Credentials for a Successful Career in California Classrooms
The Preliminary Multiple Subjects Credential qualifies educators to teach all subjects in a general education classroom, making it ideal for elementary schools (grades TK–6) and other settings where one teacher instructs the same group of students across multiple subjects.
Our program provides the option to add a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish to your Multiple Subjects credential, empowering educators to teach in both English and Spanish. With this additional qualification, teachers can better serve diverse student populations and foster cultural and linguistic inclusivity in their classrooms.
This program is accredited by the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing.
Following a cohort model course sequence, students can choose to pursue the following pathways:
Credential(s) Only Pathway
Earn both a general education credential (multiple or single subject) and an education specialist credential (MMSN). Through student teaching in both general and special education settings, students gain hands-on experience and develop the skills to teach in diverse classrooms.
Earning dual credentials enhances employability, as graduates are qualified to teach in both general and special education classrooms.
33 units
Multiple Subjects Credential
36 units
Dual Credentials
Multiple Subjects Credential and Education Specialist Credential
39 units
Multiple Subjects Credential with a Bilingual Authorization
42 units
Dual Credentials
Multiple Subjects Credential and Education Specialist Credential with Bilingual Authorization
Masters and Credential(s) Pathway
42 units
Multiple Subjects Credential and Master’s Degree
45 units
Dual Credentials
Multiple Subjects Credential and Education Specialist Credential and Master’s Degree
48 units
Multiple Subjects Credential with a Bilingual Authorization and Master’s Degree
51 units
Dual Credentials
Multiple Subjects Credential and Education Specialist Credential with a Bilingual Authorization and Master’s Degree
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon earning their teaching credential(s), students will be prepared to make a difference in California classrooms by:
Exploring strategies for creating inclusive, welcoming environments that support diverse learners and students with varying needs, abilities and backgrounds through tailored instructional approaches
Reflecting critically on how personal perspectives and potential biases influence expectations and relationships with learners and their families
Integrating technology and diverse perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity and collaborative problem-solving on real-world local and global issues
Applying learning, instruction and motivation theories to support learners' cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, physical and moral development through inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Integrating assessment and technology into planning and instruction to gather feedback that enhances student learning, classroom management and teaching methods
Conducting and applying research on teaching practices, student learning and education policies to explore new ideas that enhance teaching, learning and the profession (with an MEd)
Who Is the
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential for?
A California multiple subjects teaching credential is a good fit for…
who want to teach in elementary school classrooms
who want to teach in self-contained classrooms
aspiring educators looking to teach multiple subjects rather than specializing in one
Student Success Stories
Financing Your Education
At University of San Diego, all students have a right to an education, regardless of income. The majority of students receive some form of financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans and employment.
The tuition rate applies to the 2026–2027 academic year. The teacher education program offers a lower tuition rate compared to other graduate programs at USD. Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change.
$933
Tuition per unit
$30,789 - $47,583
Estimated total tuition
Dependent on pathway
Financial Aid
In addition to external funding resources, students at SOLES may be eligible for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and discounts.
Careers in Education
The Multiple Subjects teaching credential prepares students to pursue a variety of teaching roles within the California education system. Some of the positions that graduates choose to pursue include:
Elementary school teachers are instrumental in educating young students in foundational subjects such as reading, a\nd writing, math, and science while supporting their social and emotional development. Planning engaging lessons, measuring student progress, and creating learning environments that encourage curiosity and a love of learning are also key aspects of the role.
Average Salary: $52,101
High school teachers educate students in specific subjects, helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed for graduation and future success. They also create lesson plans, assess student progress and provide guidance and support to foster both academic and personal growth.
Average Salary: $57,056
Mild-Moderate Support Needs Special education teachers support students with diverse learning needs by creating individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to their abilities and goals. To better ensure students achieve academic, social and developmental success, they also adapt teaching methods, provide targeted interventions, co-teach in the general education classroom, and collaborate with families and specialists.
Average Salary: $61,098
Salary estimates were sourced from ZipRecruiter.com in January 2025 and are subject to change as new data becomes available. The salary schedule is determined by years of experience, with individuals holding a master's degree earning more than those without.
Our Alumni
After earning their preliminary multiple subjects teaching credential, students go on to fulfilling careers in education.
OUR ALUMNI WORK OR HAVE WORKED FOR:
Take the Next Step
Ready to Get Started?
Your future as a Changemaker starts here. Learn more about SOLES or start your application today.

