At PLNU, we value passionate educators who have a heart for their students. Through the integrated studies program, aspiring teachers in the state of California will complete a bachelor’s degree while simultaneously earning a preliminary teaching credential in person or fully online.

With coursework scheduled to meet and accommodate your personal and professional commitments, you can earn your bachelor's degree and teaching credential in as few as 16 months. Time to completion depends on the number of units transferred in and number of credentials you seek to complete.

This major allows you to finish your bachelor’s degree while earning your teaching credential. Credential options include: 

• Single subject
• Multiple subject
• Education specialist.

PLNU’s Integrated Studies with an Emphasis in Education, B.A. program provides for approximately 100 hours of fieldwork in local public schools and is an ideal major for aspiring teachers wanting to teach elementary-grade levels.

With more than 100 years of experience, PLNU's School of Education is a vital Christian learning community that exists to develop high-performing, reflective educators of noble character. Our graduates impact the lives of learners to influence the broader community.

Earn a Teaching Credential

If you are a para-educator with classroom experience or a career-changer looking to translate your experience into the education field, this program will equip you with the certification required to teach in your own classroom.

"PLNU has established a reputation within the community for producing well trained, reflective teacher candidates who are committed to the profession."

Dr. Lori Aragon 
Assistant Superintendent, Greenfield Union School District, Kern County

Join a Community of Educators

PLNU will empower you with the professional support you need to feel confident about putting your new degree into practice. From master teachers and faculty to mentor you to career counselors to guide your employment search, you’ll receive the assistance you need to meet your goals.

"Our teacher education program is designed to provide multiple pathways for candidates to achieve teaching credentials and advanced degrees. We model approaches to teaching that are relational and supportive while also giving candidates research-based strategies and fieldwork experiences in the classroom."

 Dr. Shirlee Gibbs
 Coordinator, M.A. in Teaching Program and Professor of Education 

Impact Your Community 

With coursework grounded in research and tied to critical issues educators face, you’ll be ready to have a real impact. Our reputation and strong community relationships mean local schools and districts work directly with PLNU to interview and hire our graduates.

"As the Associate Administrator, Human Resources, of one of the largest employers in East County San Diego, we find that PLNU graduates are among the best we are honored to consider. This is not an accident. PLNU hires excellent staff and focuses their programs on supporting students, top-tier preparation, and connecting them to employers. They know what they are doing, which provides us with confidence when we hire their graduates."

 Steve Sonnich
Retired Associate Administrator of Human Resources, Grossmont Union High School District

More reasons to choose PLNU’s degree completion program:

• Fully online option provides flexibility for your unique schedule.
• All California residents are eligible for program enrollment.
• Earn your degree and credential in as little as 16 months.
• Participate in interviews, workshops, and other professional development events with local schools and districts to enhance your education and build your network.
• Learn alongside people who share your values, goals, and love for students.
• Receive support every step of the way, from applying and test prep to career counseling.
• Prepare for success with no-cost basic skills refresher courses for the CBEST exam.
• Learn in a Christian environment where you’ll be valued and cared for as a whole person.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for professional licensure or certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website. 

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2023 Quad I — August 28, 2023

• Spring 2024 Quad I — January 8, 2024

• Summer 2024 Quad I — May 6, 2024

You may begin in quad II with the BST3004 course, but there are financial implications that come with entering with few units in your first quad. There are no other credential courses available for students to take in quad II. If you would like to start in quad II with the BST3004 course, speak with your enrollment counselor. 

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2023 Quad I — August 9, 2023
• Spring 2024 Quad I — December 13, 2023
• Summer 2024 Quad I — April 24, 2024

The Selection Process

We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. That’s why we are committed to reviewing your application thoroughly and giving it the individual care and attention it deserves. We believe you have more to offer than just a GPA, which is why there is no numeric formula that determines admittance. Rather, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admittance into the program. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you’re unsure of your qualifications.

To be admitted into PLNU's integrated studies degree completion program, you must have completed at least 60 units, from which 33 must be in general education, with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 from an accredited institution as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each college or university attended.*

Admissions Interview: You may be eligible for an interview waiver. Eligibility can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor once you've started your application. 

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

Start Application

Application Checklist

NOTE: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit online application for admissions.
2. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended.
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
    
3. Submit a 500- to 600-word essay with your online application in APA format including the following:
   • Why you wish to join the integrated studies degree completion program.
   • Your relevant academic and professional experience.
   • Your future career or life goals.
4. Complete an interview with your faculty advisor.
5. Basic Skills Exam: CBEST OR Equivalent*
   • Test scores should be emailed to gradprocessing@pointloma.edu.
   • Please note: PLNU does not receive scores sent from testing centers.
     
     *Options for meeting the Basic Skills Requirement:
     • Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination.
     • Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations.
     • Achieve qualifying score on the SAT or ACT.
6. Submit proof of registration for the CSET exam.

NOTE: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, internet, word processing, etc.).

*Prospective students who meet the other criteria but do not have the required semester hours for entrance or are lacking in the core requirements will be advised how to correct any deficiency. An enrollment counselor will assist these students with the development of a written pre-admission educational plan, which may include bridge courses taken at PLNU. Only courses from an accredited institution where at least a grade of a “C” has been earned will be accepted by transfer. Prospective students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement can be considered for admission under exception. Contact your enrollment counselor for details.

**General education deficiencies may be completed after admittance, but at least 20 hours must be completed prior to starting the program cohort. Three hours of appropriate prior learning credit (see below) may be used to meet one of the general education areas — with the exception of English composition and math.

***The PLNU General Education Learning Outcomes (GELOs) will be addressed and measured within the PLNU degree program to ensure the GE outcomes that we value are demonstrated.

When you complete your B.A. and teaching credential through PLNU, you’ll be well-positioned to fulfill your dream of a teaching career. PLNU graduates not only benefit from their strong academic preparation, but also from connections to local school districts, including opportunities to network and even interview with districts through PLNU.

With this degree, you will be prepared to work as a(n):

• Elementary school teacher
• Middle school teacher
• High school teacher

You’ll also be ready to go on for advanced certificates, credentials, and a master's degree program in teaching or education.

Notable Factors

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS), employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030. The 2020 median salary was $60,660 per year.
• Employment of middle school teachers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030. The 2020 median salary was $60,810 per year.
• Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030. The 2020 median salary was $62,870 per year. 

Making a Difference With Your Degree:

The field of education has a large variety of opportunities and specialties you can pursue. Students at PLNU spend their academic careers building strong, Christian character that, in turn, sparks a desire to continue to learn about and educate future generations in an abundance of ways. The future is shaped by the teachers and educators of today.

Think you want to be a teacher? Read How to Become a Teacher (Even if You’ve Been Doing Something Else) to see what paths you can take to get you there. 

Apply to PLNU today

Connect with one of our counselors

Speak with our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

For information about the courses required for the Integrated Studies with an Emphasis in Education, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information