Masters and Credential Questions

• Can I pursue my Master of Education while pursuing my teaching credential?

  Yes! UCR’s M.Ed. program is offered concurrently with the credential program.

   

• Can I pursue a credential only?

  Yes, you can obtain a credential only in any of our credential programs. 

   

• How long does it take to complete the program?

  The program is completed in 1 year for Single Subject and Multiple Subject credentials and 14 months for the M.Ed. Special Education with Education Specialist credential.

   

• What type of credentials do you offer?

  Multiple Subject, Single Subject (English, Social Science, Mathematics, Science, and Spanish), and Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs credentials)

   

• What is the difference between a Single Subject and Multiple Subject credential?

  A Single Subject credential authorizes you to teach a specific subject in middle school or high school. We offer English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Spanish. A Multiple Subject credential authorizes you to teach students in elementary schools.

   

• What does an Education Specialist Credential allow me to teach?

  Earn authorizations in Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs. UC Riverside is the only UC campus to offer two (2) Education Specialist credentials that are earned concurrently.

   

• What are the benefits of completing a credential and M.Ed. at the same time?

  One of the benefits of obtaining both your credential and M.Ed. can be seen in annual pay rate. To get a better understanding of this please visit the school district website you are interested in working at and refer to their human resources page. Look under salary schedule and you will find the structure of pay for a credential only employee versus a Master’s and credential employee.

   

Application Process

• What academic term can I apply for and when will I begin the program?

  Applications are accepted only for the Summer term of the academic year. You begin the program in Summer 2023 and continue Fall 2023, Winter 2024, and Spring 2024.

   

• When will I be notified of denial or admittance?

  Notification is on a rolling basis, there will not be a definitive date or time you will receive denial or admittance.

   

• What is the application process for international students?

  We welcome everyone who is interested in our program from all over the world. We require official records for all requirements. Requirements are similar to those who are domestic applicants, with certain exceptions. Please see our website for more information education.ucr.edu, and contact an Academic Advisor at the Teacher Education program for further details.

   

• Is the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) required for admissions?

  The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) will need to be completed by the application deadline. A new California bill now allows applicants to use their bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution to meet the BSR. 

  Bachelor’s Degree as Demonstration of the Basic Skills Requirement: On June 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed a budget trailer bill, SB 153 (Chap. 38, Statutes of 2024), that allow candidates to use their bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as demonstration of the basic skills requirement, effective immediately. PSA 24-07

   

• Do I need to take CSET exams?

  The Subject Matter Competency will need to be fulfilled before our program starts.  Specifically, applicants will need to attempt all CSET subtests and pass at least one subtest by the application deadline (1/17/2025).  If an applicant is admitted and still has any pending CSET subtest(s) it will have to be passed no later than May 23, 2025.  

  The Subject Matter Competency can be met by passing the CSET exam, completing an approved Subject Matter Preparation Program, or via the new AB-130 undergraduate major or coursework option. 

• How many letters of recommendation do I need and who do they need to come from?

  You will need three (3) letters of recommendation. M.Ed. applicants must obtain 2 letters from academic references (Faculty/Professors), and 1 from a non-academic reference (ex: teacher or current/past supervisor.) 

   

• When do I submit my transcripts?

  Official transcripts must be requested from your institution and sent to us as soon as you apply.

   

• How long will I wait until receiving notification about an admissions decision?

  Only complete applications are reviewed. Based on your application requirements being met, you will then be invited for a group interview. A decision is made within 2-3 weeks after the interview has been conducted.

   

• I have one class to complete during the Summer term to obtain my Bachelor’s degree. Am I still eligible for Fall admission to the program?

  Unfortunately, you will not qualify for admission to the Teacher Education Program without completion of your Bachelor’s degree. Based on the California Teachers Commission requirements, all California teacher education preparation programs are post-baccalaureate.

   

• Can I apply to the Teacher Education Program even though I do not have experience as a teacher or have a degree in education?

  Yes! Our program is designed to give you the education and experience to be successful as a K-12 teacher. No previous experience is necessary, nor does it matter what major your Bachelor’s degree is in, as long as you meet the subject matter competency requirement for the credential you are pursuing.

   

Tuition and Fees

• What is the cost of the program?

  The program cost is based on the university’s tuition and fee rate for Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Based on the 2024-25 tuition and fees, the credential only program cost approximately $22,000.00. The Master of Education with multiple subject or single subject credential (General Education with Teaching Emphasis) program cost is approximately $22,000.00. The Master of Education, Special Education Emphasis with dual Education Specialist credential program cost is approximately $27,500.00. Note: All costs are approximate and are subject to change.

   

• How can I calculate my expected tuition and fees?

  Please take a look at the registrar’s office webpage for more information about quarterly tuition.

   

• Are there other program fees I am responsible for?

  Multiple subject and single subject credential candidates are required to successfully complete a teaching performance assessment (TPA) at the end of their program. The estimated TPA fee is $300.00. Multiple subject and education specialist candidates need to pass the RICA exam by the end of the program. The estimated cost to take the RICA exam is $171.00.

   

• What financial aid options are available?

  Students need to make sure they apply for the FAFSA application as soon as possible. Visit the UCR’s Financial Aid Department page for more information http://finaid.ucr.edu/. Based on each particular student’s package there will be grants, student loans, and some scholarships available. For more information on the TEACH Grant click on the following link https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants- scholarships/teach. For more information on the Cal Grant click on the following link https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/.

   

I’m a current UCR undergraduate, how do I prepare to try and get into UCR TEP?

• I am a current undergraduate student. Do you have any tips about how I can best prepare for the program while I am pursuing by B.A.?

  Yes, we created this handy resource guide for current UCR undergraduates. The guide includes suggested timelines for freshmen and transfer students, CSET test structure, as well as CSET test resources. Also, look at the additional CTC requirements to be completed to receive my teaching credential and if possible take those courses [link to the FAQ below] Download it here.

   

• What additional CTC requirements need to be completed to receive my teaching credential?

  (Please note: these requirements are not needed during the admissions process, but will need to be met before you complete your credential program)

  U.S. Constitution Requirement (Satisfied by one or more of the following):

  Earn a bachelor's degree from a California State University (CSU).

  Pass AP US History or AP Government exam with score of 3 or above

  UCR Courses: POSC-10; HIST-17A; HISA-110B; or university/community college equivalent course

  Pass a U.S. Constitution exam by approved institution:

  UCLA Extension Constitution Exam

  Technology Requirement (Satisfied by one or more of the following):

  UCR Courses: CS-008; CS-010; or university/community college equivalent course

  Passage of CSET Preliminary Technology, Subtests 1 and 2

  Health Education Requirement (Satisfied by one or more of the following):

  UCR Course: EDUC-044 or university/community college equivalent course

  UCR Extension Course: EDUCX 451.01

  CPR (Infant, Child, and Adult) Certification

  CPR certification must be valid during the entire academic year.

  Please feel free to contact the TEP office with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the state certification requirements at creded@ucr.edu or (951) 827-5225.

   

Program Experience

• Where will I complete my student teaching?

  UCR makes placements for student teaching based on approved school districts.

  Students do not make their own placements.

   

• Will I be able to do my student teaching at a district of my choice?

  UCR aims at providing the best student teaching experience for all our teacher candidates and has contracted with public school districts that will best fit our student needs. Student teaching placements will be assigned by our office at approved school sites in the local area. The placements are made to provide you with required experiences with qualified educators.

   

• Will I be able to work while I am enrolled in the program?

  Our program is a full-time, rigorous program. Unfortunately, there is little opportunity for students to work full-time during the school year. Flexible weekend, part-time, short-term positions are feasible for some students.

   

• Are internship opportunities available for students?

  Yes! Internship opportunities for our students may be available if eligible. For those that are interested please contact our credential analyst for more information and review the following link https://education.ucr.edu/intern-and-early-completion-options.

   

• Can I transfer credits if I have already begun a credential program at another institution?

  UCR’s Teacher Education Program is both extensive and very rigorous. For this reason, not all credits completed for a teacher education program at another institution will be accepted. Some coursework may be recognized, however, you will need to contact the Teacher Education Program to verify.

   

• What is the likelihood of getting my career started after completing my teaching credential program?

  UCR graduates are highly sought after throughout California. More than half of our students obtain employment prior to graduation.