About the Program

The M.Ed./Multiple Subject Credential Program at UC San Diego is an intensive 13-month program consisting of Educational Foundations coursework (MS-1 Summer), Professional Preparation coursework (MS-2), and completion of the Teaching Performance Assessment portfolio.

Students complete the Educational Foundations courses during an intensive summer session and the Professional Preparation coursework during the remaining months of the program year. UC San Diego students who complete the Educational Foundations (MS-1) coursework as undergraduates may apply to the second-year MS-2 program as graduate students.

UC San Diego’s rigorous program provides students with a strong foundation in educational issues and teaching methods, along with substantial classroom experience. This extended preparation helps graduates enter the profession with greater experience and confidence.

Program Timeline

MS-1 (Educational Foundations)

• January or February: Application deadline (check the Admissions section for the current deadline)
• June–August: Educational Foundations coursework completed during the MS-1 Summer Intensive program
• September: Students advance to MS-2 M.Ed./Credential program coursework

The MS-1 Summer Intensive program requires 24 units of intensive preparation coursework. Students must attend all class sessions and complete guided practicum hours in assigned field placements:

• 50 hours of practicum for EDS 128A during the first summer session
• 50 hours of practicum for EDS 128B during the second summer session

The summer program begins in mid-June and continues through mid-August. Attendance and completion of all practicum hours are required.

MS-2 (Professional Preparation)

• January or February: Application deadline (check the Admissions section for the current deadline)
• Late August–July: Professional Preparation coursework and student teaching
• July: Students receive the Master of Education degree and California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

The MS-2 program begins in late August during the Early Fall Session for the following courses: EDS 201 and EDS 203. Specific start dates are published in the UC San Diego Schedule of Classes.

Course of Study

M.Ed./Multiple Subject Credential Program brochure with course descriptions and sample schedules

Educational Foundations Coursework

For undergraduate minors and MS-1 graduate students

UC San Diego undergraduates planning to apply to the M.Ed./Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential Program must complete all requirements for the Multiple Subject Educational Foundations Minor.

Completion of the minor does not guarantee admission to the Education Studies graduate program.

Education Studies undergraduate minors

Graduate students admitted to the program complete the Educational Foundations coursework during an intensive summer session.

Advancement to Professional Preparation Coursework

After completing the Educational Foundations coursework, students are evaluated to determine their readiness to continue into the professional coursework and student teaching portions of the program.

An Education Studies faculty committee reviews each student’s:

• completion of program requirements
• academic performance
• professional conduct in all aspects of the program

Advancement to the professional year of the program is not automatic.

Professional Preparation Coursework

The M.Ed./Multiple Subject Credential Program includes:

• eleven professional preparation courses
• fifteen weeks of pre-student teaching
• fifteen weeks of student teaching
• preparation for the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

The program is delivered as an intensive year-long sequence that integrates multiple subject areas through inquiry-based and activity-centered instructional methods.

Education Studies course descriptions in the UC San Diego General Catalog

Credential Requirements

A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in self-contained classrooms, such as those commonly found in elementary schools. Teachers with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may also be assigned to teach in other self-contained settings, including preschool, K–12 classrooms, or courses organized primarily for adults. In addition, credential holders may serve in core, alternative, or team-teaching settings.

Students completing the M.Ed./Multiple Subject program earn a California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an emphasis in teaching English learners. Graduates are authorized to provide the following services:

• Instruction for English language development in preschool through grade 12 and in classes organized primarily for adults
• Specially designed content instruction delivered in English in multiple-subject, self-contained classrooms

Requirements for the Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Candidates in the Multiple Subject program must complete the following requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Completion of the California Basic Skills Requirement
3. Passing score on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects examination
4. Completion of the U.S. Constitution requirement through an approved course or examination
5. Passing score on the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
6. Successful completion of the Teaching Performance Assessment (edTPA)

For additional information, review the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing credential requirements.

Information about the Teaching Performance Assessment is available on the edTPA website.

Information for International Applicants

Special information for applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

For an application to be considered for review, international applicants must complete the requirements listed below before submitting the application. These items are required by the State of California in order to participate in a teacher preparation program and receive a teaching credential, and they are considered part of the program’s standard admission requirements. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.

A. Completion of Admission Requirements

Applicants must complete all admission requirements listed in the Admissions Requirements Checklist by the program application deadline.

B. Certificate of Clearance

If you are an international applicant on a student visa, a non-U.S. citizen, or a non-U.S. permanent resident and you are admitted to the M.Ed./Credential Program or the MA-ASL Program, please note that all applicants must obtain a Certificate of Clearance through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to be eligible for student teaching.

The Certificate of Clearance application requires either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For information about obtaining an SSN or ITIN, visit the Internal Revenue Service website.

All Education Studies candidates must obtain a Certificate of Clearance before the application deadline to be eligible for admission. Review the Certificate of Clearance information from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Student teaching is required to complete the program and earn the teaching credential. If a student is unable to begin student teaching, they will not be able to continue in the program. Applicants who are unable to obtain a U.S. Social Security Number or ITIN should contact the Education Studies admissions coordinator before applying.

C. Foreign Transcript Evaluation

Applicants who completed college or university coursework at an institution outside of the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant academic documents.

The official transcript evaluation must be uploaded to the application before the application deadline for the application to be reviewed. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an organization approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Review the Foreign Transcript Evaluation guidance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Please note that UC San Diego Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs has additional requirements for international applicants. Review the UC San Diego international graduate student application requirements.

Additional Resources

• International Students and Programs Office
• Undocumented Student Services Center

Student Services Center
5th Floor, Suite 518

Funding Opportunities

Education Studies offers several funding resources for graduate students, including financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

Education Studies funding opportunities: financial aid, scholarships, and grants

Student Resources

Test Preparation Resources

• CBEST preparation resources from the San Diego County Office of Education
• CSET preparation resources from the San Diego County Office of Education
• RICA examination preparation resources from the San Diego County Office of Education

Student Handbooks

• Administrative Handbook 2025–2026
• MS-1 Summer Intensive Handbook 2025–2026
• MS-2 Handbook 2025–2026

Teacher Resources

• California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• UC San Diego Extended Studies programs (Clear Credential, Reading Instruction Certificate, and CLAD Through CTEL)
• EdJoin educator job board

Financial Support

• Education Studies funding opportunities
• UC San Diego Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs financial support
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Basic Needs Hub at UC San Diego
• Off-campus housing resources
• Emergency loans and grants through Basic Needs

Tax Resources

• Free tax preparation assistance for domestic students from the Internal Revenue Service
• Tax resources for international students at UC San Diego
• Questions about 1098-T: 1-877-467-3821. Students can access tax form information through UC San Diego's billing and payment services.
• Questions about 1042-S for international students: refer to the UC San Diego international student tax FAQ page.
• Questions about W-2: UCPath employee services 
• General graduate student tax information: UC San Diego graduate financial support resources.

For answers to common questions about admissions, coursework, and program requirements, review the Frequently Asked Questions for the M.Ed./Credential Programs.