Graduate Studies in Education

Point Loma Nazarene University's School of Education offers teaching credentials, certificates, MA in education, and educational specialist programs in San Diego, Arcadia (serving Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley), Bakersfield (serving San Joaquin Valley and Kern County), and Inland Empire (serving San Bernardino and Riverside).

PLNU's School of Education consistently develops highly qualified, high performing educators of noble character in the context of a vital Christian Learning Community. Graduates of PLNU are held in high esteem by public schools, private schools, and charter schools serving diverse student populations.

• M.A. Education - PLNU offers four MA degrees, Teaching and Learning which prepares current teachers to work effectively with students in the classroom; Special Education which helps teachers work more effectively with students who have disabilities; Counseling and Guidance prepares individuals to become elementary, middle and high school counselors; and Educational Leadership which is ideal for both aspiring and current administrators.


• Service Credentials - The Pupil Personnel Service Credential – specializing in school counseling - prepares you to work as a school counselor in K-12 public schools, providing comprehensive guidance and counseling services to students. The Preliminary Administrative Service Credential prepares you for entry-level and upper administrative position in your district. The Clear Administrative Service credential is issued to an administrator with over two years experience.


• Teaching Credentials - PLNU offers the Single Subject Credential which allows you to teach in a specific K-12 discipline and are usually earned by aspiring middle and high school teachers; Multiple Subject Credential qualifies you to teach in the general education K-12 classrooms elementary school teachers and Education Specialist Credential prepares you to teach in K-12 special education classroom. You can specialize in working with students with mild-moderate or moderate-severe disabilities.


• Certificates - CTEL (California Teachers of English Language) this certification helps develop your ability to address the academic and linguistic needs of English learners. The Reading Certificate - prepares you to improve the reading skills of diverse learners.

This page will guide you through the application checklist. Please be sure to mail all fees and application materials (including Education program-specific materials) to the address provided on the Application Process page.

For specific information about the graduate education programs, please visit the School of Education Web site or request information about the program.



Please click on one of the degree program links above to learn the admissions and eligibility requirements for the program that interests you.