
Single Subject Teaching Credential
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Single Subject Teaching Credential
Earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential at Azusa Pacific University
You’ll graduate with clinical practice and state certification for teaching positions at the middle and high school levels (7-12)—ready to transform lives in the classroom. Receive faculty mentorship from professionals in the field as you build the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in your education career. We’ll make it possible to pursue your unique calling with multiple pathway options in business, English language arts, mathematics, science, social science, and world languages, as well as pre-K to 12 specialists in arts, music, and physical education.
Program at a Glance
The School of Education equips educators to lead and champion students in diverse educational settings.
Program Units
32
Cost per Unit
$675
Base Cost
$21,600*
Location
- Azusa (Main Campus), High Desert, Murrieta, Orange County


Gain Hands-on Experience
- Teach in diverse classroom settings under the guidance of a faculty-mentor.
- Develop a Christian perspective on inclusion, justice, and equity in the classroom.
- Join a supportive and vibrant community of educators dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefit from a curriculum that equips you with tools needed for success.
By the Numbers
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Program Details
Azusa Pacific University’s Single Subject Teaching Credential program prepares candidates to earn a California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential. This rigorous program includes comprehensive foundation courses emphasizing teaching and educational methods, as well as specialization courses providing content required for the single subject credential. Practical classroom and fieldwork experiences provide application to theory, preparing candidates to teach in diverse settings.
Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.
Informational Meetings
Prospective students may attend an informational meeting prior to submitting an application. Complete details regarding admission and specific program requirements, advising, and general information are discussed at information meetings. For details on upcoming dates, meeting locations, or registration, check the School of Education's information meeting calendar or call (626) 815-5376.
Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants
The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.
- Graduate application for admission
- $45 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s
bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate
study
An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures. - Two recommendations that assess competence and character. Appropriate recommendations include those who have supervised the applicant’s leadership or teaching experience with children/youth in public or private settings, an employer who directly supervised the applicant, or one faculty/academic reference. References from neighbors, friends, and relatives are not appropriate, unless they have served as supervisors. Additional letters are optional.
- Résumé (preferred) or statement of experience including the most relevant work and volunteer experience
- One- to two-page personal statement addressing the following topics: experiences from the applicant’s background that may enhance the teaching experience; the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working with youth; why the applicant wants to teach; preferred grade level and content areas and why; and how the applicant envisions supporting the success of all students and contributing to the profession. Written communication skills will be assessed along with content.
- Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC). Applicants for Summer or Fall Terms must have a COC valid through January 31. Applicants for the Spring Term must have a COC valid through June 30. View instructions on Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (PDF). Applicants are encouraged to begin this step as soon as possible to allow time for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information.
- Proof the Basic Skills Requirement has been satisfied
- Proof of subject matter competence
Send official transcripts to:
Office of Graduate and Professional AdmissionsAzusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]
Watch the Application Tutorial
What to Expect
After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.
Admission Requirements—International Applicants
Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).
To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.
International applicants must also:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
- Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
- Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
- Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.
Send official transcripts to:
Office of Graduate and Professional AdmissionsAzusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
[email protected]
What to Expect
After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.
To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:
If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.
Contact Your Admissions Representative
Additional Program Contact
Jessica Cannaday, EdD, program director, Single Subject Teaching Credential, [email protected], (626) 815-5598
School of Education
Phone
(626) 815-5376
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Student Services Center
Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.
International Services
International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.
- Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
- In addition, the School of Education receives accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), making APU one of only three schools in California with this distinction.
- Further, our credential programs are accredited by California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Featured Faculty

Catherine Hahs Brinkley
Chair and Assistant Professor, Division of Teacher Education; Program Director, Liberal Studies/Undergraduate Education, K-8

Regula Schmid
Director, Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credential Programs, and Associate Professor, Division of Teacher Education

Richard Barsh
Associate Professor, Division of Teacher Education
Career Outlooks and Outcomes

The Golden State Teacher Grant: An Overview and APU’s Connection
APU is proud to be a recipient of the Golden State Teacher Grant, helping prospective California teachers to fund their education in pursuit of a teaching credential.