As the most populous state in the nation that is home to 12.5% of the total U.S. population, there is a growing demand for qualified individuals to attend top teaching colleges in California to help meet the learning needs of more than 6.7 million children in growing K-12 school systems. With California’s position near the Mexican border and Pacific Ocean, the state has budding Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities that are increasing multiculturalism in the classroom. Therefore, the “Golden State” presents golden opportunities for aspiring or current teachers who are interested in teaching students of various ethnic, cultural, lingual, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In order to join the more than 286,960 teachers certified in California, the following are the first part (A-E) of top teaching colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to enhance your teaching strategies.
Academy of Art University
School of Art Education
Recognized by the U.S. News and World Report for the 179th best online bachelor’s programs in the nation, the Academy of Art University is a private for-profit art institution that offers online and on-campus programs in San Francisco. With the university’s unparalleled creative resources, the School of Art Education prepares art educators that will inspire the next generation of artists.
Teacher Preparation Programs
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art Education
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Art Education
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Art Education with Studio Emphasis
• One-Year Art Teaching Credential
Accreditations
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
79 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 618-3961
Artedu@academyart.edu
http://www.academyart.edu/academics/art-education
Alliant International University
Hufstedler School of Education
At Alliant International University, the Hufstedler School of Education has been founded in constructivist theories with a strong commitment to engaging with issues of diversity across southern California. Through a holistic approach, the school’s programs prepare conscientious educational leaders to promote personal growth and academic success.
Master’s Programs
• M.A.Ed. Teaching
• M.A.Ed. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• M.A.Ed. School Psychology
Doctoral Programs
• Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Management
• Ed.D. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Psy.D. Educational Psychology
Graduate Certificates and Credentials
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Preliminary Single or Multiple Subject Teaching
• Special Education – Mild/Moderate Disabilities
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• School-Based Mental Health
Accreditations
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
1000 South Fremont Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 270-3300
mklein@alliant.edu
http://www.alliant.edu/hsoe/programs-degrees/index.php
Azusa Pacific University
School of Education
Within the evangelical Christian community at Azusa Pacific University, the School of Education prepares teachers to advance the work of God for meeting the needs of all children and youth enrolled in California’s school systems. All of the school’s 26 graduate programs have been accredited by the NCATE for excellence in teacher education.
Master’s Programs
• M.A.Ed. Digital Teaching and Learning
• M.A. Educational Leadership
• M.A. Educational Technology
• M.A.Ed. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
• M.A.Ed. Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities
• M.A. or M.S. Physical Education
• M.A.Ed. Special Education (K-12)
• M.A.Ed. Teaching (Single or Multiple Subject)
Graduate Certificates
• English Language Learners (ELL)
• Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Accreditations
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
901 East Alosta Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 815-5376
ahenck@apu.edu
http://www.apu.edu/education/
Biola University
School of Education
For more than 100 years, the Biola School of Education has been equipping Christian men and women at the private liberal arts institution to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ through biblical-centered education. With nearly 500 students, the School prepares educators to make an impact in classrooms, administration buildings, home schools, and beyond.
Undergraduate Programs
• Bachelor of Liberal Studies – Elementary Education
• Child Development Permit
• Single or Multiple Subject Preliminary Credential
• Special Education Certificate
Graduate Programs
• M.A.Ed. Apologetics
• M.A.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.A.Ed. Early Childhood Education
• M.A.Ed. History & Philosophy of Science
• M.A.Ed. Induction
• M.A.Ed. Linguistics and Intercultural Studies
• M.A.Ed. Special Education
• M.A.Ed. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Accreditations
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639
(562) 903-4843
june.hetzel@biola.edu
http://education.biola.edu/about/
Brandman University
School of Education
As part of the prestigious private evangelical Christian institution, the Brandman School of Education develops influential teachers and transformational leaders for positively impacting the lives of students. Not only as the School been named a winner of the 2014 Leadership 500 Excellence Award for supporting adult learners, but it has also been recognized for having the country’s 79th best online graduate education programs by the U.S. News and World Report.
Undergraduate Program
• B.A. Early Childhood Education
Graduate Programs
• M.A.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.A.Ed. Early Childhood Education
• M.A.Ed. Educational Leadership and Administration
• M.A.Ed. Elementary Education
• M.A.Ed. Instructional Technology
• M.A.Ed. Single-Subject Secondary Education
• M.A.Ed. Special Education (with certificates in Advanced Methodology, Autism, Behavior Analysis, or Early Childhood)
• Ed.D. Organizational Leadership
Accreditations
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639
(562) 903-4843
june.hetzel@biola.edu
http://education.biola.edu/about/
California Baptist University
Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education
Within the Christ-centered educational experiences at California Baptist University, the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education has a stellar reputation in the region for preparing teachers and administrators with the high moral character to serve at the forefront of education. In fact, the School has been nationally acclaimed for having the 123rd best online graduate education programs in America by the U.S. News and World Report.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.A. Early Childhood Studies (ECS)
• B.A. Liberal Studies (LBS)
• B.A. Leadership Studies
Graduate Programs
• Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)
• M.A. Leadership and Adult Learning
• M.A. Science Education
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)
• M.S. Higher Education Leadership and Student Development
Accreditations
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
(951) 343-4448
lmcdonald@calbaptist.edu
http://www.calbaptist.edu/explore-cbu/schools-colleges/school-education/
California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo
School of Education
Serving more than 300 students each year, the School of Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is dedicated to preparing knowledgeable and caring educators for positions in today’s increasingly diverse tech-savvy society. As a Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESaME), the School advocates for a “learn-by-doing” philosophy.
Master’s Programs
• M.A.Ed. Counseling and Guidance in Higher Education
• M.A.Ed. Education Leadership and Administration (ELAP)
• M.A.Ed. Special Education
Credential Programs
• Administrative Services
• Bilingual Education
• Single-Subject Secondary Teaching (in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Sciences)
• Multiple-Subject Elementary Teaching
• Special Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate Disabilities)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
(805) 756-1503
soe@calpoly.edu
http://www.soe.calpoly.edu/
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
Department of Education
As the complex organizational entity that houses all the teacher education programs on Cal Poly Pomona’s campus, the Department of Education offers graduate degrees with various sub-plans and added authorizations. By the passage of the historic Senate Bill 724, there is also an independent doctorate program leading to an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Master’s Programs
• M.A.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction (with Design-Based Learning, Heritage Languages, or Reading Literacy options)
• M.A.Ed. Education Leadership
• M.A.Ed. Educational Multimedia
• M.A.Ed. Special Education
Credential Programs
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Bilingual Education (Spanish or Chinese)
• Multiple-Subject Elementary Education
• Physical Education
• Single-Subject Secondary Education
• Special Education Specialist
Accreditations
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 869-2311
dmacnevin@csupomona.edu
https://www.csupomona.edu/~ceis/education/index.shtml
California State University – Chico
School of Education
Within the 10th best public school in the West, the Cal State Chico School of Education collaborates with community partners to offer accredited programs that develop engaged educators with research-based practice for exemplary education. On average, 98% of graduates successfully pass the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT).
Undergraduate Programs
• Integrated Teacher Education Core (ITEP)
• Minor in Special Education
• Subject-Matter Preparation (Agriculture, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, English, History/Social Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Science, or Spanish)
Master’s Degrees
• M.A.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.A.Ed. Educational Leadership Administration
• M.A.Ed. Rural Teacher
• M.A.Ed. Teaching English Learners
• M.A.Ed. Special Education
• M.A. Teaching International Languages
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
400 West 1st Street
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-6421
educ@csuchico.edu
http://www.csuchico.edu/soe/
California State University – Dominguez Hills
College of Education
At Cal State Dominguez Hills, the College of Education helps students fulfill their calling to improve the lives of children through greater access to learning opportunities. With its strong urban teacher residency programs, the College features a supportive learning environment with small cohort-based classes, individualized academic advising, hands-on experience, and relationships with 18 local school districts.
Post-Baccalaureate Credential Programs
• Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching (K-6)
• Preliminary Single Subject Teaching (7-12)
• Special Education Specialist (PK-12) – Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, or Early Childhood Special Education
Graduate Programs
• M.A. Counseling/Pupil Personnel Services
• M.A. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.A. Multicultural Education
• M.A. School Leadership
• M.A. Technology-Based Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3524
dmurrey@csudh.edu
http://www4.csudh.edu/coe/about/index
California State University – Fresno
Kremen School of Education & Human Development
As the higher education partner of choice for public schools in the five counties of California’s Central Valley, Cal State Fresno’s Kremen School of Education & Human Development (KSOEHD) offers NCATE-accredited programs that develop ethically informed leaders for classroom teaching and administration. With the theme “Leadership for Diverse Communities,” each program places considerable emphasis on teaching in today’s multicultural society.
Teaching Credential Programs
• Dual Elementary and Special Education
• Elementary Teaching (with or without Bilingual Authorization)
• Elementary Teaching and Deaf Education
• Middle and High School Teaching
• Special Education
Graduate Programs
• M.A.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.A.Ed. Early Childhood Education
• M.A.Ed. Multilingual Multicultural Education
• M.A.Ed. Reading/Language Arts
• M.A. Educational Leadership and Administration
• M.A. Special Education
• Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
5241 North Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-0210
kremenschool@csufresno.edu
http://www.fresnostate.edu/kremen/index.html
California State University – Long Beach
College of Education
Offering a mix of academic and outdoor life in Long Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the CSULB College of Education presents specific curricula focused on preparing students for professional careers in education. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report survey has named the CED as the 147th best graduate education school in the entire United States.
Initial Teaching Credentials
• Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP)
• Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP) – Art Education, English, Health Science, Languages other than English, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, or Social Science
• Special Education Credential Program (ESCP)
Graduate Programs
• M.A.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.A.Ed. Dual Language Development
• M.A.Ed. Early Childhood Education
• M.A.Ed. Educational Administration
• M.A.Ed. Education Technology and Media Leadership
• M.A. Ed. Math Education
• M.A.Ed. Reading/Language Arts
• M.A.Ed. Social and Cultural Analysis of Education
• M.S. Special Education
• Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-1609
charline.dizon@csulb.edu
http://www.ced.csulb.edu/prospective-students
California State University – Los Angeles
Charter College of Education
Boasting a 95% pass rate on state teacher examinations, the Charter College of Education at Cal State LA is a comprehensive learning community that works collaboratively to ensure all students can facilitate the maximum potential of all children. Since being founded in 1995, the College has partnered with various public schools and educational agencies around the greater Los Angeles area to provide urban teaching experiences.
Teaching Credentials
• Multiple Subject Elementary Teaching
• Reading and Languages Arts Specialist
• Single Subject Secondary Teaching
• Special Education Specialist (Early Childhood Special Education, Mild-Moderate Disabilities, Moderate-Severe Disabilities, Physical and Health Impairments, or Visual Impairments)
Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) Programs
• Bilingual/Multicultural Education
• Creative Literacies and Literature
• Early Childhood/Primary Education
• Education Technology and Leadership
• Mathematics and Science Teaching
• Middle and Secondary Curriculum/Instruction
• Special Education
Doctoral Programs
• Ed.D. Educational Leadership
• Ph.D. Special Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-4300
CCOE@calstatela.edu
http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/ccoe
California State University – Sacramento
College of Education
At Cal State Sacramento, the College of Education has a long history of offering professional development programs for P-12 teachers, administrators, and counselors to meet the needs of the state’s diverse public and private schools. With over 700 first-time teachers graduating each year, the College is named the top institution in California for issuing special education teaching credentials.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.A. American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
• B.A. Child Development (Early Childhood or Elementary Education)
• B.S. Career and Technical Studies
Teaching Credentials
• Multiple Subject Teaching (K-8)
• Single Subject Teaching (7-12)
• Special Education Specialist (Early Childhood Special Education, Mild-Moderate Disabilities, or Moderate-Severe Disabilities)
Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) Programs
• Child Development
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
• Educational Technology
• Language and Literacy
• Multicultural Education
• Special Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 278-5942
coe@csus.edu
http://www.csus.edu/coe/about/index.html
California State University – San Bernardino
College of Education
As home to an extensive teacher preparation program, the CSUSB College of Education is committed to providing the highest quality training for those seeking a professional career in teaching. With both national and regional accreditation, the College is passionate about delivering intensive classroom experiences that will prepare graduates for making meaningful contributions to the field of education.
Initial Credential Programs
• Career & Technical (Vocational and Adult) Teacher
• Multiple Subject Elementary Teacher (K-8)
• Single Subject Secondary Teacher (7-12)
• Special Education Teacher
Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) Programs
• Bilingual/Cross-Cultural Education
• Career & Technical Education
• Correctional & Alternative Education
• Educational Administration
• Holistic and Integrative Education
• Instructional Technology
• K-12 Curriculum and Instruction
• Mathematics and Science Education
• Reading/Language Arts
• Special Education
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Teacher Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 537-5291
aallende@csusb.edu
http://coe.csusb.edu/index.html
Cerritos College
Teacher Training Academy
In southeastern Los Angeles County, Cerritos College is a comprehensive public two-year community college of over 23,900 students that serves as the location for the national award-winning Teacher Training Academy (TRAC). When joining the standards-based Teacher TRAC program, students will take foundational education courses for an associate’s degree before transferring to the university of their choice in California to complete student teaching.
Teacher TRAC Programs
• Career Technical Education Teaching Pathway (CTE)
• Elementary Teaching Pathway
• Middle School/High School Teaching Pathway
• SETup Special Education Intern Program
Accreditations
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
11190 Alondra Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 860-2451 ext. 2212
parsons@cerritos.edu
http://cms.cerritos.edu/teachertrac/default.htm
Chapman University
College of Educational Studies
Within the #1 master’s-level institution in the West for student selectivity as ranked by the U.S. News and World Report, the Chapman College of Educational Studies has the motto “Changing Education, Changing the World.” Guided by the university’s values, the College offers accredited undergraduate and graduate degree options for training teachers who advocate for human diversity, improve education, and create a more just society.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.A. Integrated Educational Studies
• B.S. Athletic Training Education
• B.S. Kinesiology/Physical Education
Graduate Programs
• M.A. in Special Education (with emphasis in Mild/Moderate Disabilities or Moderate/Severe Disabilities)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Multiple-Subject Elementary Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Single-Subject Secondary Education
• M.S. Athletic Training Education
• M.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Ph.D. in Education (with emphasis in Cultural and Curricular Studies, Disability Studies, Leadership Studies, or School Psychology)
Accreditations
Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WACS)
Contact
1 University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 997-6714
amitch@chapman.edu
http://www.chapman.edu/ces/index.aspx
If you are interested in becoming a teacher in California, then the first step towards reaching your professional goals in education is to receive a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the field you want to teach. After graduating with an undergraduate degree, you must complete a teacher training program or master’s degree to fulfill the requirements needed to pursue initial teaching credentials with the California Department of Education. Therefore, it is essential that you keep these top teaching colleges in California in mind when choosing the ideal program match that will get you on the right pathway towards educating the young minds of the state’s future leaders.
For Top Teaching Colleges in California, F-R, click here.
For Top Teaching Colleges in California, S-Z, click here.
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