About the Program

Welcome to the UC Davis Teacher Education Program

We prepare teacher leaders who have a profound impact in the classroom and beyond, and our graduates are some of the most sought-after teachers in the region. Our rigorous program rests on four pillars of collaboration, advocacy for equity, inquiry and reflection.

We offer a four-quarter combined Master of Education and teaching credential program. Students in our program can earn a multiple subject credential, single subject credentials in agriculture/agriculture specialist, English, math, science, and social science, and bilingual authorizations in Spanish and Mandarin. 

In addition to the information below, you can visit the Apply section of our website for information on how to apply, prerequisites, completing the online application, and fees/financial aid. Our Student Services staff is also available to assist you at eduadvising@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-5887.

Becoming a Teacher in California

What is a teaching credential, and do I need one to become a teacher in California?

Everyone who teaches grades K–12 in California public schools on a permanent basis is required to hold a California teaching credential. A teaching credential authorizes you to provide instruction in a K–12 public school and is issued under the guidelines of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

In California, the CTC sets the preparation standards and formally issues teaching credentials. The training and verification are conducted by an approved program, such as a university teacher education program like that at UC Davis. That program formally submits a credential recommendation for the student once they have met all the program requirements.

Do I need a master’s degree to become a teacher in California?

A master’s degree is an academic degree awarded by a college or university. Although you must have a teaching credential, you do not need a master’s degree to become a teacher in California. However, teachers are often paid a higher salary for having a master’s degree. Students in the UC Davis M.Ed./Credential Program earn both in the same year.

Do I need to major in education if I want to become a teacher?

There is no specific major required to become a teacher—applicants from all majors are welcome. If your undergraduate major is not in the subject area you wish to teach—for example, if you want to teach science but your bachelor’s degree is in English—you will need to meet the subject matter requirement by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or completing applicable coursework prior to applying.

Is a minor in education helpful?

A minor in education is not required, but may be helpful. The UC Davis minor in education allows you to complete prerequisite coursework for our Teacher Education program and gain classroom experience while developing a critical understanding of the complexities that shape the field of education.

What is the difference between a multiple subject teaching credential and a single subject teaching credential? Which one do I need?

Multiple Subject credential: If you want to teach in elementary schools, you will need a multiple subject teaching credential. Most multiple subject teachers in California teach in grades K–6. A multiple subject teaching credential authorizes you to provide instruction in all subjects in a self-contained class for students in grades twelve and below, including preschool, and in classes organized primarily for adults.

Single Subject credential: If you want to teach in middle, junior, or high schools, also called secondary schools, you will need a single subject teaching credential in your specific subject. Most single subject teachers in California teach in grades 7–12. This credential authorizes you to provide instruction in only that subject to students in grades twelve and below, including preschool, and in classes organized primarily for adults.

What is a bilingual authorization?

A Bilingual Authorization (BILA) allows teachers to teach academic subjects in a language other than English, such as Spanish or Mandarin, in bilingual and dual-language immersion classrooms. It also authorizes teachers to provide English Language Development (ELD) and primary language instruction to English learners. A Bilingual Authorization is not a teaching credential on its own; it is an additional authorization earned alongside or after a multiple subject, or single subject teaching credential. Teachers who hold a bilingual authorization are in great demand in California public schools.

Can I earn more than one credential?

It is possible to become authorized to teach more than one subject. Credential candidates can earn a Subject Matter Authorization or Supplementary Authorization based on their undergraduate major/coursework. Candidates can also earn a second credential by meeting the Subject Matter Requirement for the additional subject you are interested in and taking a methodology class. Our Credential Analyst can provide guidance on how to add additional authorizations based on testing or coursework completed.

What does the term “credential candidate” mean?

Credential candidates are students preparing to earn a California teaching credential.

Why should I choose a career as a teacher?

In addition to being a fulfilling career in which you’re making a difference in children’s lives every day, teaching is a practical option that requires only 1-2 years of additional preparation after you earn your bachelor’s degree. The job market for teachers is strong. The most recent figures from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing show that in 2023, over 22,000 teaching positions were unfilled in California and 47,000 were filled with teachers who did not have full credentials, such as those with emergency permits. Starting salaries in the state average $57,000 to $62,000, depending on district size. Teachers with a master’s degree often begin in a higher salary column or receive a salary stipend, although the amount varies by school district and salary schedule. 

Are my M.Ed. and teaching credential useful even if I later decide not to teach?

Yes. An M.Ed. and the preparation you complete for a teaching credential develop skills that are valuable well beyond the classroom, including designing learning experiences, communicating complex ideas clearly, assessing outcomes, collaborating with diverse communities, and managing projects.

These skills can transfer to fields such as corporate training, learning and development, human resources, educational technology, nonprofit and government agencies, and publishing and communications.

About the UC Davis M.Ed./Credential Program

How long does it take to earn the M.Ed. and teaching credential?

Credential candidates in the UC Davis Teacher Education Program earn both their M.Ed. and teaching credential in four quarters—summer, fall, winter and spring.

How many units is the program?

The M.Ed. and teaching credential curriculum combines 42–44 units of coursework with 15 units of fieldwork, totaling 57–59 units, depending on credential type. The M.Ed. component makes up 36 units, including a three-course series supporting teacher inquiry and a capstone project that provides the basis of the comprehensive exam.

Will I learn alongside the same group of students throughout the program?

The UC Davis Teacher Education Program uses a content-specific, yearlong cohort model designed to foster collaboration, community building, and professional growth. Within each cohort, candidates are matched with a Teacher Education Program Supervisor who provides individualized guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the program. Candidates engage in coursework, projects, discussions, and collaborative learning experiences with their cohort peers.

Students typically take their content-specific methodology courses with their cohorts, while courses addressing broader aspects of teaching and learning may bring together candidates from multiple cohorts. Reflecting the collaborative nature of the teaching profession, the cohort model provides opportunities for candidates to learn with and from their peers as they develop their instructional practice and professional identity. 

When do classes and student teaching placements start?

The 2027–28 program starts July 19, 2027, and credential candidates will begin their K–12 classroom placements within the first month.

Does UC Davis have a part-time program, night program, or remote program?

Our credential program is a full-time in-person program that requires student teaching during the day and taking classes in the afternoons and evenings.

What credentials and authorizations does UC Davis offer?

UC Davis offers the following credentials and authorizations:

• a multiple subject credential
• single subject credentials in agriculture/agriculture Specialist, English, math, science, and social science, and
• bilingual authorizations in Spanish and Mandarin. 

What is the difference between an M.A. in Education and an M.Ed.?

A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education emphasizes educational theory, research methods, learning psychology, and instructional depth. It often requires a comprehensive research paper or thesis.

A Master of Education (M.Ed.) emphasizes applying educational research and theory to real-world practice. It prepares educators to strengthen their teaching, respond to students’ needs, collaborate with colleagues and families, and develop as teacher leaders.

As of 2027, the UC Davis Teacher Education Program offers a Master of Education degree, replacing our previous Master of Arts degree in Education.

Will I also be able to work a separate job during my M.Ed./credential year?

Most students don’t find it feasible to work while attending this program. You will spend your mornings in your school placements and afternoons and evenings on campus taking courses.

How does UC Davis help graduates find their first teaching job?

During your program year we offer Job Search Assistance for Teachers services, which culminate in a teacher job fair for UC Davis candidates and alumni only. Our graduates are highly sought-after by regional school districts, and many candidates receive job offers at the event. Over 90% of our candidates secure their first teaching position before graduation. 

Your M.Ed. and Credential Year

How do coursework and student teaching work together?

Coursework and student teaching occur simultaneously and form a continuous cycle in which candidates apply what they learn in classrooms, reflect on their practice, receive feedback from instructors and mentors, and collaborate with peers. All of our supervisors are also instructors for cohort-specific courses, giving candidates a deeper opportunity to connect what they are learning in coursework with what they are observing and practicing in their student teaching placements. They can bring questions and experiences from their placements directly into course discussions with their supervisor and peers.

What happens in a student teaching placement?

Student teaching is an essential experience that bridges theory and practice. Occurring concurrently with university coursework, student teaching (also referred to as clinical practice or field experience) allows candidates to apply what they are learning, develop instructional skills, and gradually assume increasing responsibility in the classroom with the guidance of experienced educators. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that candidates complete a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice in order to qualify for a teaching credential.

Candidates are placed in K–12 classrooms with experienced resident teachers who serve as mentors and collaborators throughout the student teaching experience. Resident teachers—also called mentor teachers or cooperating teachers—are experienced educators who provide guidance, feedback, and collaborative practice. Candidates learn by observing, collaborating, practicing, reflecting, and receiving feedback as they develop their instructional skills and professional judgment in real classroom settings.

In addition to your resident teacher, you will have a UC Davis Teacher Education Program Supervisor who provides individualized guidance, mentorship, and support throughout your program.

Will I teach in more than one classroom during the program?

All candidates have a primary student teaching experience that spans the entire K–12 academic year. During the first four to six weeks, candidates observe and collaborate with their resident teacher(s) while progressively increasing their instructional responsibilities. By the end of the primary placement, candidates should be prepared to lead instruction on a daily basis, including planning lessons and supporting the implementation of the school’s curriculum.

All candidates also have a secondary short-term placement, with the exception of the Single Subject Agriculture cohort. The secondary placement offers experiences in teaching in different settings and grade levels, and the schedule varies by cohort.

Where are student teachers placed?

Most student teaching is done in school districts and charter schools within a 45-minute drive from the UC Davis campus, including: Davis, Dixon, Elk Grove, Fairfield-Suisun, Folsom-Cordova, Language Academy of Sacramento, Natomas, Natomas Charter, Robla, Sacramento City, San Juan, Travis, Twin Rivers, Vacaville, Washington, Winters, and Woodland.

How are the resident teachers chosen?

Resident teachers are selected based on demonstrated exemplary teaching practice, a minimum of three years of teaching experience, and a commitment to mentoring teacher candidates. Resident teachers partner with candidates and Teacher Education Program Supervisors throughout the clinical practice experience to support growth, reflection, and increasing responsibility.