Education is a cornerstone of society. The work of teachers, counselors, administrators, and educational leaders is vital to not only individual students but the future of our communities. You're called to make a difference as an educator.
As part of PLNU's School of Education, your journey toward an education degree will be supported by a strong network, connected to people and practical experience in the field, and equip you with the confidence to succeed through graduation and beyond. You'll join a group of students, faculty, and alumni who are highly sought after and well respected in their local education communities throughout San Diego, Bakersfield, and the entire state of California for their deep commitment to their craft and calling. Whether you're looking to earn a credential, added authorization, or a bachelor's degree or master's degree in education, PLNU's School of Education has you covered.
PLNU Bakersfield Regional Center
As part of PLNU’s School of Education, the Bakersfield Regional Center campus offers bachelor’s, master’s, credential, certificate, and added authorization programs programs for those in the Kern County region seeking to become a first-time educator or taking the next step in an already fulfilling career.
Blended Bachelor’s and Teaching Credential | PLNU Undergrad
Learn why PLNU's blended program might be the perfect degree for you.
Alumni Story
Dan and Damen Lopez
Because of Dan (B.A. 92, M.A. 96) and Damen (B.A. 94, M.A. 98) Lopez, more kids believe college is possible for them. First teachers, then administrators, and now leaders and consultants in education through their organization, TurnAround Schools, the Lopez brothers help struggling schools and students succeed.
Opportunity for Engagement
District Partnerships
PLNU's credential and graduate programs address improvement priorities identified by the K-12 learning communities in all our locations (Mission Valley, Point Loma, and Bakersfield).
Faculty Spotlight
Jill Hamilton-Bunch
Dr. Jill Hamilton-Bunch (90) graduated from PLNU with the desire to be a teacher, and that’s exactly what she’s done for the past 22 years — plus much more.
School of Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Through PLNU’s bachelor’s in education degree programs, you can prepare to teach elementary, middle, or high school; work as a counselor or administrator; or succeed in a variety of careers with a solid liberal arts degree as a cross-disciplinary studies major. You can also take education coursework to supplement your major in another field like science, language, or math.
Graduate Programs
Whether you’re wanting to advance as a teacher with your certification, gain added authorization in special education, or take the next step in your career with your master's degree in education or teaching, PLNU helps you discover your path forward in your calling to educate.
Undergraduate
Graduate Studies
Adult Degree Completion
Other Programs
- Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
- Autism Added Authorization
- Early Childhood Special Education Added Authorization
- Emotional Disturbance Added Authorization
- Orthopedic Impairment Added Authorization
- Other Health Impairments Added Authorization
- Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
- Preliminary Education Specialist Credential (Dual Mild/Moderate & Extensive Support)
- Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential
- Preliminary Single Subject Credential
- Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential
- Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
- Traumatic Brain Injury Added Authorization
Disclosure: This program meets the requirements for candidates preparing for educator licensure in the state of California and is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Point Loma Nazarene University does not guarantee that the program requirements for licensure in the state of California meets licensure requirements in other states or satisfies employment criteria in another state. Additionally, successful completion of this program by itself does not fulfill all of the requirements to become a credentialed teacher in California.
Opportunities for Engagement
Becoming a world citizen doesn't just happen within the classroom — it happens by interacting with new opportunities, people, places, and ideas. With real experience that counts toward your credential hours and reading workshops, financial services counselors who help you qualify for California's TEACH or Golden State Teacher grants, as well as free access to California Teachers Summit and four-day preparation courses for the CBEST, PLNU’s School of Education offers many opportunities for meaningful engagement on your way toward your bachelor's or master’s degrees in education.
Faculty
Our faculty serve as both teachers and mentors, committed to guiding you toward a full and purposeful education. By helping you explore thought-provoking and influential ideas and engage complex and difficult questions, you'll have access to an environment devoted to the pursuit of truth. An education at PLNU is both transformative and meaningful.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about the School of Education or any of our majors and minors, please reach out to us!
Undergraduate
(800) 733-7770
Graduate
(619) 329-6799
PLNU is committed to continuous and transparent alignment of our curriculum with the highest national standards. Learn about assessment.
