Credentials and Authorizations
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program curriculum meets credential program standards and teacher performance expectations set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). As a student in the program, you will complete one primary credential track of your choice and have the option to increase your competitiveness in the job market by completing the requirements for additional credentials, authorizations and certificates, some of which are integrated in the curriculum.
Primary Credential Track
| Earn a California Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential | Earn a California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential |
|---|---|
| Become authorized to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most elementary schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. In addition, the holder of a multiple subjects credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting. |
Become authorized to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. USC Rossier offers single subject credential preparation for:
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Additional Credentials, Authorizations and Certificates
In addition to earning your California Preliminary Multiple Subjects or Single Subject teaching credential, you can complete the requirements for the following credentials, authorizations and certificates. While you will have an option to indicate your interest at the time of application, you are not required to make a decision prior to enrolling in the program.
| Description | Requirements to Pursue | |
| Preliminary Education Specialist Credential (includes Additional Autism Authorization) |
Prepares you to work specifically with students with mild to moderate learning disabilities at either the elementary or secondary level. The Additional Autism Authorization prepares you to conduct assessments, provide instruction and special education-related services to individuals with autism at either the elementary or secondary level |
Coursework requirements fully integrated in the MAT curriculum. After beginning the program, notify your program advisor of your intention to pursue this credential and complete additional exams and student teaching. |
|---|---|---|
| English Learner Authorization |
Prepares you to support students’ English language acquisition as well as access to academic content across the curriculum. |
Coursework requirements fully integrated into the MAT curriculum. |
| Bilingual Authorization in Spanish |
Prepares you teach language learners whose primary language is Spanish. Provides the option to teach in either bilingual settings or in English dominant settings with Spanish language learners. |
You must be fluent in Spanish to pursue this authorization. After beginning the MAT program, notify your program advisor of your intention to pursue this authorization. During the program, pass the CSET: Spanish Subtest III and V and complete required guided practice student teaching. |
| USC Gifted Education Certificate |
Prepares you to recognize giftedness among cultural, linguistic, and economically diverse students in urban schools and provide appropriate curriculum. |
After beginning the program, notify your program advisor of your intention to pursue this certificate and enroll in EDUC 684: Responding to Gifted Students (4 units) during the MAT summer session. |
Credential Recommendation1
After you have completed the MAT program and all credential requirements for the preliminary teaching credential(s) of your choice, USC Rossier will formally recommend qualified candidates to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the preliminary credential document. If you plan to pursue a credential in another state, become familiar with the specific requirements in your state of interest.