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
Earn 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.
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 Credential
Single Subjects 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…
Who want to teach in middle and high school classrooms
Who want to teach in self-contained classrooms
Aspiring educators seeking to specialize in teaching a single subject
How to become a teacher in California
Your guide to earning a teaching credential
Learn the five essential steps you need to take to become a teacher in California, what to look for in a preparation program, teaching credential options you can pursue and more.
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 2025–2026 academic year. The teacher education program offers a lower tuition rate compared to other graduate programs at USD. Please not 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
Single subject teaching credentials prepare students to pursue various teaching roles within the California education system. Some of the positions that graduates pursue include:
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:
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