What is Education?
The study of Education examines how people learn. Through methods including storytelling, discussion, teaching, and training, education degrees prepare individuals to become teachers or administrators in settings ranging from preschool and kindergarten to college.
One of the education field’s most significant milestones took place in 1964 as part of Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was enacted, which included a series of programs intended to address economic inequality in the United States. One of these programs was Project Head Start.
Head Start was established specifically to address the educational needs of disadvantaged children. Following the Cooke Report, many schools—including Pacific Oaks—were tasked with providing training for Head Start instructors and administrators. As a result of these efforts, more than 22 million low-income children have benefited from the Head Start program.
Currently, education in the United States is in a state of significant reform. With new legislation aimed at improving preschool, kindergarten, primary, and secondary education—like STEM and ESSA—there are many new opportunities in education programs for those who wish to work in the field. It has been estimated that, in California alone, there is a record demand for qualified teachers.
Working in the education field is incredibly rewarding. If you’re interested in pursuing a Master’s in Education, Pacific Oaks is here for you.
Can I become a teacher with an Education degree?
At a glance
- Determine which grade level you wish to teach
- Earn the appropriate teaching credential from an accredited college*
- Maintain your teaching credential
To teach in the state of California, candidates must have a B.A. or M.A. degree (from a regionally accredited institution) and hold a teaching credential at the level at which they would like to teach. Pacific Oaks College’s Master’s Degree in Education programs satisfy the educational requirements.
To ensure that Pacific Oak graduates will be prepared for successful careers in administration or the classroom, all of our Master’s in Education programs are built to satisfy the educational requirements for either the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential or the Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential.
Even though their Teaching Credentialing requirements may vary, many states hold reciprocity agreements—allowing teachers who have received certifications in one state to apply those to meet the education requirements in another.
*Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges & Senior Colleges (WSCUC). In addition to WASC accreditation, the certification program must also be on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved programs list.
Required Credentials by Education Level
Elementary School
Special Education
Teacher Credentialing Virtual Information Session
During this recording of an information session, you’ll learn about the Teaching Credentialing process for Elementary Education and Special Education teachers in California, and how the B.A., M.A., and Stand-Alone teacher education degree programs at Pacific Oaks College can help prepare you to make a difference in the classroom. Hear about our approach to preparing you for your career and the way we support you to become a culturally-minded role model for your students.
Credentials Office
For more information to assist you in your journey to obtain your California Preliminary Teaching Credential, visit the Credentials Office page.
Why choose a Master’s in Education degree from Pacific Oaks?
Pacific Oaks’ unique classroom experience provides the foundation from which excellent teachers can develop. Incorporating both experiential learning and emergent curriculum, students are encouraged to reflect on their own life experiences and help guide classroom discussion. This results in a capacity to relate theories and subjects to each unique individual, building a global worldview that can be applied to relating the material to children from diverse backgrounds.
In addition to reflecting on your life experiences in the classroom, you will also have the opportunity to apply theory to real-world practice. Fieldwork is available in various regions in California, providing an extensive experience that can set you apart. Fieldwork is available in over 25 schools in various regions in California, providing an extensive experience that can set you apart.
Pacific Oaks offers Master’s in Education online programs, acknowledging that many working adults need flexibility in their continuing education to complete their degree. We offer both the Master’s Degree in Special Education and the Master’s Degree in Elementary Education online.
Our experienced faculty has developed innovative curriculum and tools that are widely used in early childhood and teacher training programs—both in the U.S. and throughout the world. Having an exceptional reputation for learning through play and other ground-breaking curriculum, Pacific Oaks established the anti-bias curriculum that has now been implemented in schools and is often required reading in early childhood teacher training courses.
Careers in Education
Graduates from our Master’s in Education programs can work in various career paths including:
- Director
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Grade School Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Teacher Assistant or Aide
FAQs
How long does it take to complete the Master’s in Education programs?
The duration to complete a master’s program at Pacific Oaks varies. Typically, a Master’s in Education can be completed in 1.5 years full-time or 2.5 years part-time. Forty-three credits are required for completion.
Do I need to be a full-time student? Are part-time programs available?
No, you don’t need to be a full-time student. Pacific Oaks offers flexibility for students to earn their degrees. Both full-time and part-time options are available for our master’s degree programs in education.
What are the prerequisites/admissions requirements for entering the master’s in education program?
The admission requirements for the Master’s in Education programs are as follows:
- Completed Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Official Transcripts from a Regionally Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Granting Institution Showing Date of Degree Conferral
- Successfully meet the Basic Skills Requirement. Visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to learn about tests and classes that qualify to pass this requirement, including the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
- Letter of Recommendation is required for students whose cumulative GPA is below 2.5
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
How do I apply for the Master’s in Education programs?
To apply for a Master’s in Education program at Pacific Oaks, you need to submit an application form, pay an application fee, and provide academic transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Check the specific requirements for each program on the Admission Requirements page for details.