Educator Pathways

Educators Change Lives

The Department of Educator and Leadership Programs supports the system’s universities in achieving equity and excellence in educator preparation. In turn, the universities partner with local school systems and other partners to prepare educators for success, equipping them with the skills and experiences to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive services to students and families. 

The CSU prepares half of California’s teachers-preschool through grade 12. One out of every 25 of the nation’s teachers was made in the CSU.

To Become a Teacher

PK-3 Early Childhood Education (Preschool - 3rd Grade)

Do you want to work with young children, ages 3-8, and their families, including preschool through 3rd grade, as well as Transitional Kindergarten?  

 

This credential emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices, early literacy and numeracy, family engagement, and inclusive teaching strategies.

Multiple Subjects (Elementary Teacher)

 

Do you want to work in an elementary school teaching kindergarten through sixth grade?  

This credential is ideal for those who want to work with students across a range of subjects, including language arts, math, science, and social studies.

Single Subject (Middle or High School Teacher)

Do you want to teach a single subject, such as English, Mathematics, or Science, in middle or high school, or would you like to teach one of the PK-12 Single Subjects, such as Art or Physical Education? 

 

This credential allows educators to focus deeply on one content area, preparing them to engage and support adolescent learners in subject-specific instruction.

Education Specialist (Special Education)

Do you want to work with students with disabilities in PK-12th-grade settings?

 

This credential focuses on specialized instruction, individualized support, and inclusive practices.  It includes several areas of specialization.

Credential Pathways

There are several credential pathways to become a teacher, each designed to support different stages of a prospective educator’s journey. Dual enrollment allows high school students to begin taking college-level education courses early so the student receives both high school and college credit that is on a college transcript. Community College Courses (CCC) provide foundational coursework that can transfer to a four-year institution, including Associate Degrees for Transfers (AD-T) that lead to specific teaching pathways. The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) combines a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in a streamlined 4-year program. Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bac) pathways offer credential programs for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Intern programs allow individuals to begin teaching while completing credential requirements. Teachers can expand their roles with added authorizations, such as bilingual or special education. Graduate programs with credentials combine advanced coursework with credentialing, often leading to a master’s degree. For those seeking leadership or academic careers in education, doctoral degrees provide the highest level of expertise.

The High School to Community College to CSU Pathway in California offers a streamlined route for students interested in becoming teachers. Through dual enrollment, high school students can begin taking child development or education courses at their local community college, earning both high school and college credit. After graduation, they can continue at the community college to complete an associate degree in education or child development, then transfer to a CSU to finish a bachelor's degree and a teaching credential. This pathway saves time and money while providing early exposure to the teaching profession.

CSU campuses work closely with community colleges to prepare future teachers. Over half of students graduated by the CSU complete their lower-division work at a community college.
 
Fifty-five percent of students who earn a teaching credential at CSU begin their path to teaching at a community college. CSU campuses work closely with California Community Colleges  to prepare future teachers, with over half of students graduated by the CSU completing their lower-division work at a community college. 
 
Through Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathways , community college students may take coursework that fulfills lower-division requirements and transfer to CSU fully ready for upper-division coursework that leads to a teaching career. 
 
For many years, Liberal Studies programs have had transfer patterns that are approved Associate Degree for Transfer pathways. These are closely aligned with CSU Elementary Subject Matter programs that prepare candidates for a Multiple Subject or Education Specialist teaching credential. 
 
 
These programs enable candidates to demonstrate subject matter proficienc​y by completing an approved program rather than passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)  to demonstrate proficiency in the content areas they will taught.
 
Secondary credential programs have approved Associate Degree for Transfer patterns for teacher candidates at community colleges. These are in a major that is in the subject area to be taught and may be an Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate of Sciences for Transfer (AS-T). These are often aligned with Subject Matter programs that enable candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in the subject area to be taught in lieu of taking CSET exams.

Some CSU liberal studies programs offer an Integrated Teacher Education Preparation (ITEP) program or an Accelerated BA + Credential, which allows students to complete the BA with a PK-3 Early Childhood Education, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist credential. The ITEP program allows students/candidates to complete both their degree and credential, often in just four years. The Accelerated programs allow students to complete their Bachelor's degree in as little as 3.5 years and add one or two semesters of student teaching to complete their credential program.  These programs offer early field experiences, strong faculty support, and a clear, efficient path into the classroom, making them a great option for future educators.

A Post-Baccalaureate Credential Program is designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and want to become a teacher. Students/candidates enroll in a teacher preparation program focused on coursework and fieldwork required to earn a teaching credential— for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Credential. These programs typically take 1–2 years to complete and include student teaching or residency experiences.

A Residency program offers a hands-on, immersive experience similar to a medical residency. Candidates work closely with a mentor teacher in a classroom for a full academic year while completing credential coursework. Residencies often include stipends or financial support and are designed to prepare teachers to serve in high-need subjects or communities.

A CSU Teacher Preparation Intern Program is an alternative pathway to earning a California teaching credential, designed for individuals who are ready to begin teaching while completing their credential requirements.

Key Features:

  • Interns are paid, full-time teachers of record in a classroom, usually in high-need schools or subject areas.

  • They complete credential coursework through a CSU campus while teaching during the day.

  • Interns receive support from university faculty and district mentors, including coaching and supervision.

Bilingual Authorization

Holders of Bilingual Authorization allow them to provide instruction to English Learners (EL). Learn today how to earn your Bilingual Authorization in different languages provided throughout the CSU campuses.

Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science

Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science, Introductory or Specific, allows the holder to add it to his or her teaching credential and to teach computer science subject matter in K-12 classrooms. Learn today how to earn your Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science throughout the CSU campuses.

The CSU system offers a wide array of graduate programs, both at the Master's and Doctoral levels, in Educational Leadership, Administration, School Psychology, Speech Language Pathology, and Counseling. These programs are designed to prepare educators for leadership roles in P–12 schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions.

The California State University (CSU) system offers robust support for online and distance delivery of teaching credentials and graduate programs, providing flexible pathways for aspiring educators across California.

CalStateTEACH is CSU’s systemwide, online program designed for individuals pursuing a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, qualifying them to teach in general education classrooms. The curriculum is delivered online, and candidates are placed in classrooms throughout the state, allowing them to earn their credential without relocating.

Several CSU campuses offer online and hybrid teaching credential programs, making it easier for working professionals or those in remote areas to pursue a credential without needing to relocate.

Graduate Degrees and Programs

Master's Degrees

The CSU offers many Master’s degree programs designed for current and aspiring educators, counselors and school leaders. These programs build on classroom experience and prepare individuals for advanced roles in instruction, leadership, or specialized areas of education.

Common Master’s Degrees for Educators and Leaders in the CSU

  • Master of Arts in Education (MA)
    Deepen your expertise with a versatile degree offering concentrations in Curriculum & Instruction, Literacy, Educational Technology, and Multilingual Education. Ideal for teachers looking to specialize or broaden their instructional practice.

  • Master of Education (MEd)
    Similar to the M.A., but more practice-based and often focused on applying research to real-world school settings.

  • Master of Science in Special Education
    Prepares educators to better support students with disabilities through advanced strategies, research, and leadership in special education.

  • Master’s in Educational Leadership / Administration
    Prepares educators for roles as principals, assistant principals, district leaders, or other administrative positions. Often includes coursework for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
    Focuses on pedagogy and practice, often paired with a teaching credential. Ideal for those starting their teaching career or early-career educators wanting to strengthen their practice.

These programs are designed to be flexible for working professionals, often offered in the evenings, online, or in hybrid formats.

Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership Degree Programs

The California State University has numerous EdD programs that prepare outstanding leaders for California’s P-12 schools and community colleges. The programs are distinctive in their clear focus on equipping talented educators to lead institutions with expertise and effectiveness.

The California Legislature authorized these unique doctoral programs for educational leaders to respond to the urgent need for well-prepared administrators to lead the state’s public schools and community colleges.

Every EdD program in the CSU:

  • Is designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve reforms that improve student achievement
  • Uses a common framework that builds on nationally recognized P-12 and Community College professional standards and competencies for leaders
  • Links theory, research, and practice in programs that are responsive and relevant to P-12 and Community College needs in specific regions of California.
  • Is characterized by strong partnerships with P-12 and Community College practitioners. We collaborate with our local educational partners on program design, recruitment, admissions, teaching, and program assessment and evaluation.

To learn more go to CSU EdD Program Descriptions & Contacts

Additional CSU and CTC Resources