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.
Teach one child, touch one life, and you touch a whole community.
CLU's NCATE accredited School of Education offers credentials and
graduate programs that prepare our students to be the leaders who
touch lives and inspire future generations. As a student in CLU's
School of Education, you become a member of a community designed
to build character, foster professional achievement and teach the
skills that yield caring and competent educators.
Teacher Preparation Program
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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).
MA in Curriculum & Instruction
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The majority of the students in the Master of Arts (MA) in
Curriculum and Instruction program are classroom teachers who are
seeking to gain the strategies and experiences that will enable
them to seek and assume curriculum leadership roles in public
schools. Students in the program use their own professional
settings as a place to hone critical thinking skills and develop
a reflective practice.
The curriculum and instruction program was specially designed for
the classroom teacher. It serves four types of populations:
- Educators who have California credentials and wish to further
their education and earn more credits for pay increases.
- Educators who wish to earn an advanced or specialized
certificate in educational technology or reading.
- Educators who hold out-of-state teaching credentials with no
master's degree and need post-baccalaureate units to qualify for
the California credential.
- Educators and other professionals who provide training for
people in organizations and industry.
MA in Educational Leadership
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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
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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
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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
MS in Deaf & Hard of Hearing
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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
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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.
