Earn Your Single Subject Credential from a Leading Teacher Preparation Program
Every day, teachers help shape the future for their students. In California, such dedicated educators are in high demand. Experience the joy of making a difference in the classroom with this standalone credential program that will prepare you for teaching positions at the middle and high school levels (7-12). The single subject credential program blends foundational learning, specialization courses, and clinical practice in a streamlined format. You will gain skills and knowledge to creatively and collaboratively enhance student learning and achievement in a variety of teaching environments.
Choose this teaching credential program if you want to:
- Teach a single, specific subject area
- Teach in a high school (secondary education)
- Teach in a middle school with departmentalized classes (junior high)
This program supports the preparation of teachers for positions at the middle and high school levels in the subject areas of business, English language arts, mathematics, science, social science, and world languages, and pre-K-to-12 specialists in arts, music, and physical education. All single subject teachers receive certification to teach a specific content area through their subject matter competence, which may be demonstrated by a number of different pathways approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Information on these pathways can be found on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
If you want to be a teacher, it’s helpful to know which credential best fits your teaching goals and the kinds of students you wish to work with. For help deciding, read more about each type of teaching credential.
Program Highlights
- Benefit from comprehensive curriculum that equips qualified teachers prepared for success and longevity in the field.
- Develop a Christian perspective on inclusion, justice, and equity in the classroom.
- Enjoy an experience-based program with diverse opportunities for practice alongside mentor guidance.
- Join a supportive and vibrant community of educators who will help you become the kind of teacher who transforms lives.
In California, students enrolled in teacher preparation programs can choose to pursue an Intern Credential or earn their credential through student teaching. These two pathways come with different expectations and requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between student teaching versus an Intern Credential.
School of Education Accreditation
Azusa Pacific University receives accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In addition, the School of Education receives accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is transitioning to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), making APU one of only three private schools in California with this distinction. Further, our credential programs are accredited by California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Our Educational Psychology program is also accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). These notable accreditations set APU graduates apart from other candidates and ensure that your degree will be recognized throughout the United States and internationally.
University Reputation
U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2023 edition named Azusa Pacific to its list of top national universities and several other significant lists, including First-Year Experiences and Top Performers on Social Mobility. The Princeton Review designated APU as 1 of 126 institutions in the “Best Western Colleges” section of its 2023 Best Colleges guide. APU’s School of Nursing was named a top nursing school in California for 2023 by College Factual and Niche. APU was included as a top-100 degree producer by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Azusa Pacific is also a Military Friendly School and Yellow Ribbon University, serving more than 500 military-connected students and families, and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral Research University.
Note: This information is current for the 2022-23 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.