Teacher Credential Program Application

The Teacher Credential program, with option to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching, encourages early applications.

Applications should be submitted no later than one term prior to the intended term of enrollment.

Criteria

• Complete the online application
• Official transcripts documenting completion of all undergraduate coursework as well as a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Overall minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.8
• Proof of meeting the basic skills requirement, such as passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or SAT scores. A full list of basic skills requirement options, is available on the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
• Proof of meeting subject matter competency, such as passage of one subtest of the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in your content area. 
• Two to four letters of recommendation. One letter of recommendation must be from an academic major.
• A statement of purpose that includes your goals and commitments to teaching, your qualifications for teaching, and your reasons for seeking admission to Whittier College.

Learn more about meeting the Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competence Requirements and new options for credential candidates.

To discuss your circumstances with an admission counselor, email EducationInfo@whittier.edu. 

Deadlines

• Summer: April 26

• Fall: July 25

• Spring: December 15

Supporting documents may be submitted by mail or email.

Attention: Graduate Admissions
Whittier College
13406 Philadelphia Street
P.O. Box 634
Whittier, CA 90608

EducationInfo@whittier.edu

Selection Process

Departmental faculty will review all applications. Candidates will be notified of their admission decision via email.

Completion of a Certificate of Clearance, which includes the Live Scan fingerprinting process and Department of Justice (DOJ) background check, will be required upon admission into the program. This requirement is not necessary to submit the credential application. However, proof of the Certificate of Clearance will be required prior to enrolling in classes. Instructions to complete this requirement will be provided to admitted students in their admission packet.

International Students

International graduate students who wish to apply for the credential program and/or the Master of Arts Degree program should follow the steps below.

• Submit a completed application for graduate admission
• Submit transcripts verifying the completion of a baccalaureate degree. All students whose baccalaureate work was completed outside the United States or Canada, at an institution where a language other than English was the dominant language of instruction, must submit transcripts that have been translated and analyzed by the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. or another authorized agency before they can be accepted to the teacher credential or master’s degree program. Students already in the U.S. may be permitted to enroll in a maximum of two courses while they await transcript analysis.
• All students whose baccalaureate work was completed at an institution where a language other than English was the dominant language of instruction must submit acceptable TOEFL scores.

Subject Matter Preparation

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing establishes subject matter preparation requirements. Priority admittance will be given to students who have completed all subject matter requirements and who meet all other requirements for admission to the program. Students should contact the Whittier College Credential Analyst at 562.907.4200 ext. 4443 in order to receive advisement and verification of subject matter requirements. Please indicate how you have met or plan to meet the subject matter requirement. 

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