Explore Education/Teaching
Whether you feel called to teach because you love working with children or you’re passionate about a subject, Fresno Pacific University can help you pursue your career in education. Our teaching programs have a strong reputation for providing the best teachers in the Central Valley and our graduates are extremely sought after by school districts and private schools.
YOUR PATHWAY TO BECOMING A TEACHER
STEP 1- Bachelor’s Degree
For elementary school & special education teachers, earn your bachelor’s degree in liberal studies.
FPU’s Liberal Studies Program is designed to give students desiring to become teachers a well-rounded educational experience because of its interdisciplinary structure. Liberal studies majors can pair their degree with a minor based on their desired area of specialization.
For junior high and high school teachers, earn your degree in the subject you want to teach.
FPU degrees for single subject teachers include: art, biology, communication, early childhood development, English, history, music, physical education and social science.
- Art
- Biology
- Communication
- Early Childhood Development
- English
- History
- Music
- Physical Education
- Social Science
STEP 2- Teaching Credential
Obtain the teaching credential for your desired area:
- Elementary school – preliminary multiple subject teaching credential
- Junior High or High school – preliminary single subject teaching credential
- Special education – preliminary education specialist instruction credential
Choose a focus area:- Mild/moderate disabilities
- Moderate/severe disabilities
- Early childhood special education
All credential programs at FPU develop your understanding of child growth, educational principles, skills in methods of teaching, strategies for managing classroom behavior and teaching using technology. These programs use traditional classes and fieldwork.
FPU’s credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (ctc.ca.gov), an agency of the State of California that ensures your credential maintains its integrity and respectability.
Most people wanting to become a teacher earn their credential through a typical credential program as described above. However, there are a few students who desire and qualify for ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS to a credential.
Integrated Teacher Education Pathway (ITEP)
The Integrated Teacher Education Pathway at FPU offers students the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Arts degree and multiple subjects teaching credential in four years! Transfer students can complete their Bachelor of Arts degree and multiple subjects teaching credential in two years! This pathway takes at least one year off the current traditional path. Learn more at fpu.edu/ITEP.
For more information, visit out Undergraduate Admissions Page