Teaching Credential Program

Turn your bachelor’s degree into a teaching career

Prepare to become a teacher through Pacific’s fully online, non-degree California teaching credential program. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can complete the program 12–16 months. Pursue a multiple subject, single subject or education specialist credential, while completing the online evening coursework and required in-person fieldwork in local schools.

Across the state, school districts continue to report persistent teacher shortages, especially in special education, math, science and bilingual education. Pursuing your California teaching credential now will prepare you to step into classrooms where students urgently need well‑trained educators ready to make a difference.

Please note: This program format cannot support an I-20 for international student visas.

Fully Online Coursework

12–16 Months

Multiple Start Terms

How it works

You will begin by completing two required prerequisite courses through the Center for Professional and Continuing Education before your official program start term.

After successfully completing the prerequisite coursework and meeting the credentialing requirements, you will begin the credential-only program sequence in your admitted pathway: multiple subject, single subject or education specialist.

Courses are offered online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, with evening classes typically scheduled Tuesday through Thursday. You will complete your fieldwork in person at local schools.

Which credential is right for you?

A Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential authorizes you to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, typically in elementary schools (TK–6) and some middle school settings. It’s the best fit if you want to be an elementary teacher, working with one group of students across the day and integrating reading, math, science and social studies.

Course List

A Single Subject California Teaching Credential authorizes you to teach one specific subject (such as English, math, science, social science or art) in departmentalized settings, usually middle and high schools. Choose this pathway if you want to be a subject-area specialist, teaching your discipline to multiple classes of adolescents.

Course List

An Education Specialist California Teaching Credential prepares you to teach and support students with disabilities across a range of settings, from general education classrooms to specialized programs. This credential is right for you if you’re drawn to special education, want to individualize instruction and collaborate closely with families and school teams to meet diverse learning needs.

Course List

Prerequisite courses

You must complete required prerequisite courses through Pacific’s Center for Professional and Continuing Education before beginning the official Credential-Only program sequence.

Prerequisite course timing will depend on your intended program start term, and you will receive registration guidance prior to enrollment. Contact us for details.

Nature and Condition of Learning (XBCG 216)

Teaching English Learners (XBCG 259)

What else do you need to apply?

Bachelor’s degree
Official transcripts
Current resume
One letter of recommendation
Completed application

Apply Now

Application Help

Student teaching and internship options

In Pacific’s teaching credential program, you will complete required, in-person fieldwork in K–12 school settings as part of your California teacher preparation experience. This hands-on component will help you apply online coursework in real classrooms while building practical skills alongside mentor teachers and university supervisors.

Please note: Fieldwork is required and completed in person. Internship positions are not guaranteed.

Student teaching

Unpaid
Students complete a minimum of 600 hours of fieldwork in a supervised placement with a mentor teacher.
Student teaching may be completed full-time over one semester or part-time over two semesters.

Internship

Paid
If you meet intern eligibility requirements, you may pursue a paid internship as a teacher of record while completing your credential program.
Interns receive mentor support and university supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You must complete Natures & Conditions of Learning (XBCG 216) and Teaching English Language Learners (XBCG 259) before beginning the Credential-Only program. These courses are taken through CPCE prior to the official program start term.

You must complete the required prerequisite courses before beginning the official Credential-Only program sequence. These courses do not need to be completed before you apply, but they must be completed before you begin the Credential-Only program coursework and fieldwork sequence. Timing will depend on the student’s intended start term.

Required prerequisite courses:

XBCG 216 — Natures & Conditions of Learning — 3 units
XBCG 259 — Teaching English Language Learners — 3 units

XBCG 216 — Natures & Conditions of Learning — 3 units

XBCG 259 — Teaching English Language Learners — 3 units

The prerequisite courses are required, and their cost is separate from the main Credential-Only program sequence because they are taken through CPCE before the official program start. Prerequisite course costs may vary by start term.

Beginning with the Spring 2027 start, prerequisite courses will be charged at the Credential-Only program rate of $675 per unit.

Credential coursework is offered online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Fieldwork is required and completed in person at local schools.

No. If you meet intern eligibility requirements, you may pursue internship opportunities, but internship positions are not guaranteed.

Yes. The Credential-Only program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a California teaching credential without completing the MA degree.

Credential-Only program tuition is currently estimated at $675 per unit. Total program cost is estimated to range from approximately $18,000–$22,000, depending on credential pathway, required coursework, fieldwork route and start term.

Additional costs may include exams, credentialing fees, Live Scan, CPR certification and other state or university requirements.