About The TMU Teaching Credential Program

Our credential programs are thoughtfully designed to prepare future primary and secondary teachers through a residency-style approach. Students are paired with seasoned master teachers, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the classroom. Learning is guided by highly qualified professors and experienced K-12 practitioners, ensuring a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

Following the completion of their undergraduate degree, students can enter the intensive 1-year Credential Program. This in-person, project-based cohort model partners each student with two mentor teachers, allowing them to engage in real-world teaching from the start. The program operates on the TMU Credential Program Calendar, which aligns with local school district schedules rather than the traditional undergraduate calendar. This means the credential program begins earlier and concludes later than TMU’s undergraduate programs. For specific dates, please refer to the program calendar.

Our credential programs maintain rigorous graduate-level standards, providing exceptional preparation for teaching careers. As a result, our graduates are highly sought after for teaching positions in public, private, and international schools, both locally and abroad.

Students who complete the TMU credential program are eligible to apply for the online Master of Education in Teaching (M.Ed) program. Up to 19 units of credential coursework can be transferred toward this degree, leaving only five additional courses needed to earn the M.Ed. The program is 100% online, allowing students to advance their education while gaining real-world teaching experience. This graduate degree not only deepens expertise and skills but also often leads to a higher teacher salary.

 

For more information, visit the Master of Education in Teaching page and discover how this seamless path can enhance your teaching career.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the Credential Program is $17,850, and not standard undergraduate TMU tuition of $38,000 per year. The Credential Program tuition is broken down into two semesters: $9,520/fall semester and $8,330/spring semester.

Credential ProgramTMU
CSUN (Cal State Schools)La Verne (Online Programs)
Total Cost$17,850$16,000$26,566
Calculation2 Semesters$4,000/Semester x 4$802/unit x 33

Credential program candidates may be eligible for state and federal financial aid programs. Contact the TMU Financial Aid Office for information.

Teacher Salaries
  • $47,000 – $52,000: Beginning teacher salary for elementary school districts in California.
  • $50,000 – $56,000: Beginning teacher salary for high school districts in California:

In 2022-2023, both elementary and high school teacher salaries peak around $110,000 in California but can exceed $160,000 for a teacher advancing to the role of a School-Site Principal, for example. In the local Santa Clarita districts, including the William S. Hart Union and Saugus Union School Districts, the salaries are higher starting at $56,000. Teachers with an M.Ed can earn up to 50% more starting salary with a starting range of $65,000.

School Partnerships

With Legacy Christian Academy, Faith Christian School PSP, and Grace Academy all part of TMU’s affiliated family of ministries, TMU graduates and interns are highly sought after by top local schools and school districts and find opportunities within our network of ministries.

Legacy Christian Academy, Santa ClaritaSanta Clarita Christian School, Santa ClaritaTrinity Classical Academy, Santa Clarita
Desert Christian School, LancasterOaks Christian School, Westlake VillageValley Christian High School, Cerritos
Los Angeles Unified School DistrictWilliam S. Hart Union High School DistrictNCS Santa Clarita
Castaic Union School DistrictNewhall School DistrictAntelope Valley Union High School District
Grace Academy, Santa ClaritaTri-City Christian School, VistaClovis Unified School District
Village Christian School, Sun ValleyGrace Schools, Simi ValleyBeacon Hill Classical Academy, Camarillo

Our graduates are highly sought after in public and private elementary and secondary schools. We have established strong partnerships with schools both locally and internationally.