Take the Next Step Toward a Successful Teaching Career
The Preliminary Single Subject Credential prepares educators to teach specific subject areas that are included in most public middle and high school (grades 7–12) curricula or in classes designed primarily for adults.
We offer the following single subject credentials:
Biology
Chemistry
English
General Science
Geosciences
Math
Physics
Spanish
Social Sciences
World Languages
Following a cohort model course sequence, students can choose to pursue the following pathways:
Program Pathways
Single or Dual Credential: You can earn one credential or both a general education credential (multiple or single subject) and an education specialist credential (MMSN). Through student teaching in both general and special education settings, students gain hands-on experience and develop the skills to teach in diverse classrooms. Earning dual credentials enhances employability, as graduates are qualified to teach in both general and special education classrooms.
Add a Master's degree to your credential(s): For an additional 9 units, you can add a Master's degree to extend your learning and earning potential.
33 units
Single Subject Credential
36 Units
Dual Credentials
Single Subject Credential and Education Specialist Credential
42 Units
Single Subject Credential and Master’s Degree
45 Units
Dual Credentials
Single Subject Credential and Education Specialist Credential and Master’s Degree
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon earning their teaching credential, students will be prepared to make a difference in California classrooms by:
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
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 to teaching practices, student learning and education policies to explore new ideas that enhance the field
Who Is the Single Subject Teaching Credential for?
The California single subject teaching credential is designed for individuals…
Who are passionate about teaching a specific subject area, such as math, science, English, history, or world languages.
Who are career changers or industry professionals who want to bring real-world expertise into secondary classrooms.
Who aspire to be future middle or high school teachers and want to work with adolescent learners in departmentalized school settings.
This program is accredited by the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing.
Financing Your Education
At University of San Diego, all students have a right to an education, regardless of income. The majority of students receive some form of financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans and employment.
The tuition rate is for the 2026–2027 academic year. The teacher education program offers a lower tuition rate compared to other graduate programs at USD. Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.
33 - 45
Units
$933
Tuition per unit
$30,789 -$41,985
Estimated total tuition
Dependent on pathway
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.
Note: Salary estimates sourced from ziprecruiter.com in January 2025. Estimates are subject to change over time based on updates to available data.
Careers in Education
Candidates who earn single or dual credentials are eligible for various teaching roles within the California education system. Some examples of the careers that graduates pursue include:
Typically working with students in grades six through eight, middle school teachers bridge the gap between elementary and high school education by teaching subject-specific content and developing critical thinking skills. Other aspects of their job include supporting students’ social and emotional development and creating an engaging learning environment.
Average Salary:
High school teachers educate students in specific subjects, helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed for graduation and future success. They also create lesson plans, assess student progress and provide guidance and support to foster both academic and personal growth.
Average Salary: $57,056
Special education teachers support students with diverse learning needs by creating individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to their abilities and goals. To better ensure students achieve academic, social and developmental success, they also adapt teaching methods, provide targeted interventions and collaborate with families and specialists.
Average Salary: $61,098
Our Alumni
After earning their preliminary single subject credential, our students go on to a range of fulfilling careers in education.
OUR ALUMNI WORK OR HAVE WORKED FOR:
Take the Next Step
Ready to Get Started?
Your future as a Changemaker starts here. Learn more about SOLES or start your application today.