Teaching Credential Applicant Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to a teaching credential program if I didn't major in Education?
What exams do I need to take to apply to TEP or TeachLA credential programs?
What is a subject matter preparation program?
Do you accept applications for Spring?
When is the last date that I can take the GRE?
Can I enroll in a Graduate program on a part-time basis?
Is it possible to transfer coursework?
Can I apply to more than one program?
Is there an interview required for admission?
Are there any prerequisite courses that I can take before I am admitted?
Can I apply to a teaching credential program if I didn't major in Education?
Yes. In fact, A major in education is not even available as an undergraduate major in the state of California.
In addition, candidates considering a credential program should have academic preparation from an accredited school in the area in which they wish to teach. Before being considered for admittance to UCLA, an applicant needs to show subject matter competence in their subject area either by passing the required state examinations or by completing an approved subject matter preparation program.
What exams do I need to take to apply to TEP or TeachLA credential programs?
CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) - required for both TEP and Teach LA applicants
CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) - required for both TEP and Teach LA applicants pursuing a Multiple Subject teaching credential (elementary school teaching) or a Single Subject teaching credential (middle school and high school teaching).
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
International applicants whose first language is not English must certify their proficiency in English. Such applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) section, as part of their application. International applicants who hold a bachelor's or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is the spoken language and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempted from the TOEFL exam. In this case, the GRE is required in lieu of the TOEFL exam.
What is a subject matter preparation program?
The California Commission will accept coursework in lieu of the Single Subject CSET exam, but not in lieu of the Multiple Subject CSET exam. An acceptable waiver program is a series of approved courses that can be taken in lieu of the Single Subject CSET examination for fulfilling the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's subject matter competency requirement. Many four year colleges and universities in California offered these CTC Approved Subject Matter Preparation Programs. Students should contact the UCLA counselor for more information.
Do you accept applications for Spring?
No. Applications are accepted once a year for all programs in the Department of Education.
PLI APPLICANTS: Applications are available from September through January for a June start date.
TEP APPLICANTS: Applications are available from September through January for Fall start
TeachLA APPLICANTS: Applications are accepted throughout the year for a Fall start (please contact the TeachLA advisor for more info).
When is the last date that I can take the GRE?
For PLI:
The GRE must be taken by the application deadline.
You must submit an original score report.
For TEP:
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
For Teach LA:
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Can I enroll in a Graduate program on a part-time basis?
For PLI:
During the academic school year, this program in evening twice a week and one Saturday a quarter. However, the program is considered a full-time course load. There is no part-time option.
For TEP:
No. The program can only be completed on full-time basis during the day. (Please see program information for specific details)
For TeachLA :
The program is completed on a part-time basis during the late afternoon and early evening hours and on Saturdays while employed as a teacher through the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Is it possible to transfer coursework?
Coursework cannot be transferred into any of our Master's programs.
Regarding teacher-credentialing requirements for TEP and Teach LA:
Fulfillment of the U.S. Constitution requirement can be completed at a community college or four-year college/university. (See program information on how to satisfy requirement)
When are decisions made?
For PLI:
Applicants are typically notified at the end of March.
For TEP:
Applicants are typically notified at the end of March.
April.
For Teach LA:
Please contact program advisor for more information.
How do I apply?
Applications for graduate admission are available on-line at www.gdnet.ucla.edu. Paper applications are not available.
Can I apply to more than one program?
No. As a University policy, you may only apply to one program each year at UCLA.
Is there an application fee?
There is a non-refundable application fee of $70 that goes with the University application.
The fee can be paid by credit card or check. If you wish to pay by credit card, UCLA accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card. Please make checks payable to the "Regents of the University of California." If someone else writes a check for you, be sure your name and other identifying information (Social Security number, date of birth, etc.) appear on the face of the check. The application fee must be paid before an application can be processed. If you apply on-line, you must pay with a credit card.
For TeachLA:
Applicants need only apply to the Department not to the University. A $60 application fee should accompany the TeachLA application. Contact the TeachLA advisor for more details.
Can I mail my application?
No, only some materials (transcripts and test scores) can be mailed in. The majority of the application is uploaded to the online application.
For TeachLA:
Applicants need only apply to the Department not to the University and the entire application is mailed in. The TeachLA application can be downloaded via their website. Contact the TeachLA advisor for more details.
Is there an interview required for admission?
For PLI:
All applicants are required to attend a group session in which applicants participate in a discussion of a problem or situation facing the education system currently.
For TEP:
YES, as a part of the admissions process, applicants attend a mandatory group interview session. Applicants engage in small group activities under the direction of Teacher Education Program faculty and coordinators. Applicants are evaluated with regard to their contributions, interpersonal skills and small group interactions. Provisions will be made for applicants who are living out of the state or country and cannot attend one of the Group Interview sessions (information will be provided upon application to the program).
For Teach LA:
Yes, normally there is a group interview. Individual interviews can be arranged if necessary.
How can I contact faculty?
For PLI:
Contact Nancy Parachini, PLI Director.
For TEP:
You may view the TEP web site for faculty/instructor roster at http://www.centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/tep/people.htm
For Teach LA:
Faculty can be contacted via The Office of Student Services
Are there any prerequisite courses that I can take before I am admitted?
For PLI:
No. There are no prerequisite courses that can be taken prior to admission.
No. There are no prerequisite courses that can be taken prior to admission.
