The M.Ed./Single Subject Credential Program at UC San Diego is a 22-month program consisting of Educational Foundations coursework (SS-1, first year) and Professional Preparation coursework (SS-2, second year). Students complete the Educational Foundations courses during the first academic year of the program and the Professional Preparation coursework during the remaining 13 months.

UC San Diego students who complete the Educational Foundations (SS-1) coursework as undergraduates apply to the second-year SS-2 program as graduate students.

UC San Diego’s program provides a strong foundation in educational theory, instructional methods, and classroom practice. Students gain extensive in-class teaching experience over two years, which helps prepare graduates to enter the profession with greater confidence and practical experience.

Sample Timeline

SS-1 (22-Month Program)

• January or February: Application deadline (check the Admissions section for the current deadline)
• September–June: Educational Foundations coursework completed as a graduate student
• June: Advancement to SS-2 M.Ed./Credential coursework

SS-2 (13-Month Program)

• January or February: Application deadline (check the Admissions section for the current deadline)
• June–July: Professional coursework
• July: M.Ed. degree and teaching credential awarded

Application Information

Final application deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Please review the admissions checklist carefully before submitting your application. Several requirements are specific to the M.Ed./Single Subject Teaching Credential Program at UC San Diego.

Note: The SS-2 program begins in mid-June.

If you were previously admitted to UC San Diego as a graduate student for a master’s or Ph.D. program and completed at least one quarter of graduate coursework, please contact Giselle Van Luit regarding the process for petitioning for readmission to the Education Studies graduate program. You will still need to complete the online application and prepare all required materials by the deadline. Please contact Giselle before submitting the application or paying the application fee for further instructions.

Admissions Resources

• Admissions Requirements Checklist (Google Doc)
• Information session presentation slides
• Information session video recording

Apply to the UC San Diego Graduate Application Portal

Additional Information

• UC San Diego Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
• University of California licensure and certification disclosures

Program Coursework

M.Ed./Single Subject Credential Program brochure with course list and sample schedules

Educational Foundations Course of Study

For undergraduate minors and SS-1 graduate students

UC San Diego undergraduates planning to apply to the M.Ed./Preliminary Single Subject Credential Program must complete the requirements for one of the following minors:

• Single Subject Educational Foundations Minor
• Mathematics Education Minor
• Science Education Minor

Completion of one of these minors does not guarantee admission to the Education Studies graduate program.

Graduate students admitted to the program complete the Educational Foundations coursework during the first academic year of the program.

Advancement to M.Ed./Credential Professional Preparation Coursework

After completing the Educational Foundations coursework, students are evaluated to determine readiness for the professional coursework and student teaching portion of the program.

An Education Studies faculty committee reviews each student’s record and determines continuation into the professional year based on:

• Completion of all program requirements
• Academic performance
• Professional conduct and participation in the program

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

Professional Preparation Course of Study

The M.Ed./Single Subject Credential Professional Preparation program consists of ten professional preparation courses and a student teaching experience that spans the academic year.

Evening seminars held throughout the academic year address topics such as:

• Classroom management
• Theories of teaching and learning
• Teaching students with diverse learning needs
• Advanced instructional practices

Education Studies courses in the UC San Diego General Catalog

Single Subject Teaching Credential

Single Subject Teaching Credentials authorize the holder to teach in departmentalized classrooms, such as those typically found in junior and senior high school settings. Teachers authorized for single-subject instruction may also be assigned to teach in any departmentalized classroom environment, including preschool through grade 12 or classes organized primarily for adults.

Students completing the M.Ed. Single Subject program receives a Preliminary Single Subject Credential with an emphasis on instructing English language learners. This credential authorizes the holder to provide the following services:

• Instruction for English language development in grades twelve and below, including preschool and classes organized primarily for adults
• Specially designed content instruction delivered in English within a single subject area

Credential Requirements

Single Subject candidates must complete the following credential requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Completion of a Basic Skills requirement
3. Passing score on an approved CSET Single Subject examination, or documentation confirming completion of an approved subject matter preparation program
4. Completion of the U.S. Constitution requirement through an approved course or examination
5. Successful completion of the edTPA Teaching Performance Assessment

For information about financial aid, scholarships, and grants, visit our Funding Opportunities: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants page.

Student Resources

The resources below support students in the Secondary Credential and Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs at UC San Diego. These links include test preparation materials, student handbooks, professional resources, financial support information, and tax guidance.

Test Preparation Resources

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

Education Studies Student Handbooks

• Administrative Handbook 2025–2026 (Google Doc)
• SS-2 Handbook 2025–2026 (Google Doc)
• SS-1 Handbook 2025–2026 (Google Doc)

Professional Resources

• California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• UC San Diego Extended Studies education programs
• EdJoin educator job board

Financial Support

• Education Studies funding opportunities
• Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs financial support
• FAFSA application
• Basic Needs at UC San Diego
• Off-campus housing resources
• Emergency grants and basic needs request forms

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 Billing and Payment on TritonPay.
• Questions about 1042-S for international students: refer to the UC San Diego tax FAQs for international students.
• Questions about W-2: UCPath
• Questions about 1099: UC San Diego 1099 tax information
• General student tax information: UC San Diego fees and tax information

Residency Programs

San Diego Unified School District Residency Program

As a San Diego Unified School District Resident Teacher, you complete a school year of clinical teaching alongside a mentor teacher with expertise in math or science instruction. The residency provides classroom experience and mentorship to support the transition to full-time teaching.

During the paid residency program, candidates complete coursework leading to the M.Ed. degree and Single Subject Credential through instruction grounded in inclusive and culturally sustaining pedagogy. Upon successful completion of the program, residents are prioritized for hiring by the district.

TEACH-LEAD San Diego residency program

For more information, contact Dr. Chris Halter.

Sweetwater Union High School District Residency Program

The Sweetwater Union High School District Teacher Residency program recruits and supports teacher candidates in math, science, special education, and bilingual social science through guided clinical practice with experienced Resident Coaches.

During the paid residency program, candidates complete coursework leading to the M.Ed. degree and Single Subject Credential. Through regular collaboration and reflection, Sweetwater residents build the skills needed to succeed in their future teaching careers.

Sweetwater Teacher Residency program

For more information, contact Dr. Chris Halter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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