School of Education

Education is a cornerstone of society. The work of teachers, counselors, and educational leaders is vital to not only individual students, but also to the future of our communities. You can make a tremendous difference as an educator.

As part of PLNU's School of Education, you will be supported by a strong network, connected to issues and people in the field, and equipped with the confidence to succeed. You will be joining a group of students, faculty, and alumni who are well respected throughout the local education community for their deep commitment to their craft and calling.

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.

The California tower and dome rise above a grassy lawn in Balboa Park on a sunny day

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 Programs

Undergraduate 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: PLNU offers credentials, certificates, added authorizations, and master's degrees to advance your practice and career.

Undergraduate

Major

Graduate Studies

Adult Degree Completion

Integrated Studies with an Emphasis in Education, B.A.

Other Programs

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

Developing into a world citizen doesn't only happen inside the walls of the classroom — it happens by coming face-to-face with new opportunities, people, places, and ideas. From real experience that counts toward your credential hours and reading workshops, to a free California Teachers Summit and a free four-day course to prepare you for the CBEST, the School of Education offers many opportunities for meaningful engagement.

California Tower in Balboa park from a distance over a large grass lawn

District Partnerships

District partnerships are a win-win — they benefit you as a PLNU student and the education community at large. At PLNU's School of Education, we invest in intensive partnerships.

Two female students talking while walking to the class

Education Associates

PLNU's education alumni auxiliary, Education Associates, will keep you connected after you graduate.

PLNU Student Dialoging with Other Students at Event

Super Saturdays

Super Saturdays are a free speaker series that can earn you professional studies/continuing education credit while providing you with useful professional development tools.

Female student sitting on the grass outside of the Greek Amphitheater

Workshops and Special Events

PLNU's School of Education gives you opportunities to enhance your learning through workshops and special events.

A female ECLC student worker hands a small orange flower to a child in the playground

Field Experience and Volunteer Opportunities

To live out your calling as an educator, you need opportunity. PLNU prepares you to complete degrees, credentials, certificates, and added authorizations, and gain practical experience.

Older professor mentoring a student at a School of Education event

Student California Teachers Association

Aspiring educators can join PLNU's branch of the Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) to network, serve, and grow within the field of education.

A female teacher sits for a photoshoot in her empty classroom

New Teacher Induction

PLNU is proud to offer induction participating teachers and support providers the opportunity to earn 3 – 6 graduate units upon completion of their district's induction program.

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.

See School of Education Faculty

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
(619) 849-2345

Graduate
(866) 692-GRAD (4723)

PLNU is committed to continuous and transparent alignment of our curriculum with the highest national standards. Learn about assessment.

Functioning as digital archives and as colorful symbols of our synergistic, iterative, and integrative processes, the assessment wheels promote a culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability with regard to our assessment practices, including annual assessment documentation and cyclical program reviews.