CAST Program
LMU's Catholic Archdiocesan School Teachers (CAST) program offers current full-time teachers in Catholic or private schools the opportunity to earn a California teaching credential and an M.A.
Program Overview
Offered in a 1+1 model, the CAST program allows you to earn a California preliminary teaching credential (Multiple or Single Subject) in year one while continuing to teach full-time. You may continue for a second year to complete a Master of Arts in Transformative Education.
New cohorts begin in the Spring and Summer II terms each year. We offer a convenient schedule that combines online synchronous or asynchronous classes on Saturdays.
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
- 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
- November 15 (for Spring start)
- March 15 (for Summer II start)
Upcoming Program Start Dates
- Spring 2026 (January)
- Summer II 2026 (June)
Start Your Journey with LMU
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 their website. 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 soe.lmu.edu/aid 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.
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
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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.