Graduate Credentials
CBU's graduate credential programs prepare compassionate, ethical educators compelled to improve the learning opportunities and lives of children and young people from diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Program Intro
Students may work toward both a master's degree and a credential in an accelerated fashion. For all graduate credential programs, coursework culminates in a semester of full-time student teaching, or student teaching/internship, completed in local public schools.
*1-2 years
Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your Graduate Credential at CBU?
Learn interdisciplinary techniques
Designed to meet compliance with California state legislation, courses cover interdisciplinary topics including teaching English language learners, clinical reading instruction and integrating technology. Graduates will have the skills and techniques to develop and adapt instruction methods and strategies, identify and resolve instructional challenges, collaborate with families and professionals, and enhance access to learning for all students in their care.
Put theory into practice
The required student-teaching component provides valuable hands-on experience which allows students to develop their skills as working teachers. Many of these teaching and internship experiences turn into employment opportunities. The Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education fosters excellent relationships with a wide range of elementary and secondary schools. These schools actively seek CBU credential candidates and graduates to assist and instruct in their classrooms, and guide their students to success.
Become an ethical educator
The program prepares professionals of high moral character and ethical behavior who are called to service as committed, compassionate teachers around the world. CBU's credential programs are enriched with values-based content built on the Christian principle that honors every individual's right to learn.
Learn from dedicated faculty
Candidates benefit from the individual attention and support of the outstanding faculty at the Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education. Instructors include veteran educators with in-depth experience teaching in a variety of educational settings worldwide. The Metcalf faculty are deeply committed to building the next generation of exceptional, ethical and compassionate professionals.
Earn both a master's and a credential
Candidates have the option to concurrently pursue a master of science degree with a diverse range of specializations. Reflecting some of the most dynamic and in-demand areas of education, specializations offer candidates the opportunity to excel their proficiency and increase their value as educators and leaders.
What You'll Learn
- Candidates incorporate a professional view concerning teaching and learning that is compatible with a Christian worldview or perspective.
- Candidates will design instructional practices that serve individual and groups of students by engaging in purposeful inquiry that promotes optimized learning opportunities and outcomes.
- Candidates will prioritize personal and societal values as they relate to K-12 curriculum so they can facilitate productive change and optimize school outcomes that serve culturally diverse students.
- Candidates will create effective learning environments and deliver meaningful learning experiences which have an emphasis on developing a deep understanding of content knowledge.
- Candidates will verify student progress by designing, implementing, and using multiple means of assessment to create data-driven instruction.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to select and integrate appropriate technologies into instructional practices in a manner that optimizes student learning.
- Candidates will formulate a vocational perspective that strategically engages in professional leadership as is marked by thoughts and actions that value the inherent dignity of others.
Program Details
Preliminary Single Subject Credential
Students interested in teaching middle or high school should complete the requirements for the Preliminary Single Subject Credential.
Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential
Students interested in teaching elementary school should complete the requirements for the Preliminary Multiple Subjects Credential.
The courses within this program also serve as the general education core for both the Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Preliminary Credentials.
Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Support Needs
Candidates who complete this credential are qualified to teach students with a range of special needs, including students with learning disabilities, mild-to-moderate mental disability, attention deficit and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and serious emotional disturbances. Teachers with this credential are approved to teach in grades K-12 and in adult classes.
Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Extensive Support Needs
This credential prepares candidates to teach students with a range of learning challenges including autism, deaf-blindness, moderate-to-severe mental disability, multiple disabilities and serious emotional disturbance. Teachers with this credential are approved to teach in grades K-12 and in adult classes.
EDU 511: Theories and Methods of Teaching Diverse Students
This course will equip candidates with the theories and practices connected to working with diverse student populations.
EDU 518: Classroom Management and Ethics
This course explores the context and best practices of teacher ethics and classroom management.
EDU 541: The Exceptional Child
This course will equip candidates with the strategies and practices for supporting and assessing the needs of children with various disabilities.
1. If I'm pursing the Single Subject Credential, do I need a BS/BA in the same subject
area?
A BS/BA in the same subject area as the credential is strongly recommended, but not
required. Single subject candidates may satisfy subject matter competence by completing
an approved academic program or by passing the appropriate state examination: California
Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)/ Single Subject Assessment Test (SSAT).
2. Can I apply any of the credential coursework to a master's degree?
Yes. Credential coursework completed at the graduate level is degree applicable. Graduate
credential and education courses can be applied to a Master of Science in Education.
3. Can I work full time while enrolled in the program?
Yes. Many students completing a credential or master's degree work while going to
school. The program offers evening classes to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals.
Please note, however, all teaching credential programs require students to complete
a semester of full-time student teaching.
Stacy Meyer, Ed.D
Assistant Professor of Education
Associate Dean of Administration, School of Education
Office Phone: 951-552-8022
E-mail: smeyer@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Yeager B232
Jin-Sil Mock, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
Director, Graduate Programs for the School of Education
Program Lead, Single Subject Credential
E-mail: jmock@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Eugene and Billie Yeager Center, Room B233
The Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education credentialing programs are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for 2042 Multiple Subject, 2042 Single Subject, Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe, all with internship options. CBU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
| Application Deadlines | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority | May 15 | November 1 | March 1 |
| Standard | August 1 | December 1 | April 1 |
Career Possibilities
Graduates of CBU's credential program can apply their field of study to a variety of education careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- Elementary School Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Faith-Based Educator
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.