Dual Degree - Master of Arts - Teaching - Multiple Subject & Master of Arts - Education Specialist

The Master of Arts in Teaching prepares students to become educators who want to shape the future of California’s youth, families, and communities by becoming an influential elementary, middle, or high school teacher. The MA Teaching program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is specifically designed to prepare educators to meet the needs of California’s diverse student population, emphasizing language development, cultural diversity, and humanistic approaches to the learning process.

Students enrolled in the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential complete 33 units of credential coursework and 12 units of advanced coursework. For the advanced courses, students may select a concentration that is relevant to their professional goals.

Employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as the number of students enrolling in public kindergarten and elementary schools is expected to increase over the coming decade.

La Verne’s Education Specialist Credential Program—sometimes referred to as a teaching certificate in other states—is designed for California teachers interested in working with students with mild to moderate special needs. Mild-Moderate Education Specialist Credential candidates receive a complete range of instruction and support in teaching learners with mild-moderate learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, mental retardation, autism, and other health impairments. The program provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills in supporting all types of neurodiversity.

The University of La Verne boasts accessible faculty and small class sizes, with courses that blend theory and practice and are offered at flexible times, with starts in fall and spring. The Education Specialist Credential is offered at the Bakersfield and Santa Clarita campuses in addition to La Verne’s main campus.