Addressing California’s Teacher Shortage
California is facing teacher shortages, and passionate, well-prepared educators are needed more than ever. The credential system in California is designed to fill this growing need by preparing future teachers with specializations to work with students from early childhood through high school.
Teaching credential subject areas
Choose from three types of teaching credentials:
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon earning their teaching credential, students will be prepared to make a difference in California classrooms by:
Integrating technology and diverse perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity and collaborative problem-solving on real-world local and global issues
Applying learning, instruction and motivation theories to support learners' cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, physical and moral development through inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Integrating assessment and technology into planning and instruction to gather feedback that enhances student learning, classroom management and teaching methods
Conducting and applying research on teaching practices, student learning and education policies to explore new ideas that enhance teaching, learning and the profession
Exploring strategies for creating inclusive, welcoming environments that support diverse learners and students with varying needs, abilities and backgrounds through tailored instructional approaches
Reflecting critically on how personal perspectives and potential biases influence expectations and relationships with learners and their families
Who Are
Preliminary Teaching Credentials for?
Our preliminary credential-only programs are designed for those...
seeking the quickest path to a credential.
who hold a master's degree.
who need a streamlined option.
There are times when I'm in the middle of writing IEPs or I'm having a difficult student and I can't remember how to work with the student to de-escalate them, and I can look back at my tools from SOLES — my textbooks and my notes — to find the solutions.
The Value of
Adding a Master's Degree
Only nine additional units are needed to earn your Master’s Degree with Preliminary Credential(s)
Many prospective teachers choose to obtain their master’s in education (MEd) while getting their credentials because they understand the long-term value of a master’s degree. Students who earn a master’s at the beginning of their teaching careers have higher earning potential, open up pathways to specializations and leadership roles within education and are better prepared to enter the classroom.
Upon completion of the state teaching credential requirements, students will be recommended to the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing for a Preliminary or Level I Credential which is valid for up to five years and allows them to begin teaching.
Financing Your Education
All students have a right to an education, regardless of income or circumstance. Over 60% of our students rely on financial assistance to cover part of their educational expenses.
The tuition rate is for the 2025–26 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
33
Units
$933
Tuition per unit
$30,789
Estimated total tuition
Financial Aid
In addition to external funding resources, students at SOLES may be eligible for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and discounts.
Careers in Education
Preliminary credential programs prepare students to pursue various teaching roles within the California education system. Some of the positions that graduates choose to pursue include:
Note: Salary estimates sourced from ziprecruiter.com in January 2025. Estimates are subject to change over time based on updates to available data.
Our Alumni
After earning their preliminary teaching credential, students go on to fulfilling careers in education.
OUR ALUMNI WORK OR HAVE WORKED FOR:
Questions?
Connect with SOLES admissions
You can connect with the SOLES Admissions and Outreach team in a number of ways for more information about our degree programs and certificates