Here you will find resources for different educational and career pathways in the field of Education. Whether you're interested in K-12 classroom teaching, early childhood education, or graduate school, we hope the information provided below will get you started thinking about and planning for your career!
Education Sciences, B.A. Emphases
The School of Education offers eight education-related emphases for undergraduate students to pursue. An emphasis is a program of study within a major which emphasizes a specific area of the discipline. Emphases usually have a defined course of study and are not listed on the transcript nor on the baccalaureate diploma. Emphases are a great way to learn more about your intended career or graduate school subjects through specific courses and fieldwork opportunities.
Learn more about our emphases below. For any questions or concerns, please contact educadvising@uci.edu.
Learn more about our emphases below. For any questions or concerns, please contact educadvising@uci.edu.
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Special Education
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Higher Education
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Future Career in Teaching
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Educational Improvement for an Equitable & Just Society
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This emphasis will prepare students for working with diverse learners. Some aspects focus on special education, including how to provide support to children with special needs, develop curricula, support children with developmental disabilities, and those gifted and talented. These are skills for working with different types of learners in classrooms and other settings.
This emphasis will introduce students to the history and social purposes of higher education. Through courses focused on current issues in higher education, students will examine how colleges exacerbate or ameliorate inequalities, how and what students learn in college, and the organizational structures of colleges and universities.
This emphasis will lay a foundation for understanding the complexity of K-12 education as it is situated within the broader social, political, and technological contexts in which teachers and learners are situated. Students who are considering a future career in teaching would benefit from an understanding of the historical and theoretical issues that inform and influence K-12 schooling.
This emphasis will provide courses and experiences for students who are interested in developing expertise in the field of Education, focusing specifically on issues of equity, identity, diversity, culture, and inclusion.
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Learning, Technology, & Design
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Early Childhood Education
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Out of School Learning
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School Improvement & Educational Policy
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This emphasis will prepare students for working in the Educational Technology field. Students will gain a theoretical understanding & practical know-how of current trends in technology and design as they interact with teaching and learning, such as the role of games and interactive media on learning and the design and evaluation of learning environments.
This emphasis will prepare students for a career in early childhood education. Certain courses, coupled with applied experience, will allow students to become permitted preschool teachers after graduation. For those interested in working as teachers with infants, toddlers, or older children, additional training is needed.
This emphasis will prepare students for working with children and youth in out-of-school and summer settings. Students will be able to apply practical skills and research-based theories in youth development and program design to their experiences observing and working with children, youth, and staff.
This focus will prepare students to interrogate what works, and for whom, in current American education policy. Through coursework, students will learn about the history of American educational reforms and how researchers and administrators have examined the effects of various reforms on student learning and outcomes.
I'm interested in...
Select from the tabs below to find specific resources and information related to your area of interest.
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K-12 Classroom Teaching
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Early Childhood & Afterschool Education
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Graduate Degree Programs
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Teacher Credential Basics
In order to teach in a K-12 classroom, a professional teacher credential is required for the state in which you would like to teach. If you are planning to teach outside of California, you will need to research that state's specific teacher credential requirements. Most states require you to have completed your bachelor's degree and completion of an accredited teacher preparation program in order to receive a teacher credential.
Below we will provide some basic information on receiving your teacher credential in California, information about UCI's Master of Arts in Teaching + California Teacher Credential program, and some important questions to ask when researching the appropriate teacher preparation program for your needs.
Below we will provide some basic information on receiving your teacher credential in California, information about UCI's Master of Arts in Teaching + California Teacher Credential program, and some important questions to ask when researching the appropriate teacher preparation program for your needs.
Obtaining a Teacher Credential in California
For students who are planning on completing a teacher credential program and teaching in a K-12 classroom in the state of California, all requirements can be found on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. General education teacher credentials in California are split into two types, Multiple Subject credentials and Single Subject credentials.
multiple subject credential
A Multiple Subject credential is required for those looking to teach in an Elementary school classroom, or grades K - 6. This credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects (such as Language Arts, Social Science, Science, Math, Art, Music, and Health) in a self-contained classroom. All requirements for the Multiple Subject credential can be found here.
single subject credential
A Single Subject credential is required for those looking to teach a specific subject at the Middle or High school level. Single Subject credentials are offered in a variety of areas, but the most common are: Math, Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), Social Science, English, Art, Music, and World Languages. All requirements for the Single Subject credential can be found here.
UCI MAT + California Teacher Credential Program
The UCI School of Education offers a 14-month Master of Arts in Teaching + California Teacher Credential program. This program enables students to receive their MA.T. alongside either a Multiple Subject credential or a Single Subject credential in either English, Social Science, Math, Science, Art, or World Languages. More information on the MAT program, including admissions requirements, can be found here.
Searching for a Teacher Preparation Program
Here are some questions to ask when searching for a teacher prep program that meets your needs.
program type
Some programs, like UCI's MAT program, combine a Masters degree with the teacher credential program. Other programs are credential-only programs. Some admit students only once per year, and others will have different admission dates for a Fall or Spring start. The admissions requirements also differ between each program. It's important to research these requirements ahead of time so that you have enough time to prepare for each program you plan to apply to.
cost
The cost for teacher credential programs can vary greatly between program type, and even between schools that have similar programs. Some schools are able to offer financial aid, but depending on the program, you may be looking at student loans to cover your tuition and expenses. You should also research whether or not a program is full time or part time, to determine whether or not you'll be able to work during the duration of the program.
prerequisite courses
Some teacher credential programs require you to have completed specific coursework prior to admission to the program. If a program requires this kind of prerequisite coursework, and you aren't sure if a class you've taken at UCI will count, you'll need to speak directly to that program's admissions counselors.
credentials offered
Not all schools offer every possible teacher credential. If you are looking for a Single Subject credential in Music, for example, you'll need to find a program that offers that type of credential.
Early Childhood & Afterschool Education Basics
In order to work with most accredited Early Childhood Education programs, and some Afterschool Education programs, in the state of California, you must have a valid Child Development permit. Child Development permits are granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Depending on the level of Child Development permit you are seeking, you will be required to complete a specific number of units within the Early Childhood or Child Development areas, as well as a set number of hours of field experience in an Early Childhood setting.
Depending on the level of Child Development permit you are seeking, you will be required to complete a specific number of units within the Early Childhood or Child Development areas, as well as a set number of hours of field experience in an Early Childhood setting.
Child Development Permit Requirements
The requirements for a Child Development Permit differ based on the level of permit you are requesting. There are 6 levels of Child Development permit: Assistant, Associate, Teacher, Master Teacher, Site Supervisor, and Program Director.
Most recent graduates will be looking at applying for an Assistant, Associate, or Teacher permit, depending on the amount of coursework and field experience hours they have accrued.
Requirements for each level of permit can be found here.
Most recent graduates will be looking at applying for an Assistant, Associate, or Teacher permit, depending on the amount of coursework and field experience hours they have accrued.
Requirements for each level of permit can be found here.
Pathways towards Child Dev Permits for EdSci Majors
If you are interested in obtaining your Child Development permit, the Early Childhood Learning and Development Specialization within the Education Sciences major that may help you receive credit towards the units and hours needed for the Assistant and Associate level permits.
Please note: The CTC reviews all coursework at the time your permit application is submitted. The Education Student Affairs Office cannot guarantee that any coursework you have taken as part of the Education Sciences major will be accepted for credit towards the Child Development permit.
The Early Childhood Specialization consists of the following:
EDUC 106, 107, and 149 may fulfill the three areas of "Child Growth and Development", "Child, Family and Community", and "Programs/Curriculum" necessary for the Associate level permit. Students will need to complete additional fieldwork hours in an ECE setting beyond the 40 required for the Specialization in order to meet the requirements for Associate level permits and higher.
Students who are interested in using the Child Development permit to work in afterschool programs with school-aged children (K-12) should plan on taking additional Education coursework focused on children within that age range in order to receive the School-Age Emphasis for their permit level. Completing either the Children's Learning and Development or Afterschool Learning and Development Specializations along with the Early Childhood Specialization may help students receive credit towards the units needed for the School-Age Emphasis.
Please note: The CTC reviews all coursework at the time your permit application is submitted. The Education Student Affairs Office cannot guarantee that any coursework you have taken as part of the Education Sciences major will be accepted for credit towards the Child Development permit.
The Early Childhood Specialization consists of the following:
- EDUC 40
- EDUC 106
- EDUC 107
- EDUC 149
- 40 hours of fieldwork in an ECE setting
EDUC 106, 107, and 149 may fulfill the three areas of "Child Growth and Development", "Child, Family and Community", and "Programs/Curriculum" necessary for the Associate level permit. Students will need to complete additional fieldwork hours in an ECE setting beyond the 40 required for the Specialization in order to meet the requirements for Associate level permits and higher.
Students who are interested in using the Child Development permit to work in afterschool programs with school-aged children (K-12) should plan on taking additional Education coursework focused on children within that age range in order to receive the School-Age Emphasis for their permit level. Completing either the Children's Learning and Development or Afterschool Learning and Development Specializations along with the Early Childhood Specialization may help students receive credit towards the units needed for the School-Age Emphasis.
Certificate in Afterschool Education (CASE)
The School of Education offers a Certificate in Afterschool Education that is embedded within the Afterschool Learning and Development specialization for the Education Sciences major. The CASE certificate will not necessarily translate to a Child Development permit, but may be enough for students to be hired for positions within certain Afterschool Education programs.
For more information on the CASE program, check out their website here.
For more information on the CASE program, check out their website here.
Graduate Degree Basics
Graduate Degrees, also known as advanced degrees, are programs for students who have completed their bachelor's degree and would like to pursue additional schooling. Advanced degrees are sometimes required for a specific career, such as Social Work, School Counseling, Law, or Pharmacy. Other times, advanced degrees can be used to negotiate for higher pay in an existing career, like getting your Master's of Business Administration or a Master's in Teaching to jump to a higher salary track.
It is important to identify your reasons for deciding to pursue a Graduate Degree prior to starting your search for a program, to ensure that this additional schooling will be beneficial to your future career, and so that you are able to select a program that's right for your needs.
If you're unsure if attending a Graduate Degree program will be beneficial to you, the UCI Division of Career Pathways has a helpful guide to help you decide.
It is important to identify your reasons for deciding to pursue a Graduate Degree prior to starting your search for a program, to ensure that this additional schooling will be beneficial to your future career, and so that you are able to select a program that's right for your needs.
If you're unsure if attending a Graduate Degree program will be beneficial to you, the UCI Division of Career Pathways has a helpful guide to help you decide.
Types of Graduate Degrees
Master’s Degree (M.A., M.S., M.F.A, MBA)
The most common type of graduate degree is a master’s degree. Typically consisting of one to two years of study, master’s programs cover a wide variety of specialties within the areas of arts and humanities (M.A. or MFA), science and technology (M.S.) and business (MBA). These programs generally combine structured coursework with independent study and often require you to submit a thesis in order to complete the program’s requirements. Students interested in careers in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Higher Education would typically require a specialty master's degree in those areas.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
Doctoral degrees span a wide variety of subjects such as education, psychology, computer science, and history, and are designed to expand your understanding of a specific subject by building on the knowledge gained during a master’s program. Students in a doctoral program will develop their own theories and conduct their own research, culminating with the writing and publication of their dissertation. These degrees are a requirement for anyone wishing to become a professor or to have a research career in academia.
The most common type of graduate degree is a master’s degree. Typically consisting of one to two years of study, master’s programs cover a wide variety of specialties within the areas of arts and humanities (M.A. or MFA), science and technology (M.S.) and business (MBA). These programs generally combine structured coursework with independent study and often require you to submit a thesis in order to complete the program’s requirements. Students interested in careers in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Higher Education would typically require a specialty master's degree in those areas.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
Doctoral degrees span a wide variety of subjects such as education, psychology, computer science, and history, and are designed to expand your understanding of a specific subject by building on the knowledge gained during a master’s program. Students in a doctoral program will develop their own theories and conduct their own research, culminating with the writing and publication of their dissertation. These degrees are a requirement for anyone wishing to become a professor or to have a research career in academia.
How to Prepare for a Graduate Program
If you have decided that pursuing a Graduate Degree is the right pathway for you, there are many things you can do as an undergraduate student to help you prepare. Below is a list of just some of the things that will help boost your academic and personal resume, and make you a competitive applicant to your program of choice.
- Get involved. Seek out experiences as an undergraduate that will help you grow in pursuit of your chosen career. Joining clubs or organizations, volunteering, or working in paid positions/internships related to your field are great ways to get involved on campus and in the community.
- Participate in research. Depending on your graduate program, research experience can be extremely beneficial on your CV. Check out our Research Opportunities page for information on how to get involved in research here in the School of Education.
- Connect with faculty. Creating a positive relationship with faculty is another great way to help explore and define your plans as a graduate student. Faculty can also provide you with letters of recommendation for your graduate school applications!
- Explore program requirements. Some programs require specific exams or prerequisite coursework, and the sooner you can identify the requirements you need to meet, the less likely you are to be caught off guard when it comes time to apply.
- Utilize Division of Career Pathways resources! DCP offers a tremendous amount of support and resources for students interested in Graduate Degree programs. Check out their Graduate School page for more information!
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Additional Career & Grad School ResourcesDisclaimer: These external sites are neither created nor maintained by the University of California, Irvine, the School of Education, nor the UCI Division of Career Pathways; therefore, we are not responsible for the content presented therein.
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