School of Education Teaching Credentials
NDNU offers three credentials and four master’s degrees in the School of Education.
Choose from in-person, 100% online, or hybrid programs that fit your busy schedule.
Our experienced educators are committed to your success and offer personalized guidance throughout your academic journey.
Join a diverse community of learners who share your passion for growth and discovery.
Teaching Credentials Offered
Single Subject
- Requires a full fifth year, or 31 semester units of study.
- Credential cost is $595 per unit for a total cost of $18,445.
- Designed for students who want to teach one subject, typically at the middle or high school level.
Multiple Subject
- Requires a full fifth year, or 33 semester units of study.
- Credential cost is $595 per unit for a total cost of $19,635.
- Designed for students who want to teach all subjects in a self-contained elementary classroom.
Special Education
- This 44-unit program offers Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN) specializations, with an option to pursue a capstone leading to an MA in Special Education.
- Credential cost is $595 per unit for a total cost of $26,180.
- Designed for students who want to teach and support students with diverse learning needs.
Degree Outcomes
- Completion of a California teaching credential program leads to eligibility for a preliminary or clear credential to teach in public K-12 schools.
- Graduates master core teaching skills including subject expertise, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment aligned with California’s Teaching Performance Expectations.
- Programs emphasize supervised student teaching, preparing educators to meet diverse learner needs and foster inclusive classrooms.
- Credential holders meet state requirements for pedagogy, legal/ethical standards, and subject matter competency for success in varied educational settings.
Career Outcomes
Earning a teaching credential from NDNU leads to strong career outcomes by preparing graduates to become effective, confident K-12 teachers in California.
The program’s rigorous coursework, hands-on field experiences, and personalized support help graduates successfully complete credentials and secure stable teaching positions with competitive salaries.
NDNU also offers smooth transitional pathways to a Master of Arts in Education for those seeking leadership roles, higher pay, and expanded career opportunities beyond initial teaching credentials.
Elementary School Teacher:
Middle School Teacher:
High School Teacher:
Source: California Department of Education’s 2023-24 report on Median Salaries
– Cecilia M. (Margevicios) Willer | Teaching Credential Graduate, NDNU
Flexible Program Delivery
Perfect for working adults, students choose from hybrid to 100% online programs that fit busy schedules.
Committed to Community
Notre Dame de Namur University is deeply committed to community service, social justice, and inclusivity, integrating these values into its education and partnerships.
It serves diverse learners with flexible programs and has a strong impact locally in San Mateo, throughout the Bay Area, and across California through thousands of alumni working in education and community roles.
NDNU is widely recognized and valued for its mission-driven, accessible education and dedication to these communities.
A Personalized, Inclusive, & Practical Education Experience
Provides individualized attention and guidance to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
Prepares educators to create culturally responsive, inclusive classrooms that support diverse learners.
Offers adaptable class schedules and emphasizes hands-on practicum experiences to ready students for real-world teaching careers.
About Notre Dame de Namur University
Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is a WSCUC accredited, Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds.
The university offers master’s degrees in business, education, and psychology, undergraduate degree completion programs, along with teacher credentials. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement.
We offer a diverse and inclusive learning community, designated by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that challenges each member to consciously apply values and ethics in their personal, professional and public life.
