How to Apply: Teaching Credential

Preparing teachers. Preparing California’s future.

As part of the CSU system, Cal State Monterey Bay is proud to be part of the largest teacher preparation program in the state — and one of the largest in the country. 

Among our academic programs we offer several teaching credential offerings, including elementary education multiple subject, secondary education single subject, preliminary administrative services, and preliminary special education. These programs prepare students to obtain a California Preliminary Teaching Credential in their area of focus. 

This page details what you need to apply to these specific programs. 

Note: If you’re interested in pursuing teacher credentials while also earning a master’s degree, explore our graduate programs in education here.

Important Dates and Deadlines for Teacher Credential Applicants 

October 1

Application period opens

December 16

Application deadline

January 26

Priority credential interview deadline

February 1

Priority deadline

February 8

All credential program interviews

Students are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Steps to Apply

View Programs

Before you start your application, you should know which teaching credential program you’re planning to pursue at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Teacher credential students with a bachelor’s degree should meet the following admissions criteria:

  • Be in good standing at the last school attended, and
  • Completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and
  • Earned a cumulative baccalaureate degree grade point average of at least a 2.50 or a grade point average of at least 2.50 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) attempted, and
  • Meet all program-specific admission requirements.

Teacher credential students with a post-baccalaureate degree should meet the following admissions criteria:

  • Be in good standing at the last school attended, and
  • Hold an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Earned a cumulative post-baccalaureate degree grade point average of at least a 2.50 or a grade point average of at least 2.50 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) attempted, and
  • Meet all program-specific admission requirements.

Please note: Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to Cal State Monterey Bay.

It’s important to review program-specific admissions criteria. For example, Single Subject and Multiple Subject credentials require subject matter competency, such as a specific undergraduate major.

Find Your Program

To apply to CSUMB, you’ll first need to register for an account with The California State University centralized admissions website, Cal State Apply. Once your account is created, you can immediately begin your application for admission.

Create or Log in to Your Account

Begin your application through Cal State Apply; the website will guide you through the steps. Rest assured; you will be able to save your work and come back later.

You’ll start by selecting the term you wish to apply for, and then you’ll be able to select your campus (CSUMB) and desired program. 

To get started, you should have the following information ready:

  • Unofficial high school transcripts
  • Social security number
  • Citizenship status
  • Annual family income
  • Education, work and extracurricular activity information
  • Test scores (optional)
  • Credit/debit card or PayPal account for $70 application fee

Go to Cal State Apply

In addition to your application, you may be required to submit additional materials, such as your transcripts, an essay, resume/CV, or other supporting materials.

Be sure to complete the online application and get in any supplemental materials by the deadline for your desired term. Once you submit your application through Cal State Apply, you will also receive instructions on how to access your CSUMB dashboard.

After we receive your application, someone will contact you to schedule an admissions interview. 

You’ll be able to check the status of your application at your CSUMB dashboard, as well as see a checklist of next steps. You will also receive updates and reminders about the process. 

Decisions are released on a rolling basis.

Students admitted to Cal State Monterey Bay will receive information about next steps, including financial aid, housing, and orientation.

Apply to CSUMB Today

If our supportive, inspiring coastal community sounds like the right fit, we encourage you to start your application today.

Short-Term Study Options at CSUMB

Semester @ CSUMB

Spend a semester or two studying abroad at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Exchange Program

Change places with a CSUMB student while they study abroad through the National Student Exchange.

Beach

Get in Touch

If you have questions about our teacher credential programs, we’re happy to help. Reach out to us by email or consider signing up for our next info session.

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Department of Education and Leadership

Department of Education and Leadership

 

AB2086 requires all teacher preparation programs to provide information, as specified, to prospective candidates regarding the license examination passage rates for the most recent available year. To comply with this requirement, CSUMB pass rate data can be viewed via the CTC dashboard lookup https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/reports/data/reports-by-institution. The most current Annual Report for the state can be found here.