A large group of PLACE students in a funny photo in front of the fountains on Shea Terrace

PLACE Corps

PLACE Corps is LMU’s nationally recognized Catholic teacher service corps, incorporating professional development, intentional community, and Ignatian spirituality.

Program Overview

Housed in LMU’s School of Education, PLACE Corps members teach full-time in a Catholic school and earn a salary while pursuing a teaching credential and a master’s degree. During the two-year program, you’ll live with your fellow cohort members in intentional community while exploring shared values and inclusive, mission-based experiences. You can choose to teach any grade level while earning the applicable credential in either elementary education (K-5) or secondary education (6-12).

All coursework is offered online to make the most of your time. Classroom fieldwork experiences are completed in your assigned school.

Program Details

Degree(s) Awarded

Multiple or Single Subject California Teaching Credential and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Transformative Education

Cohort Program?

Yes

Typical Program Length

Two years, 1+1 model

Units/Hours to Completion

  • 21 units for Mutiple Subject Credential
  • 19 units for Single Subject Credential
  • 16 additional units for the M.A. in Transformative Education

Estimated Cost

$1,726 per unit plus fees; visit Graduate Cost of Attendance for more details

Teaching Modality

Online, synchronous and asynchronous

Course Meeting Times

Saturdays

Upcoming Application Deadlines

  • December 1, 2025 (first priority deadline)
  • February 1, 2026 (second priority deadline)
  • May 15, 2026 (final deadline)

Upcoming Program Start Dates

  • Summer II 2026 (June)

Start Your Journey with LMU

An elementary school teacher works with a chemistry set at a desk with a student

Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • Personal statement of intent
  • Official transcripts 
  • Applicable forms/agreements (when applicable)
  • International transcript evaluation (if applicable)
  • Request for exception to GPA (if applicable)
  • More details

California CTC Requirements

  • Subject Matter
  • Certificate of Clearance 
  • U.S. Constitution 
  • Bachelor’s Degree (regionally accredited)
  • Basic Skills (met with Bachelor's degree)
  • Summer Course(s) - varies by pathway
  • Summer Pre-Service - intern and resident teacher pathways

Scholarships

Candidates in intern teaching, resident teacher, or private school teacher partnerships should consult with their partnership organization for specific program costs and aid. Teacher preparation students will also want to explore their eligibility for the Golden State Teachers Grant (up to $10, 000), TEACH grant (up to $4,000), as well as federal loan forgiveness programs after graduation. Candidates not receiving alternative aid through a specific partnership from the School of Education are encouraged to apply for the SOE scholarship, as well as additional aid or loans to help offset tuition costs and other fees and living expenses. Please make note of all deadlines for scholarship applications, which may occur before our application deadlines.

Financial Aid

School of Education scholarship and aid opportunities are further described at soe.lmu.edu/aid. LMU's Financial Aid office provides information regarding various types of state and federal financial aid and financing options to cover tuition and fees. Visit their website for further options and details on Graduate Student Financial Aid, Cost of Living, and other valuable resources. Applicants eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are required to do so for consideration of financial assistance. Alternatively, applicable students may visit LMU's further resources for California DREAM Act aid and assistance.

elementary school teacher high fives students as they enter the classroom

Our team is happy to assist you. Reach out any time so we can answer your questions and provide personalized information.

Email: soeteacherprep@lmu.edu
Phone: 310.258.8791

Attend an Information Session

Schedule a Virtual Appointment

Legal Disclosures

Due to the primarily online nature of our LMU teacher preparation programs, we are currently unable, per federal guidelines, to issue documentation for international F1 visas.   

While coursework is online, all daily required fieldwork is on-site at an applicable K-12 school.  All teacher preparation program candidates are required to reside in California for the duration of the credential licensure program.

Per Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v), all LMU School of Education credential/licensure programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The institution has not made a determination as to whether these credential, licensure, and professional preparation programs meet the requirements of states outside of California. If you are interested in practicing outside the state of California, it is recommended that you contact the respective licensing entity of that state to seek information or guidance regarding their licensure and credential requirements in advance to allow for appropriate planning.