Single Subject Teaching Preliminary Credential
Saint Mary's College has been educating teachers in the Bay Area since 1967. Our program incorporates best practices and continually evolves to prepare new teachers for the challenges that lie ahead. Our full time program begins every summer. We also offer an on ramp program for credential students who want to begin their coursework in the Spring.
Full Time | On Ramp Option |
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Applications received after the deadline will be evaluated on a space-available basis.
*For former HNU Students: Contact our admissions team at ksoe@stmarys-ca.edu to learn more about transfer assistance*
12-Month Program Duration
- Part-time available; designed to help you grow and succeed
On-Campus Environment
- In-person, Monday–Thursday, afternoon/evening classes
Small Class Sizes
- Cohort members in the program form a learning community
Continue on to a Master of Arts in Teaching
Getting your multiple subject teaching credential is a great first step towards a rewarding teaching career. Building upon your success in this program, you can go on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching.
This degree requires 12 additional units and completing a capstone project. The program offers you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of student learning, as well as to deepen your understanding of contemporary issues in education.
Credential offered: Multiple Subject Teaching Preliminary Credential from the State of California
Earn your credential as a Resident Teacher
Our “Teacher Residency Program” offers a unique synthesis of theory and practice, combining a yearlong classroom apprenticeship with a carefully aligned sequence of coursework. Teacher residents will earn a credential upon completion of the program, and may be eligible to receive a stipend for living expenses throughout their training year.
Interested candidates apply to the Saint Mary's College Credential Program and then apply with the district.
Our teaching credential programs are the most well-respected in the educational community, and our students emerge as highly-qualified educators with the ability to teach in public/private schools throughout California from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Our programs combine current research and theory with real-life classroom experience to round out your education. Coupled with Saint Mary’s Lasallian pedagogy and commitment to social justice, students are prepared to be reflective teachers and leaders in their school and community.
We offer a Single Subject Teaching Preliminary Credential in 9 subjects:
- Art
- Dance
- English
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Science
- World Language
Getting your single subject teaching credential is a great first step toward a rewarding teaching career. Building upon your success in this program, you can go on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in less than a year. Our program will help you continue to translate educational theory into practice. You'll also develop pedagogical expertise and further develop strategies to educate the whole child.
The automatic bump in salary that you’ll receive with this advanced degree is worth the small additional investment of your time.
The Justice, Community and Leadership (JCL) undergraduate major has a Single Subject Teacher Education 4+1 minor concentration; a special five-year cohort program that combines coursework with real-life classroom experiences. At the end of this program, you will have earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Single Subject Teaching Preliminary Credential, and an optional master’s degree. For Math and Computer Science majors, there is also a special 4+1 program within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
- 35-unit curriculum aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession
- Single Subject Teaching Credential in 9 subjects
- One-year full-time program; part-time option available
- Admission - Our program begins in the Summer term. Applicants can apply early and start in Spring term with our on-ramp program.
- Program's emphasis in critical pedagogy, restorative justice, and culturally responsive teaching
- Candidates are intern-ready after completing their first full-time semester of study
- Field experience and student teaching that goes beyond state requirements
- Supervised teaching placements in diverse settings with a focus on urban education
- Faculty members are highly qualified professors and educational leaders
After earning a Single Subject Teaching Preliminary Credential you will be qualified to:
- Teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized K–12 classes in any elementary, middle school, or high school in California.
- Teach in a public, private, charter, or parochial school.
- Teach in adult education, provided that the workload consists of classes that are offered as specific sections/periods, or are considered departmentalized.
- Teach sections designated as "Specifically Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE)" and "English Language Development (ELD)" that allow you to support students in your content area with formal English-language needs.
Golden State Teacher Grant
Once admitted and enrolled in our Single Subject Teaching Credential program, consider applying for the Golden State Teacher Grant. Awards of up to $20,000 are available. Learn more and apply today.
NOYCE Scholarship at SMC
Saint Mary's undergrads are eligible to apply to become Noyce Scholars. Learn more and apply today.
Program Details
Learn about admissions, costs, the Single Subject Teaching Preliminary Credential curriculum, and more.
School and Department Information
We believe that education can transform lives and make a positive impact on our future and in our communities — particularly those that are underserved. Our curriculum prepares leaders who understand the causes of inequities within society and how these affect our communities, including students, parents and teachers.