MA/Credential Program Admissions FAQs
General Program Questions: 2025-2026
When are applications due?
The application window opens October 1, 2024, and ends January 31, 2025.
What tests are required?
If you are meeting the Basic Skills and Subject Matter requirements through testing, applicants submit score reports from CBEST and/or CSET (see California Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competency requirements below), preferably by the application deadline, though if admitted June 10th is the deadline for submission of passing results to the the Credential Analyst. Applicants should designate the UCSC Education Department in score reporting. The GRE is NOT required.
There are several ways to meet the state's Basic Skills and Subject Matter requirements. Please see the program website for Basic Skills and Subject Matter information.
Which credentials are offered at UCSC?
The MA/Credential Program offers the following types of California Teaching Credentials:
- Multiple Subject (Elementary) Preliminary Teaching Credential:
- Prepares candidates to be elementary school teachers who teach in self-contained classrooms, typically grades K-6, where all subjects are taught by the same teacher.
- Single Subject (Secondary) Preliminary Teaching Credential:
- Prepares candidates to be secondary school teachers who teach in a departmentalized setting where the teacher is generally responsible for one subject area, typically grades 7-12 (middle school and high school). The single subject credential is offered in the following subject areas:
- English
- Mathematics (Mathematics or Foundational-Level)
- Science (Life Science, Geoscience, Chemistry, Physics, Foundational)
- Social Sciences
- Prepares candidates to be secondary school teachers who teach in a departmentalized setting where the teacher is generally responsible for one subject area, typically grades 7-12 (middle school and high school). The single subject credential is offered in the following subject areas:
- Bilingual Authorization Program for MA/Credential Candidates (all credential areas)
The Bilingual Authorization Program prepares MA/Credential candidates in either the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential Program to add a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. This program prepares qualified candidates to teach in Spanish/English bilingual settings. Through a three-quarter sequence of bilingual coursework and bilingual field study practicum, candidates develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills,
What type of Master’s Degree will I earn?
Candidates who complete the MA/Credential Program will earn a Master of Arts in Education.
What is the timeline for completing the program?
UCSC’s MA/Credential program is one calendar year (12 months). Admitted candidates complete five consecutive academic quarters. Candidates will begin the program in July, with a six-week summer session. Candidates then progress to three standard academic quarters of ten weeks each (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Following the academic year, students complete a final four-week summer session and exit the program in July of the subsequent year.
The program has three main components: master’s level courses, student teaching placements, and passage of the state-required teacher performance assessment, the edTPA. In the master’s courses, candidates develop a theoretical and research-based perspective on important educational issues while gaining practical applications in the methods courses and student teaching placements. Master’s coursework and student teaching placements run concurrently during the majority of the program. Student teaching placements begin and end according to the local school districts’ academic calendars (generally from August through May or early June).
How many candidates are in the MA/Credential Program?
Each year, approximately 50-65candidates are enrolled in the MA/Credential Program. Approximately half are Multiple Subjects candidates and half Single Subject candidates.
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a small group (typically 5-30) of students working towards the same credential. Cohorts provide a collaborative learning environment for our candidates.
What are teacher supervisors?
Teacher supervisors are exemplary, seasoned classroom teachers who lead credential cohorts in bi-weekly student teaching seminars. They also perform direct observation and evaluation of candidates in their student teaching placements. Teacher supervisors provide mentorship and the perspective of extensive classroom experience to their students
What are student teaching placements?
Generally, candidates in the teacher preparation programs participate in two student teaching placements. In August, students receive their first placement. They begin with initial observations of the class to become familiar with the students, classroom routines and procedures, and the teaching style of their cooperating teacher. Student teachers assume increasing levels of responsibility within their placement — teaching small groups, parts of lessons, and full lessons. The second placement typically begins at the end of November (see your teacher supervisor for precise information). In this placement, candidates gradually assume more responsibility for instruction. This placement culminates with solo teaching, with student teachers effectively assuming responsibility for instruction for several weeks.
Do people work during this program?
Due to the intensity of the MA/Credential Program, candidates are not encouraged to work. If candidates choose to work, we recommend working no more than 10-16 hours per week while enrolled in the MA/Credential Program. The intensity of candidates’ schedules in a one-year program — with coursework and school placements — cannot be overemphasized.
Can I earn just a Credential?
It is not possible to earn the credential and not the MA degree. UCSC only offers the combined MA/Credential track.
I already have a valid Teaching Credential. Can I complete just the Master’s portion of the program?
No. UCSC only offers the combined MA/Credential track. Additionally, individuals with a valid teaching credential (either CA-issued or from out-of-state) are not eligible to apply for the MA/Credential Program.
What is the cost of attendance?
The 2023-24 in-state graduate student tuition and fees for the MA/C are approximately $24,261.80 for 4 full-time and 1 part-time quarters (see the Office of the Registrar’s website under “Graduate Student Fees” "M.A./Education/Credential Program (Resident)"). Fees include enrollment in the Graduate Student Health Insurance Program (may be waived). Please note that fees, tuition,
Application Questions
What is the timeline for the application process?
Applications will be accepted online beginning October 1 through January 31.
Does the MA/Credential Program offer rolling admission?
No, the UCSC MA/Credential Program admissions review process happens once per year. All applications submitted during the application period are reviewed at that time.
When are applicants notified if they were accepted to the program?
The MA/Credential Admissions Committee notifies applicants of their decision by mid-March and accepted candidates must submit their “Statement of Intent to Register” to the UCSC Graduate Division by April 15. Admitted students matriculate in June.
Where can I find the online application?
UCSC’s Graduate Division hosts the Education MA/Credential application online, which will open in October.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Clearance?
Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance is a multiple-step process that can take as little as 10 days and as long as several months. Please note that the CTC requires either a United States-issued Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for a Certificate of Clearance. The IRS issues ITINs regardless of immigration status, primarily for federal tax reporting. Please follow the detailed instructions provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). You begin by downloading, completing, and printing three copies of Form 41-LS.
A Certificate of Clearance must be submitted directly to the UCSC Online Application. Please upload a copy of your valid Certificate of Clearance or Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit into your online application to the MA/Credential program.
How can I satisfy the California Basic Skills Requirement?
Typically, applicants satisfy the Basic Skills requirement through completion of college coursework in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics with a grade of B or higher.
- Reading proficiency: a course in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
- Writing proficiency: a course in composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
- Mathematics proficiency: a course in algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.
Alternatively, the California Basic Skills requirement may be met through passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®). However, individuals may satisfy the Basic Skills requirement with other options.
In addition, you may meet the Basic Skills requirement by mixing available options. For example, a candidate who has passed the CBEST subtests in reading and writing but not mathematics may use the two passed CBEST subtests along with coursework that meets the mathematics criteria. Or, a candidate with coursework meeting the reading and writing requirements may pass the CSET math subtest. Please note that coursework applies only when a grade of B or higher was awarded and the course was taken at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Detailed information for meeting the BSR can be found on the following link Basic Skills Requirement (CL-667) (ca.gov)
Please complete a 41-BSR form if you are partially or fully meeting the basic skills requirement through coursework. Please contact our credential analyst/advisor Esperanza Zamora for coursework evaluation at Esperanza Zamora and then upload your completed 41-BSR form with your application.
For more information on these additional options please see this CTC leaflet.
The deadline to submit evidence of satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement is June 10. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement be submitted at the time of application.
How can I satisfy the Subject Matter Competency Requirement?
California state law mandates that all teachers provide evidence of their subject-matter knowledge (state requirement and subject to change).
Multiple Subject Applicants:
Individuals can verify subject-matter competence by passing all portions of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Passing exam scores are valid for five years.
The CSET Multiple Subjects exams are comprised of three required subtests. Admitted MA/Credential applicants are required to submit passing test scores for the following:
- CSET: Multiple Subjects - Subtest I (test code 101)
- CSET: Multiple Subjects - Subtest II (test code 214)
- CSET: Multiple Subjects - Subtest III (test code 103)
Additionally, Multiple Subject applicants may satisfy Subject Matter Competency via a CTC-approved Subject Matter Program.
The deadline to submit evidence of satisfying the Subject Matter Competency Requirement is June 10. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of satisfying the Subject Matter Competency Requirement be submitted at the time of application.
Please note that admission priority may be given to applicants with passing test scores at the time of application[1].
Single Subject Applicants:
Individuals may verify subject-matter competence by passing all portions of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) by content area.
Passing exam scores are valid for five years.
Admitted MA/Credential applicants are required to submit passing test scores for the following:
| Single Subject Area | Credential Type | CSET Subtests Required (test code) |
| English | English | English Subtest I (105) English Subtest II (106) English Subtest III (107) English Subtest IV (108) |
| Mathematics | Mathematics | Mathematics Subtest I (211) Mathematics Subtest II (212) Mathematics Subtest III (213) |
| Foundational-Level Mathematics | Mathematics Subtest I (211) Mathematics Subtest II (212) | |
| Science | Science: Life Science | Science Subtest I (215) Science Subtest II (217) |
| Science: Chemistry | Science Subtest I (215) Science Subtest II (218) | |
| Science: Earth and Space Sciences | Science Subtest I (215) Science Subtest II (219) | |
| Science: Physics | Science Subtest I (215) Science Subtest II (220) | |
| Science: Foundational-Level | Science Subtest I (215) | |
| Social Science | Social Science | Social Science Subtest I (114) Social Science Subtest II (115) Social Science Subtest III (116) |
Additionally, Single Subject applicants may satisfy Subject Matter Competency via a CTC-Approved Subject Matter Program.
The deadline to submit evidence of satisfying the Subject Matter Competency Requirement is June 10. However, it is highly recommended that documentation of satisfying the Subject Matter Competency Requirement be submitted at the time of application.
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Additional Subject Matter Competence Options
The current statutory language does not provide leeway for the acceptance of closely related subjects; the degree major match must be exact. Prospective Students: If you meet the Subject Matter requirement with your BA/BS, you will have the option to state so in your application. Please contact our credential analyst/MA graduate advisor Esperanza Zamora for more information. |
Subject Matter Requirement Coursework
To meet the state Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) with college coursework, you will need a college course (or courses) that addresses each domain listed for each of the CSET subtests. At this time, each course that you use to meet a subject matter domain must have a grade of C- or better.
It's possible to meet the domain requirements for some of the subtests and not others. For example, you may have courses that address the domains for CSET subtests 1 and 3 but not CSET subtest 2. If that is the case then you will meet the SMR by coursework for CSET subtests 1 and 3, and then provide a passing score for CSET subtest 2.
If you would like additional information about the subject matter domains, you may review the domain and drill down into domain elements on the CTC website here. The elements provide greater insight into the domains. However, to meet the subject matter requirement, qualifying coursework does not need to address each of the listed domain elements.
Please contact our credential analyst/MA graduate advisor Esperanza Zamora for coursework evaluations and then upload it with your application. You may download the relevant subject matter guidance form here: Subject Matter Guidance Form
What is the Bilingual Authorization Program for MA/Credential Candidates?
The Bilingual Authorization Program prepares MA/Credential candidates in either the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential Program to add a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. This program prepares qualified candidates to teach in Spanish/English bilingual settings. Through a three-quarter sequence of bilingual coursework and bilingual field study practicum, candidates develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills,
Bilingual Authorization candidates enroll in additional UCSC coursework, EDUC 212A, B, and C: Bilingualism and Biliteracy, a series of three two-credit courses, offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters.
Applicants seeking Bilingual Authorization must also submit a one to two-page essay in Spanish. More information is available here.
One to two-page essay in Spanish for Candidates Seeking the Optional Bilingual Authorization
Bilingual Program applicants submit a one to two-page essay in Spanish with their application to the MA/Credential Program. The essay is a response to one of the following prompts:
Describa elcontexto enque usted aprendió el español.- Describa su historia personal y cultural con las comunidades hispanohablantes.
- Describa sus experiencias con la educación bilingüe.
Do I need to submit GRE scores in addition to my CBEST & CSET scores?
The GRE is not required for admission to the MA/Credential Program at UCSC.
Do I need to submit anything in hard copy?
No. The application and all supplemental materials (Letters of Recommendation, Test Scores/ Registration verification, transcripts, Certificate of Clearance, etc.) must be submitted within the online application.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid inquiries should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid. See the Financial Aid website for more information.
MA/C Program Financial Aid Resources
Students wanting financial aid during the program submit two (2) Free Applications for Federal Students Aid (FAFSAs); a 2024-25 FAFSA for the first summer quarter; and a second FAFSA for 2025-2026 for the Fall through Summer of 2026. Both FAFSAs must be filed online by May 1. Additionally, the Education Department offers a few small scholarships. Once enrolled in the program, students are invited to apply for these in the fall and spring.
Where can I get more information?
| Education Department | education.ucsc.edu | 831.459.3249 |
| Credential Analyst & Advisor | zamora@ucsc.edu | 831.459.1261 |
| Graduate Division | graddiv.ucsc.edu | 831.459.5905 |
| Registrar’s Office | reg.ucsc.edu | 831.459.4412 |
| Financial Aid | www2.ucsc.edu/fin-aid | 831.459.2963 |
| CBEST registration | www.cbest.nesinc.com | |
| CSET registration | www.cset.nesinc.com |
[1] Please note that admission priority may be given to applicants with passing test scores at the time of application.
See Also
