MA/C Program Admission Requirements
1. 3.0 GPA or above
2. Transcripts from all undergraduate & graduate work
Transcripts must be submitted directly to the UCSC Online Application.
If you have not yet completed your degree, you may submit an unofficial transcript with your application. If you have already completed your degree you may submit either an official or unofficial transcript that verifies your degree with your application.
Please note that if you are admitted to UCSC, two official, sealed transcripts will be required from your degree-granting institution: one sent directly from your college to the Graduate Application Processing Center (either with your application or after your admission; detailed instructions from the Graduate Division may be found here.), and one copy hand delivered by December 1st to the Education Department for your credentialing file.
College coursework is evaluated with attention to content and grades or narrative evaluations, as well as consideration of the appropriateness of courses taken for the credential sought.
i. Multiple Subject applicants:
Students should have an extensive breadth of courses in the core subject areas taught in elementary school—math, science, social science, and English.
ii. Single Subject applicants:
Students should have an extensive body of coursework in the content area.
3. Cultural/Linguistic Diversity
UC Santa Cruz is committed to preparing teachers to work in underserved, high-needs schools that serve low-income communities. Given this programmatic emphasis, describe in your Statement of Purpose how your university coursework, personal experience, and/or professional experiences have addressed aspects of diversity similar to what we see in K-12 public schools. Be specific in listing relevant courses and experiences.
The following UC Santa Cruz undergraduate education courses are examples of courses that meet this requirement: EDUC 128, Immigrants and Education; EDUC 141, Bilingualism and Schooling; EDUC 164, Urban Education; EDUC 181, Race, Class, and Culture in Education. Other courses within and outside the Education Department may also be acceptable. When applying to the program, note any outside coursework in your Statement of Purpose along with an explanation as to how your coursework addresses cultural and linguistic diversity.
4. Field Experience
Document field experiences in formal or informal educational settings with youth at the same age level that you aspire to teach. Experiences such as directed observation, substitute teaching, work in after-school programs, camp counseling, school tutoring, outdoor education, instructional aide, or the equivalent are acceptable experiences. List field experiences below (include field setting and dates). You must fulfill a minimum of 30 hours in an educational setting documented by at least one letter of recommendation.
5. 3 - 5 Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required; no more than five are accepted.
Please follow these guidelines:
- Provide 1 or more letters (recommendation is 2) written by university faculty who can address your academic merit.
- Provide 1 or more letters written by a professional in the field who has observed your work with children or youth in the applicable age group for the credential you are seeking through the UCSC Credential Program. This will serve as documentation of your field experience requirement.
**Please note that if your recommender(s) address your experience and/or coursework related to cultural and linguistic diversity, this will strengthen your application.
6. Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution meets BSR per SB 153, effective 6/29/24. More information can be found in PSA 24-07. There are no documents required. (If admitted to the program we will use your official transcripts to verify).7. Subject Matter Requirement
California state law mandates that all teachers provide evidence of their subject-matter competency. Exam score reports, degree, documentation of an approved subject matter program, college coursework, or a combination of coursework and CSET exams must be submitted on the online application. The deadline to complete this requirement is June 10th of each year (before official enrollment in the program). However, it is highly recommended that documentation of meeting the subject matter requirement be submitted with the application. Please note that admission priority may be given to applicants who provide documentation at the time of application. Contact our Credential Analyst for coursework evaluation at zamora@ucsc.edu
i. Multiple Subject Applicants:
Individuals can verify subject-matter requirements via any of these options:
1. Passing all required subtests of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) by content area. Passing exam scores are valid for ten 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)
2. Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission CTC-Approved Subject Matter Program.
3. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
- For Multiple Subject credentials, the major must be in liberal studies or an interdisciplinary major that includes coursework in each of these areas: language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, history, the arts, physical education, and human development. CTC-approved degrees.
The current statutory language does not provide leeway for the acceptance of closely related subjects; the degree major match must be exact.
4. Coursework successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation.
To meet the state Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) with applicable 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. Please use the SMR Guidance Form below for coursework evaluation.
5. Combination of coursework and CSET examination(s): some combination of coursework and examinations to meet the content for all required subtests.
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.
Contact our Credential Analyst for coursework evaluation at zamora@ucsc.edu
Please note that admission priority may be given to applicants with passing test scores at the time of application.
ii. Single Subject Applicants:
Individuals can verify subject-matter requirements via any of these options:
1. Passing all required subtests of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) by content area. Passing exam scores are valid for ten years.
2. Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission CTC-Approved Subject Matter Program.
3. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
- For Multiple Subject credentials, the major must be in liberal studies or an interdisciplinary major that includes coursework in each of these areas: language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, history, the arts, physical education, and human development. CTC-approved degrees.
- For Single Subject credentials at UCSC, current options are as follows:
- If BA/BS is in English, Math, Social Science, or Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Geology) then YES, the student has met SUBJECT MATTER REQUIREMENT. CTC-approved degrees.
The current statutory language does not provide leeway for the acceptance of closely related subjects; the degree major match must be exact.
4. Coursework successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation.
To meet the state Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) with applicable 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. Please use the SMR Guidance Form below for coursework evaluation.
5. Combination of coursework and CSET examination(s): some combination of coursework and examinations to meet the content for all required subtests.
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.
Contact our Credential Analyst for coursework evaluation at zamora@ucsc.edu
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) |
Contact our Credential Analyst for coursework evaluation at zamora@ucsc.edu
8. Certificate of Clearance
In accordance with Education Code Section 44320(b), each credential candidate for an initial credential, prior to admission to any credential program, must obtain a Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). This Certificate is a document issued by the Commission to an individual who has completed the Commission’s fingerprint character and identification process. 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 the purpose of federal tax reporting. Detailed instructions for obtaining a Certificate of Clearance may be found here and 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 the online application.
- To comply with this regulation the UCSC Education Department must have on file a copy of the Certificate of Clearance before allowing a person to begin public school fieldwork or student teaching.
- If you hold a valid (non-expired) Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, you are not required to apply for another Certificate of Clearance. Please upload a copy (pdf is accepted) of your valid permit.
- Out-of-state/international applicants must contact the UCSC Education Department for further instructions: edma@ucsc.edu.
Directions to obtain a Certificate of Clearance
CTC Video with step-by-step directions for applying for a Certificate of Clearance is here.
- Download Form 41-LS.
- Complete it, ensuring that you have accurate information (i.e. no typos), and then print three copies.
- Take the three copies of your completed 41-LS form with you to obtain your livescan fingerprints.
- Go to the CTC website here. Either create an account if you do not already have one, or log into your account.
- Go to the Educator Profile tab. At the bottom of the screen, below "Apply for a Certificate of Clearance or Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate," "Click “Create New” to start." Submit the transaction fee of $52.65 (all online transactions are subject to a $2.65 service fee effective November 22, 2022, in addition to the $50.00 application fee) using a credit or debit card. Immediately following the successful submission of the online application, an email will be sent containing a confirmation number. This email is your receipt for your Certificate of Clearance application.
- If your Certificate of Clearance does not arrive in time to upload with your application, you may upload a PDF copy of the email confirmation.
9. Statement of Purpose
Describe your motivation, academic preparation, and plans for your future occupation as a teacher. Include: (i) an explanation of why you want to become a teacher; (ii) how your experience has contributed to your motivation and potential to be an educational leader, and (iii) a description of your experiences with youth in formal or informal educational settings, experiences with cultural and linguistic diversity and community involvement. Discuss how your experiences and academic coursework have informed your decision to pursue a master's degree and teaching credential at UC Santa Cruz. Please include in your statement any interest or desire to work with specific populations of students or communities (e.g. low-income, English learner) and how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field, as this statement may be considered for possible scholarships. The recommended length is a concise 2-4 double-spaced pages. Include your name in the footer of each page of your Statement of Purpose.
10. Personal History Statement
UC Santa Cruz is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree and teaching credential. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey.
The Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose. The recommended length is a concise 2-5 double-spaced pages. Include your name in the footer of each page.
11. Academic Writing Sample
A sample of your writing (no more than 10 double-spaced pages). A research-based paper is preferred, such as a paper written on an educational topic or a paper written in your content area. Alternatively, applicants may choose to submit a formal essay or to write a brief piece specifically for this application.
12. Résumé
Include an employment history, relevant volunteer or community work, (especially in schools and/or with children), and experiences in multicultural and multilingual settings. Include information on languages (other than English) in which you have competence.
Additional Items for Bilingual Authorization Applicants:
Applicants seeking Bilingual Authorization must obtain it concurrently with a preliminary multiple subjects or single subject credential. While the state allows the Bilingual Authorization to be obtained after the candidate receives their credential, the UCSC program is a concurrent model. Applicants seeking the Bilingual Authorization also submit:
One to three-page essay in Spanish - Submit with your application
Bilingual Program applicants will be required to submit a one to three page essay in Spanish with their application to the MA/Credential Program. The essay should address 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.
