You know your calling is to teach and guide the next generation of students.

If you’re an aspiring teacher, PLNU's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is the program for you. We offer both a fully online curriculum through the state of California and in-person curriculum at our San Diego and Bakersfield campuses.  

You can choose to earn your preliminary teaching credential in the following areas: 

• Multiple subject (for elementary school teaching) 
• Single subject (for middle and high school teaching) 
• Education specialist (for special education teaching)

You can also earn more than one credential at a time to increase your employability. Adding a credential adds eight weeks to your program for clinical practice. 

Establish Your Credibility

Gain the skills and the degree you need to live out your calling to teach. Earn your credential paired with a master’s degree that establishes you as a knowledgeable, committed teaching candidate in as little as 20 months. PLNU’s accreditations and district partnerships mean your degree will come from a university that’s well-known and respected in the community.

Be Confident in Your Calling

Learn in an environment where your goals, faith, and passion are shared and valued. At PLNU, we’re here to partner with you and give you the same holistic care you know every student deserves. Your curriculum is grounded in research and tied to critical needs and current topics facing educators.

Build a Lasting Network of Support

PLNU faculty and master teachers mentor you. Career counselors guide you. PLNU’s Education Associates alumni network keeps you connected long after graduation. And further professional development opportunities are available as you advance in your career.

Spotlight

Deborah Erickson

Dr. Deborah Erickson, dean of PLNU’s School of Education, has been on faculty since 2013, after serving 11 years in faculty and leadership positions at California Lutheran University’s Graduate School of Education.

Read More

PLNU’s MAT program includes one or more of the four preliminary teaching credentials approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing:

• Multiple Subject: Teach at the elementary grade levels in a K-12, self-contained, general education classroom (see courses).
• Single Subject: Teach at the middle school or high school levels or in a K-12, subject-specific setting (see courses).
• Education Specialist Mild/Moderate & Extensive Support: Teach K-12 students with mild/moderate to high-support needs (see courses).

You’ll complete the MAT program in two phases:

• Phase I consists of 23-29 units of coursework and 10 units of clinical practice (student teaching), culminating in a preliminary teaching credential (33-39 units). You’re not required to finish phase II of the MAT degree to earn the preliminary credential.
• Phase II usually takes place after you’ve earned your preliminary credential. This phase consists of 7-13 units, depending on your chosen specialization, for a total of 48 units. At the end of phase II, you’ll be granted your master's degree.

When you complete the Master of Arts in Teaching, you and your classmates will be prepared to:

Equip

• Promote the success of all students by being servant leaders who serve collaboratively and effectively with professional excellence, honesty, integrity, and sensitivity.

Transform

• Demonstrate the positive power of diversity and advocacy for universal social justice within your classrooms, schools, districts, and communities, and apply faith-based influences and beliefs within educational organizations.

Empower

• Reflect on and engage in ongoing scholarly, professional, and spiritual growth, and serve effectively as research-based, transformational leaders within your classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.

If you’re ready to pursue your passion for teaching, we’re ready to make it possible.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. For information about PLNU programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our Disclosures page. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website. 

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We’re here to make the entire process a simple one. We’ll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Summer 2025 Quad I — May 12, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — September 2, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 27, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — January 12, 2026
• Spring 2026 Quad II — March 16, 2026

Application Deadline(s):

• Summer 2025 Quad I — April 25, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad II — June 20, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad I — August 15, 2025
• Fall 2025 Quad II — October 10, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad I — December 12, 2025
• Spring 2026 Quad II — February 27, 2026

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.

Admissions Interview: You may be eligible for an interview waiver. Eligibility can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor once you've started your application. 

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts (which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU) and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double-spaced.
4. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.
5. Basic Skills Requirement: Senate Bill 153 (Chap. 38, Stats 2024), effective June 29, 2024, makes two changes to the California Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Specifically, the bill adds a provision that allows possession of a bachelor’s (or higher) degree earned at a regionally accredited college or university to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The bill also removes the BSR as a requirement for earning any credential or permit where the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree. 
6. Submit proof of registration for CSET exam.

Start Application

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

The MAT program at Point Loma Nazarene University will prepare you for the following careers, depending on which credential you select, while simultaneously qualifying you for a higher salary scale:

• Elementary school teacher
• Middle or high school teacher
• Special education teacher

After earning your master’s in teaching, you’re a well-rounded educator with a degree that bolsters your resume and is immediately eligible for higher salary.  

An MAT degree also provides excellent preparation for people who want to teach outside the traditional classroom environment as tutors or corporate trainers, or in settings such as museums or zoo education departments.

"The PLNU Master of Arts in Teaching program is focused on preparing candidates to be educational leaders in the era of 21st-century education and common core standards. Through coursework, fieldwork, and interaction with faculty in PLNU's School of Education, students will gain the knowledge and skills to empower them to provide high quality educational experiences to students and to be leaders in their schools and districts."

Kathy Caric
Special Education Program Advisor, Master of Arts in Teaching

For information about the courses required for the Master of Arts in Teaching program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information