Licensure for Online Masters in Teaching Program
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program prepares students to be recommended for a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential in California.
A Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential allows the individual to teach a classroom in most elementary schools in California. The Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential allows individuals to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in most middle schools and high schools in California.
This program leads to eligibility to apply for a California Preliminary Multiple Subject or Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential.
Students may also be eligible for licensure in other states outside of California; however, licensure requirements differ from state to state. Most state licensing boards require a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an approved educator preparation program, basic skills and subject competence testing, and potentially additional post-graduate coursework/field experience requirements. We encourage each student to research and understand the specific requirements for licensure in their state of residence.
Note: The program is currently evaluating other states and will update the Degree Program Requirements table below as appropriate.
Degree Program
MA in Teaching (Online Format)
State Requirements
Meets: AZ, CA, OK, WY
Does Not Meet: AL, AK, AR, CO, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI
Degree Program Requirements
The following table outlines the specific items required by the program at both the pre-admission and post-admission stages:
Pre-Admission
To apply to Online MA in Teaching program, you must submit official documentation that you have satisfied the background clearance.
Post-Admission
To be eligible to enroll in courses, and begin clinical experience (classroom teaching) you must submit official documentation that you have satisfied the examination and assessment requirements (i.e. basic educational skills, subject matter skills, health and safety assessment).
| State |
Pre-Admission |
Post-Admission |
Post-Admission |
Certification or Credentialing Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ | Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card (Level One) | Arizona requires prospective teachers to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) to be certified. |
Recommendation: TB negative results or TB Risk Assessment (4 year validity) Note: The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) does not require a TB test for teacher certification or for clinical practice (student teaching). However, many school districts have their own health policies. |
Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Certification Unit |
| CA | California Certificate of Clearance (COC) | CSET | TB negative results or TB Risk Assessment (4 year validity) | Commission on Teacher Credentialing - CA.gov |
| OK | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| WY | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Licensure Information by State
After you have completed the program and all credential requirements, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology will formally recommend qualified, CA candidates to the CTC for a preliminary credential. If you plan to work in another state, students are encouraged to contact the state directly to identify any alternate requirements. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) website can be used to identify requirements and contact sources by state for further information.