
- Single Subject, for those who want to dive deep into a particular subject area like math, science, or English.
- Multiple Subject, ideal for aspiring elementary teachers who thrive on variety and connection across subjects.
- Education Specialist (Special Education), for future teachers dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Each teacher credential opens the door to a different kind of classroom experience, and finding the right fit starts with understanding how your strengths and passions align with the role you want to play in a student’s life.
This blog will walk you through the distinctions between each type of credential and help you find the right one for your career goals.
Interested in taking the next step? Discover MSMU’s Graduate Education Offerings and see how The Mount prepares future teachers to make a lasting impact in every classroom.
Understanding California Teaching Credentials
To teach in a California public school, you’ll need to earn a state-issued teaching credential. This credential ensures that every educator has the training, knowledge, and practical experience needed to support student learning effectively.
The process typically includes completing a teaching credential program, passing state exams, and gaining real-world classroom experience through student teaching. While the overall pathway is similar, each credential prepares you for a different teaching environment, from guiding young learners in elementary classrooms to leading subject-specific courses in middle or high school, or supporting students with special needs.
How to Decide Which Teaching Credential Is Right for You
Finding the right California teacher credential starts with understanding where you want to make an impact. Each credential type prepares you for a different classroom experience, so it helps to think about your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
Which age group energizes you the most?
- Elementary-aged students thrive on curiosity and creativity—perfect for teachers who enjoy play-based, holistic learning.
- Middle and high school students crave challenge, relevance, and mentorship—great for educators who love inspiring deeper discussion.
Do you see yourself in an elementary classroom, secondary classroom, or supporting students with unique learning needs?
- If you love the idea of guiding one group of students across multiple subjects, you may feel most at home in an elementary classroom with a Multiple Subject Credential.
- If you’d rather focus on a single subject and engage older students, a Single Subject Credential is ideal for teaching in middle or high school settings.
- If you’re passionate about helping students with disabilities or diverse learning needs, consider the Education Specialist Credential, which focuses on special education and individualized support.
Do you enjoy teaching one subject in depth or several subjects more broadly?
- A Single Subject Credential allows you to specialize and share your enthusiasm for a particular field—perfect for those who love digging deep.
- A Multiple Subject Credential prepares you to teach all core subjects, ideal for those who prefer variety and the chance to nurture growth across multiple areas.
Already an expert in your field?
- If you’re transitioning from another career, the Single Subject Credential can be a natural fit, letting you bring your professional expertise directly into the classroom.
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
If you picture yourself leading a classroom of curious young learners, the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may be your best fit. This credential prepares you to teach all core subjects (math, science, reading, and more) in a self-contained elementary classroom.
Best for:
Those who enjoy working with younger children, value creativity and variety in teaching, and want to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Career outcomes:
- Elementary school teacher
- Transitional kindergarten teacher
- Occasionally, middle school general education roles
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program at MSMU
At Mount Saint Mary’s University, the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program blends theory with real-world practice. Students gain hands-on classroom experience in diverse Los Angeles schools while working alongside experienced mentor teachers.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional changing careers, MSMU provides personalized advising and flexible pathways to support your goals. Courses emphasize child development, curriculum design, and culturally responsive teaching—skills that translate directly to effective classroom leadership.
Program highlights:
- Practical experience through student teaching and fieldwork
- Close mentorship from faculty with K–6 expertise
- Guidance through the California credentialing and admissions process
To apply to any of MSMU’s Preliminary Teaching Credential programs, applicants must meet a few key requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s or professional degree (or equivalent foreign credential) from a regionally accredited college or university, earned before starting the program.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
Single Subject Teaching Credential
If you’re passionate about one subject and want to inspire students to share that enthusiasm, a Single Subject Teaching Credential is the next step. This credential authorizes you to teach your chosen subject (such as English, math, science, or history) in middle or high school classrooms.
Best for:
Educators who love diving deep into their discipline and connecting lessons to students’ real-world experiences.
Career outcomes:
- Middle school subject-specific teacher
- High school subject-specific teacher
Single Subject Teaching Credential Program at MSMU
MSMU’s Single Subject Teaching Credential program offers a pathway for aspiring secondary educators to gain both practical classroom experience and advanced academic preparation. Students can also choose to earn a master’s degree alongside their California teaching credential for expanded career options.
Faculty members, many with years of secondary classroom experience, guide students through lesson design, classroom management, and differentiated instruction. MSMU’s partnerships with Los Angeles schools ensure strong fieldwork and student teaching placements in diverse learning environments.
To apply to any of MSMU’s Preliminary Teaching Credential programs, applicants must meet a few key requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s or professional degree (or equivalent foreign credential) from a regionally accredited college or university, earned before starting the program.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
Education Specialist (Special Education) Credential
If you want to help every student reach their fullest potential, consider the Education Specialist Credential. This program prepares you to teach students with mild, moderate, or extensive support needs, equipping you to promote Inclusive excellence, advocacy, and academic growth in every school.
Best for:
Teachers who are drawn to individualized instruction, collaboration, and supporting students with a variety of learning needs.
Career outcomes:
- Elementary special education teacher
- Middle school special education teacher
- High school special education teacher
Special Education Teaching Credential Program at MSMU
Mount Saint Mary’s Education Specialist Credential program emphasizes equity, inclusive excellence, and compassion-driven teaching. Students learn to create supportive learning environments that empower students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially.
Through fieldwork and practicum experiences in partner schools, candidates work directly with students and families while receiving personalized guidance from MSMU’s dedicated faculty.
Program highlights:
- Two specializations: Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs
- Equity-focused curriculum
- Practicum and student teaching in diverse Los Angeles classrooms
To apply to any of MSMU’s Preliminary Teaching Credential programs, applicants must meet a few key requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s or professional degree (or equivalent foreign credential) from a regionally accredited college or university, earned before starting the program.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
FAQs
How Do You Get Your Teaching Credential in California?
To earn a California teaching credential, you’ll need to complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program, pass required exams (like the CBEST and CSET), and finish student teaching. After that, you can apply for a Preliminary Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), then complete an Induction Program to earn your Clear Credential.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Teaching Credential?
Most California teaching credential programs take about 1–2 years to complete after earning your bachelor’s degree. After that, you’ll need another 1–2 years of induction while teaching to clear your credential.
Can You Become a Teacher Without Teaching Credentials?
In California, you need a valid state credential to teach in public K–12 schools. Some private schools or substitute roles have limited exceptions, but a credential is required for most full-time teaching positions.
What Credentials Do You Need to be a Substitute Teacher?
Substitute teachers usually need an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, which requires a bachelor’s degree, Basic Skills Requirement, and fingerprint clearance. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed.
Why Choose MSMU for Your CA Teaching Credential?
At Mount Saint Mary’s University, graduate education programs are built with working professionals and career changers in mind. With small, supportive cohorts and close faculty mentorship, you’ll gain the confidence and community you need to thrive as an educator.
MSMU offers streamlined pathways to earn both a California teaching credential and a master’s degree, helping you advance your career while balancing everyday commitments. Through partnerships with local school districts across Los Angeles, you will gain real-world classroom experience, and many of our graduates go directly on to teach in public, private, and charter schools across California.
Choosing the right teacher credential program is about defining the kind of teacher you want to become—and the students you feel called to serve:
- Multiple Subject: Inspire curiosity and creativity in young learners.
- Single Subject: Channel your passion for a specific subject into adolescent growth and discovery.
- Special Education: Empower students with diverse learning needs to reach their fullest potential.
Discover how Mount Saint Mary’s can help you begin (or continue) your teaching journey. Getting a teaching credential in California can be complex, so let us walk you through your journey.
Explore MSMU’s teaching credential programs or schedule an appointment with admissions to learn which pathway fits your goals.