Should You Pursue a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Teacher candidates face a critical decision when choosing the type of teaching credential they'd like to pursue: should they pursue a single-subject teaching credential or a multiple-subject teaching credential? This decision is an important one, and each preliminary credential has its benefits and drawbacks. We'll share some information to help you decide which type of credential program is best for you. 

What is a Single-Subject Teaching Credential?

A single-subject teaching credential authorizes a teacher to teach one specific subject, such as English, math, science, history, or physical education, to students in grades 7-12 in public schools or private schools. To obtain a single-subject teaching credential, an individual must have at least a bachelor's degree in the subject they wish to teach and complete a teacher preparation program that includes coursework, fieldwork, and assessments.

Benefits of a Single-Subject Credential

• Specialization: With a single subject credential, teachers can focus on teaching the subject they are passionate about and have expertise in. Their specific credential courses will be focused on one specialty area rather than multiple subjects. This specialization can help them become experts in their field and provide more in-depth instruction to their students.
• Career Opportunities: A single subject teaching credential can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including teaching at the middle school, high school, and college levels, or working as a curriculum specialist, instructional coach, or teacher trainer. There is currently a shortage of teachers in specific subject areas such as mathematics, science, and special education. If you have the ability to teach one of these subjects, you may have more job opportunities available to you.
• Higher Pay: In some states, teachers with a single subject credential are paid higher salaries than those with multiple subject credentials. This is because they have specialized knowledge and skills that are in high demand.

Drawbacks of a Single-Subject Credential

• Limited Flexibility: A single-subject teaching credential limits the teacher to teaching only one subject, which can be limiting if they want to switch subjects at some point during their teaching career. If a teacher wants to switch subject areas, they may need additional credentials.
• Restricted to Only Working With Older Children: Because elementary school children receive the majority of their core instruction in self-contained classrooms from the same teacher, those with single-subject credentials are restricted to teaching at the middle school level or above. The exception to this is for those who teach specialized subjects such as art, music, or physical education.

What is a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential?

A multiple-subject teaching credential authorizes a teacher to teach a variety of subjects to students in grades K-6. To obtain a multiple-subject credential, an individual must have a bachelor's degree in any subject and complete a teacher preparation program that includes coursework, fieldwork, and assessments.

Benefits of a Multiple-Subject Credential

• Flexibility: With a multiple-subject credential, teachers can teach a variety of subjects, which gives them more flexibility and allows them to teach different grade levels or switch subjects if they wish to do so.
• Broad Knowledge Base: A multiple-subject teaching credential provides teachers with a broad knowledge base, which can be beneficial when working with students with diverse learning needs.
• Ability to Work With Younger Children: Those who pursue a multiple-subject credential are eligible to teach at the elementary level, whereas those who pursue a single-subject credential are usually restricted to teaching middle school or high school.

Drawbacks of a Multiple-Subject Credential

• Less Specialization: With a multiple-subject teaching credential, teachers do not have the same level of specialization as those with a single-subject credential. This means you'll need to demonstrate subject matter competency across all subject areas, rather than just one.
• Lower Pay: In some states, teachers with multiple-subject teaching credentials are paid less than those with single-subject teaching credentials because they do not have the same level of specialization.

How to Get Your Preliminary Teaching Credential

To obtain a preliminary teaching credential in California, you must complete the following steps:

1. Meet the degree requirements: You must have at least a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution to meet the education requirements for any type of teaching degree in California.
2. Complete a CTC-approved teacher education program: You must complete a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved teacher preparation program. Depending on your educational background, you can either choose to complete a bachelor's degree program in education or a specific subject, or you can get a Master's in Teaching degree that fulfills the teacher preparation requirements.
3. Meet the basic skills requirement: Prospective educators must receive a passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), which measures basic subject matter competence in reading, math, and writing.
4. Pass the appropriate subject matter examination: If you are pursuing a single-subject teaching credential, you must have the appropriate subject matter requirements for the subject you want to teach. Elementary teachers pursuing a multiple-subject teaching credential do not need to take a subject matter examination.
5. Complete a fingerprint and background check: California requirements for licensure include a fingerprint and background check through the California Department of Justice. Eligible candidates must not have a criminal history. 
6. Complete a student teaching or internship program: Prospective teachers must complete a student teaching or internship program as part of your teacher preparation program.

Once you have completed these steps, you can apply for your preliminary teaching credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A 5-year preliminary teaching credential allows you to begin teaching in California schools.

How to Decide Which Type of Teaching Degree You Should Get

When deciding between a single-subject teaching degree and a multiple-subject teaching degree, it's essential to ask yourself some critical questions. Here are some questions that can help you make an informed decision.

What subjects am I most passionate about?

If you are passionate about a specific subject, you may want to consider getting a Single Subject Teaching Credential, which allows you to teach that subject exclusively.

On the other hand, if you are interested in teaching multiple subjects, you may want to consider getting a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, which prepares you to teach a range of subjects typically taught in elementary schools. With this type of credential, you may have more flexibility in the types of positions you can apply for.

What grade levels do I want to teach?

Different teaching credentials are designed for different grade levels, and each has its own specific requirements. If you want to teach in an elementary education classroom, you may want to consider a multiple-subject credential program, which prepares you to teach a range of subjects typically taught in grades K-8.

If you want to teach in middle school or high school, you should pursue a single-subject credential, which prepares you to teach a specific subject, such as English, math, science, or social studies. This type of credential may be suitable if you have a passion for a particular subject and want to focus on teaching that subject to older students.

Am I comfortable with the idea of teaching a subject outside my expertise with a multiple-subject teaching degree?

If you are comfortable with the idea of teaching a range of subjects that may be outside your expertise, a multiple-subject credential may be right for you. However, if you prefer to focus on teaching a specific subject that you are passionate about and have expertise in, a single-subject credential will likely be a better fit for you.

Am I interested in pursuing a career outside of traditional classroom teaching, such as curriculum development or teacher training?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in curriculum development or educational leadership at some point down the line, you may want to consider getting a Master's in Teaching with a multiple-subject credential, which can prepare you with the advanced knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles in K-12 education. 

Alternatively, if you are interested in developing educational curriculum or teaching materials, you may want to consider getting a credential that provides you with a broad understanding of different subject areas, such as a multiple-subject credential.

By asking yourself these questions, you can better understand your strengths, interests, and career aspirations, which can help guide your decision between a single-subject teaching degree and a multiple-subject teaching degree. It's also essential to research the specific requirements and opportunities for each type of teaching degree in your area to make an informed decision.

Get Your Teaching Degree in California With a MA in Teaching From Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology

The Master of Arts in Teaching program at Pepperdine University is designed to prepare aspiring teachers to become effective educators in K-12 schools. The program is offered in a hybrid format with classes both on-campus and online, and it combines theory and practice to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be successful teachers.

The curriculum includes coursework in areas such as educational psychology, classroom management, instructional strategies, and diversity in education. Students also gain practical classroom experience through field experiences in local schools, where they can apply their learning in real-world settings. Upon graduation, students will receive either a multiple-subject teaching credential or a single-subject teaching credential.

For a complete list of requirements as well as details on the application process and financial aid and scholarship opportunities for graduate students, visit our website.