Secondary Education
LMU offers a Single Subject (Secondary) Teaching Credential in one year with multiple options for completing fieldwork. Stay on for a second year to complete a Master of Arts degree in Transformative Education. We invite you to join the legacy of thousands of LMU alumni making a difference in diverse learning communities.
Explore Your Options
A California Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes you to teach a single specialized subject in middle and high schools (grades 6-12). Authorized subjects include Art, Dance, English, World Language, Mathematics, Social Science, Science (General, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, or Physics) and Theater. Qualified candidates can also receive a bilingual authorization with the M.A. in year 2.
Our 1+1 candidate-centered program (credential year 1; M.A. year 2) provides maximum flexibility in professional teacher preparation. All coursework is offered online to make the most of your time. Classroom fieldwork experiences can be completed at local schools through a number of different pathways.
Pathways for Elementary Teaching
Student Teaching
Historically, the most common form of fieldwork experience for aspiring teachers, candidates are assigned by LMU to partnering K-12 school(s) and experienced mentor teacher(s). Student teaching provides scaffolded teaching experiences that advance from observation to practice lessons to whole class instruction.
Graduate Program Undergraduate ProgramResident Teacher
Candidates are hired into a paid substitute teaching position by a school/district via an established residency teacher mentorship program partnered with LMU. Experiences gradually build from practice lessons to whole day instruction under the supportive daily guidance of a mentor teacher.
Residency ProgramsIntern Teacher
Candidates are hired as a full-time "Intern Teacher" by a public/charter school, usually in direct partnership with LMU. Earning a intern salary, candidates in this pathway balance graduate school coursework with daily employment commitments required of a full-time teacher of record.
Intern Pathway Teach For America PartnershipPrivate School Teaching
Designed for candidates who desire to teach primarily at a private school and/or for those who are already teaching at a private school, LMU provides mentoring and fieldwork support in partnership with your school in your own classroom. For Catholic school practitioners, LMU proudly offers two Catholic based partnerships.
CAST Program PLACE CorpsStart Your Journey with LMU
Application Requirements
- Free 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 B.A. degree)
- Summer Course(s) - varies by pathway
- Summer Pre-Service - intern and resident teacher pathways
Education Scholarships
Candidates in intern teaching, resident teacher, and 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 some assistance from an 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
Take Your Next Step Today
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.