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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.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day:

December 2, 2023

Application Deadline

  • Spring 2024: November 27, 2023
  • Summer 2024: March 25, 2024

Apply Now

Program Units
32

Cost per Unit
$675

Base Cost
$21,600*

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus), High Desert, Murrieta, Orange County
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Teacher and a student

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

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

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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 Admissions
Azusa 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 Admissions
Azusa 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

Mail

School of Education
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/.

Featured Faculty

Catherine Hahs Brinkley

Catherine Hahs Brinkley

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

Regula Schmid

Regula Schmid

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

Richard Barsh

Richard Barsh

Associate Professor, Division of Teacher Education

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Teacher and student in classroom

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.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.
*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparison only.
All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.

 

Related Programs

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

  • Azusa
  • Orange County
  • High Desert
  • Murrieta

Integrated Bachelor’s and Teaching Credential

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Allied Health, Liberal Studies, Math

Physical Education, MA, and Single Subject Teaching Credential

  • Azusa
  • Orange County
  • High Desert
  • Murrieta

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