California Lutheran University - Thousand Oaks
- 60 West Olsen Road,
- Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
California Lutheran University
Founded in 1959, California Lutheran University (CLU) is part of a 500-year-old tradition of Lutheran higher education--a tradition that expects you to ask the big questions--and find your own answers. CLU is dedicated to excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Our intimate size and beautiful location create the perfect setting for lively debate, and a learning environment that values the individual.
Why attend Cal Lutheran?
Amazing Professors
Our professors choose to teach at CLU because of its emphasis on personalized learning and their desire to be involved in the lives of their students.
A Tightly Knit Community of Students
CLU students come from all areas of California, from 25 other states and 30 foreign countries. Students come here to be active participants in their own education, not merely spectators.
School of Business
The CLU School of Business is a scholarly community and private academic institution dedicated to producing graduates who are well prepared to succeed in their personal and professional lives--who think, communicate, lead and follow with sustained excellence and who are guided by an active moral and ethical awareness.
CLU is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
BA in Liberal Studies
The liberal studies evening program is designed to meet the needs of students who want to continue working while they complete their bachelor's degree. This degree prepares students to enter a teacher preparation program or provides a multidisciplinary degree for those simply wishing to complete a bachelor's degree.Some of the courses in this major will also apply toward the requirements for a teaching credential.This accelerated program is an excellent opportunity for paraprofessionals and others working in a K-12 school to complete their BA and then continue on to pursue their teaching credential. Upon graduation (with a minimum 2.7 GPA), prospective teachers in the program will be eligible to apply to enter CLU's well-regarded Teacher Preparation Program (TPP).
EdD in Educational Leadership
As today's landscape of education continues to undergo rapid changes in technology, economy and culture, administrative leaders within school systems must be equipped with the skills, knowledge and vision to steer institutions through this ongoing evolution.California Lutheran University's Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership empowers seasoned professionals to further enhance their abilities and position themselves for heightened leadership roles.Offered through CLU's School of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the program provides the conceptual lenses, tools of inquiry and values to positively influence educational organizations and the people who learn and work in them.
EdD in Higher Education Leadership
California Lutheran University's Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership empowers college and university administrators to take on heightened leadership roles in such areas as:
- Student affairs
- Academic leadership
- Institutional advancement
- Athletic administration
- Institutional assessment
The purpose of the EdD in Higher Education Leadership is to prepare reflective and principled leaders for higher education who:
- Understand the individual, organizational and societal dynamics that affect college students and their success
- Are effective in leading positive organizational change
- Are actively engaged in the national and international conversations surrounding the critical issues affecting higher education
MA in Educational Leadership
Schools today need 21st-century leaders who are knowledgeable, reflective and have the ability to work across a diverse array of constituents. They need administrative leaders who can promote the success of their students and ensure a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership prepares candidates whose future career goals include leadership within an educational organization, including:
- Principalship
- Teacher leadership and mentoring
- Curriculum development
- Superintendency
The master's degree program is a 36-unit program, which includes the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (24 units).
MEd in Teaching
After completing the credential requirements through the Teaching Preparation Program, students may pursue the Master of Education degree (MEd). Throughout the Teacher Preparation program, students will have worked consistently on the application of theory to practice.In the MEd program, students focus on the importance of research in the development of theory and will eventually do their own action research project as a culminating experience. The degree consists of 33 units of graduate work and a presentation of the research project. Of that 33 units, 24 come from the course work taken in methods and student teaching. An additional 3 courses are required to complete the MEd.
MS in Counseling & Guidance
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, never has there been a greater need for knowledgeable, reflective, principled school and college counselors and support professionals.
California Lutheran University's Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Guidance provides a highly respected, relevant and engaging academic program renowned for developing exceptional counselors throughout California and beyond.
Offered through CLU's School of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the program is an ideal fit for talented, motivated professionals looking to make meaningful contributions in counseling and educational support services.
The program offers two distinct specializations:
- Pupil Personnel Services
- College Student Personnel
Offered through CLU's School of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist and the Clear Level II Education Specialist credential programs are often taken concurrently with the Master of Science degree and are offered in the mild to moderate or moderate to severe disabilities specializations. Part of the program also offers course work to obtain a Resource Specialist Certificate.
MS in Deaf & Hard of Hearing
This master's degree program is designed for working professionals who wish to enter the fascinating field of teaching children and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students will learn how to promote listening, spoken language and communication using the latest technologies, including cochlear implants.
Specialized course work is offered in:
- Audiology
- Speech
- Linguistics
- Aural habilitation
- Literacy
The above are integrated into a program of study which includes fieldwork and practicum experiences with families, infants and toddlers, as well as middle and high school students.
MS in Special Education
Students in the Master of Science (MS) in Special Education credential programs benefit from an intentional integration of theoretical knowledge with an abundance of opportunities for the practical application of that knowledge in meaningful settings.
The credential programs feature specialized tracks in:
- Mild to Moderate (M/M) Disabilities
- Moderate to Severe (M/S) Disabilities
Our program is distinctive from similar programs in the region due to the extensive, personal support and empowerment training provided to students. Classes rarely exceed 20 students, and the faculty is comprised of highly regarded professionals practicing in the field.
California Lutheran University's credential programs in special education blend theoretical instruction with opportunities for the practical application of knowledge and offer outstanding teachers an ideal avenue for heightening their effectiveness and advancing their careers.
Offered through CLU's School of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist and the Clear Level II Education Specialist credential programs are often taken concurrently with the Master of Science degree and are offered in the mild to moderate or moderate to severe disabilities specializations. Part of the program also offers course work to obtain a Resource Specialist Certificate.
Teacher Preparation Program
CLU's Teacher Preparation Program is committed to helping you become an effective instructor, one who helps move all students toward mastery of California state teaching standards.
The Teacher Preparation Program provides emphasis on teaching those students who are learning English. All observations and student teaching placements are done in settings that exemplify effective teaching to the standards to diverse student populations and there is strong and obvious linkage between academic course work and student teaching.
Students at CLU may pursue either of two teaching credentials:
- Multiple Subject Credential - which qualifies the holder to teach in self-contained classrooms.
- Single Subject Credential - which qualifies the holder to teach in compartmentalized classrooms.
Both credential programs include both course work and student teaching. They offer a strong emphasis on effectively teaching the California academic content standards to English learners as well as a strong linkage between course work and student teaching.
The Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by both the California Council of Teacher Education (CCTC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
