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Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential

School of Education

FPU's teaching programs include coursework that provides students with an understanding of the history of schools, theories of teaching and learning, and methods of teaching. The program emphasizes training prospective teachers to teach the Common Core State Standards.

Students apply what they learn in coursework to the practical challenges of teaching during their early field experience and student teaching. The credential program prepares candidates to teach in multilingual, multicultural communities.

FPU’s credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC www.ctc.ca.gov) and recognized by private schools, as well.

Program Highlights

  • Emphasis on application of theory to practice
  • Student teaching cohort model with placement in partnering school districts
  • Collaborative learning community and quality mentorship
  • High rate of employment

Catalog

Program Director: Multiple Subjects Credential, Darrell Blanks, M.A.; MAT, Michele McConnell, Ph.D.

Overview

The Multiple Subject Credential program prepares candidates for a preliminary teaching credential and provides foundational courses for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Only Fresno Pacific credential program completers are eligible to continue in the capstone courses of the MAT to complete their degree. MAT students must be employed as a credentialed teacher and return to the capstone courses within three years of credential program completion. 

Admissions Requirements for Credential 

  • Online application and fee
  • Teacher Education Addendum
  • Three current reference forms
  • Interview with program director
  • All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended
  • Verification of current negative TB test (last 12 months)
  • Certificate of Clearance

    FPU undergraduate students seeking a teaching credential must apply and be admitted to the program prior to taking any teacher education courses. 

    The program expects applicants from FPU as well as other universities to complete their application and submit all application documents to the program at least four weeks before they expect to begin coursework.

Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competency Requirements

  • Verification of Basic Skills by course work or passing CBEST
  • Verification of Subject Matter Competency by degree, course work, or passing CSET

Admissions Requirements for MAT Post-Credential Program

  • Completion of Graduate Admissions Update Form
  • Signed Verification of Employment letter
  • Attend an orientation meeting with program director
  • No readmission fee required

Accreditation

FPU's credentials are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The CTC website provides extensive guidelines pertaining to becoming a teacher in California (ctc.ca.gov).

Credential Program Student Learning Outcomes

Developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) are aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).

  1.  Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
  2.  Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
  3.  Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning
  4.  Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students
  5.  Assessing Student Learning
  6.  Developing as a Professional Educator

MAT Post-Credential Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students within the Teacher Education Program at Fresno Pacific University who complete a preliminary teaching credential and master's degree in teaching understand teaching to be a calling to redemptive service via the following:

  1. Candidates inquire into teaching practice and student learning to reflect on problems of practice and implement conclusions to improve teaching and learning.
  2. Candidates critically reflect on how their biases, assumptions, and ideologies influence their professional practice and act to mitigate these influences in interactions with students, families, and communities.
  3. Candidates use knowledge of education, economic, and social contexts to engage in collaboration and advocacy for all students.
  4. Candidates promote student learning by creating positive and inclusive classroom environments and interact effectively with families and others in the school community. 

Program Length/Semester Starts/Pacing Options 

The MAT/Multiple Subjects program offers students opportunities to start the preliminary credential phase of the MAT program in the summer, fall or spring terms. Many students who wish to start their credential in the fall choose to jumpstart their program by taking one or two courses the summer before.  Coursework for the post-credential phase of the MAT begins only in fall.

MAT Post-Credential Pacing:

Fall

Spring

Summer

EDUC 701:  Issues in Teaching:  Investigations of Problems of Practice

Session 1: First 8 weeks

EDUC 703:  Curriculum Study:  Theory Analysis and Practice

Session 2: Second 8 weeks

EDUC 704:  Qualitative Research Methods:  Action Research

Session 1: First 8 weeks

EDUC 705: MAT Research Project (IP)

Session 2: Second 8 weeks

EDUC 705: MAT Research Project (IP)

Complete project write-up by July 1 for August degree granting

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno, Visalia, Merced

Co-Requisite Courses

This course is an additional requirement of the state of California for multiple subjects candidates who have not completed comparable coursework in their baccalaureate studies:

  • EDUC 699 - Positive Child Development Credits 2
  • Political Science course equivalent

Required Courses (37 Units)

  • EDUC 604 - Foundations of Education Credits 4 *
  • EDUC 605 - Teaching the Exceptional Learner Credits 3 *
  • EDUC 638 - Health Education for Teachers Credits 2
  • EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits 4 *
  • EDUC 643 - Teaching Elementary Mathematics Credits 3
  • EDUC 644 - Teaching with Technology Credits 2
  • EDUC 637 - Curriculum Perspectives and Design: Multiple Subjects Credits 3 *
  • EDUC 645 - Curriculum Design and Implementation: Multiple Subject Credits 3 *
  • EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits 3 *
  • EDUC 647 - Teaching Elementary Science Credits 2

Choose One of the Following Tracks

Student Teaching Track

  • EDUC 610 - Directed Initial Student Teaching: Multiple Subject Credits 2 or
  • EDUC 633A - Extended Initial Directed Student Teaching I: Multiple Subjects Credits 1 and
  • EDUC 633B - Extended Initial Directed Student Teaching II: Multiple Subjects Credits 1
  • EDUC 630 - Directed Final Student Teaching: Multiple Subject Credits 6 *

Independent Teaching Track

  • EDUC 662 - Independent Teaching Practicum Credits 3
  • EDUC 664A - Independent Teaching I Credits 3
  • EDUC 664B - Independent Teaching II Credits 3
  • EDUC 640C - Independent Teaching III: Multiple Subject Credits 6 *

MAT Post-Credential Courses

  • EDUC 701 - Issues in Teaching: Investigations of Problems of Practice Credits 3
  • EDUC 703 - Literature Review Credits 3
  • EDUC 704 - Research Methods: Action Research Credits 3
  • EDUC 705 - MAT Research Project Credits 3
  • *MAT required courses. A student must earn a grade of B- or better in any of these courses for them to be counted toward the MAT. Courses with grades lower than a B- must be replaced or repeated.

  • Note:

    For MAT students, EDUC-650 can be taken in place of EDUC-642 and EDUC-651 can be taken in place of EDUC-646

Dual Program with Special Education

Candidates for the multiple subject credentials may be interested in adding a credential in special education. The preliminary multiple subject credential and preliminary education specialist credential programs have been designed with this interest in mind. Many courses are the same in the two programs to facilitate opportunities for candidates to complete both credentials. Students in the elementary education and secondary education programs interested in special education are urged to seek advice from faculty in the special education division.

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 45+ graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment  and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!  

For more information, contact the campus nearest you, attend an information meeting or ask about a program.

First Steps to Admission

  • Apply online
  • Submit two reference forms. These can be filled out by academic or professional acquaintances familiar with your ability to complete graduate-level work. Print the reference form.
  • Request official transcripts.
    Transcripts must be from accredited institutions to verify your bachelor’s degree. Mail your sealed transcripts to the Registrar’s office or email to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu.
  • Complete program requirements.
    These requirements are specific to your program of choice. You will be contacted for an interview and additional requirements if applicable.
  • Apply for financial aid.
    You can apply for FAFSA.  Use FPU school code: 001253
  • Schedule an appointment.
    Meet with your Student Financial Services Advisor. You can contact them at 559-453-2041 | sfs@fresno.edu.

Print Next Step Checklist

Program Requirements

Note: As a result of COVID-19, admission requirements have temporarily been simplified. Please contact your program representative for more information.

  • Teacher Education Addendum
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Verification of current negative TB test (within last 12 months)
  • Certificate of Clearance
  • Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST, Coursework, or SAT/ACT Scores)
  • Proof of passing required CSETs or Subject Matter Competency Waiver

Cost & Financial Aid

The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in your education journey. We can help you find all the opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25

Tuition per UnitAmount
700 Level$750
Teacher Education$750
MBA$810
MSN and LEAD$775
KIN$610
Other CostsAmount
Student services fee (per semester)$70
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters)$1,500

2023-24

Tuition per Unit Amount
700 Level $730
Teacher Education $730
MBA $785
MSN and LEAD $750
KIN $590
Other Costs Amount
Student services fee (per semester) $60
* Field Placement Fee (charged for both the international and regional trip semesters) $1,500

* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Please refer to the Catalog for additional fees. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.

Types of aid

Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.

View Graduate Private Scholarships

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the program requirements, candidates are recommended for a Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, allowing them to seek subject area teaching positions in elementary and middle schools.

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center