CGU's Preliminary Credential + MA Program

In California, credentialing is a two-step process. The first credential a teacher needs to earn is a Preliminary Credential. If you are new to the teaching profession, you would first work towards your Preliminary Credential. Within five years of earning a Preliminary Credential, a California teacher must earn a Clear Credential from an approved Induction Program. A teacher cannot start working towards a Clear Credential until he/she has earned a Preliminary Credential. CGU has a Preliminary Credential + MA Program and an Induction Program. CGU's Induction Program is a great alternative to BTSA, a district-run Induction Program. CGU also has a "Direct to Clear Path" that allows a person to earn a Preliminary Credential, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Clear Credential in just two years (with the option for the last year to be done while living outside of Southern California). This is the most expedited route to full credentialing.

In California, credentialing is a two-step process. The first credential a teacher needs to earn is a Preliminary Credential. If you are new to the teaching profession, you would first work towards your Preliminary Credential. Within five years of earning a Preliminary Credential, a California teacher must earn a Clear Credential from an approved Induction Program. A teacher cannot start working towards a Clear Credential until he/she has earned a Preliminary Credential. CGU has a Preliminary Credential + MA Program and an Induction Program. CGU's Induction Program is a great alternative to BTSA, a district-run Induction Program. CGU also has a "Direct to Clear Path" that allows a person to earn a Preliminary Credential, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Clear Credential in just two years (with the option for the last year to be done while living outside of Southern California). This is the most expedited route to full credentialing.

Teachers who have advanced degrees earn more than teachers who don't have advanced degrees. Plus, we think the additional coursework helps improve the teacher's ability to work with students.

Quality.
Principals tell us our Preliminary Credential alumni graduate akin to 4th or 5th year teachers and are among the best in California. Indeed, our graduates have been named Teacher of the Year in California, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County (2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012). Our reputation for quality means our teachers are highly recruited and are often fast-tracked into leadership. Alumni tell us "I got hired because I am from CGU...I got promoted because of what I learned at CGU."

Affordable.
We are more affordable than you'd think! On average, 80% of our students receive tuition fellowships, and 90% participate in loan repayment programs. Contact us for a one-on-one financial consultation.

Fast.
CGU's Preliminary + MA Program can be completed in 15-19 months!

Earn-while-you-learn.
We have two paths that allow Preliminary Candidates to earn money while in the program. The Internship Path allows candidates to be employed as fully-salaried, fully responsible teachers in their own K-12 classrooms. The Early-Start Residency Path provides multiple-subject and history candidates a living stipend while working in a K-12 classroom under the tutelage of a CGU Master Teacher. In CGU's Induction Program, teachers can work as fully-salaried teachers while pursuing their Clear Credential.

Get Promoted Quicker.
Because our candidates simultaneously earn a MA and their California teaching credential, they earn higher salaries than teachers who don't have advanced degrees. Additionally, a substantial number of CGU alumni are promoted to leadership positions within 5 years of graduating.

Easy application process.
The application process is simple. No GRE needed. Click here for an application.