Your Guide to Master's in Education at Pacific Oaks College

For educators seeking a master’s that merges progressive pedagogy with California’s stringent credentialing standards, Pacific Oaks College remains a distinctive choice among master's in education programs in California. Founded in 1945 on Quaker principles of social justice, the Pasadena institution is WSCUC-accredited and known for its anti-bias, community-embedded approach to teacher preparation. Its M.Ed. specializations in Elementary Education and Special Education are delivered online and in hybrid formats, each carrying a per-credit cost that shapes long-term return. In a state where the salary bump for a master’s can exceed $10,000 annually, the program’s structure and outcomes merit careful evaluation.

Master's in Education Programs at Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College's Master of Arts in Education programs require 43 credits and lead to a preliminary teaching credential. While the college does not offer a standalone Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction, its graduate education pathways embody a progressive, social-justice-oriented pedagogy that has defined the institution since its founding.

Available Master's in Education Specializations

The 2025-2026 academic catalog lists two primary master's in education tracks, both structured as joint degree/credential programs:

• Elementary Education: This M.A. program includes a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, preparing graduates to teach in diverse K-12 classrooms. The curriculum emphasizes inclusive, culturally responsive instruction rooted in Pacific Oaks' commitment to social justice.¹
• Special Education: The M.A. in Education , Special Education pairs with a Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential (Mild/Moderate). Coursework covers assessment, behavioral support, and instructional strategies for students with disabilities, aligning with California's educator standards.²

A separate Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is also available, with concentrations in Trauma Studies and generalist tracks, offered both online and on campus. This program, requiring 30 to 33 credits, focuses on birth-to-eight education and is not part of the credential-embedded M.A. in Education pathways.³

Program Delivery and Structure

Both the Elementary Education and Special Education master's programs are available in on-campus and fully online formats. The typical completion time is 18 months for full-time students. Courses integrate field-based practicum experiences, ensuring that graduates meet California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements. The curriculum weaves Pacific Oaks' signature emphasis on diversity, anti-bias education, and reflective practice throughout all coursework.

Accreditation and Credentialing

Pacific Oaks College holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Its teacher preparation programs are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, confirming that they meet state standards for educator licensure. The college does not hold separate CAEP or TEAC programmatic accreditation, but the CTC approval serves as the primary quality assurance for credential-earning pathways.²

Prospective students interested in a master's in education that culminates in a California teaching credential will find that Pacific Oaks' M.A. programs provide a focused, practical route into the profession. For those seeking a curriculum development or instructional design emphasis without a credential, the current offerings may not align; exploring the college's evolving program list is advisable.

Special Education M.ed. Pathway

Pacific Oaks College provides a Master's in Education with a focus on Special Education, designed for educators who want to support students with diverse learning needs. The program typically blends theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experience, preparing graduates to work in inclusive classrooms, resource settings, or specialized programs. While specific course offerings and credit units can shift over time, the curriculum generally covers key areas such as assessment strategies, behavioral interventions, instructional adaptations, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams.

The program's structure often aligns with California's Education Specialist credential requirements, which include authorizations for both Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe disabilities. This dual alignment allows graduates to pursue versatile careers for master's in education in public and private schools, working with a wide range of student populations. Prospective students should directly confirm the current credentialing pathway and any updated state mandates by consulting the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.

Specialization and Fieldwork Components

Many special education M.Ed. programs offer tracks or emphases that let candidates deepen their expertise. At Pacific Oaks College, specializations might include Early Childhood Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or other focus areas, though exact options can vary by academic year. Fieldwork is a central component, usually involving supervised practicum hours in school settings where candidates apply coursework to real-world teaching. These experiences are often tailored to the candidate's chosen credential area, ensuring they meet both program and state requirements.

How to Get Current Program Details

Because curricular details, credit units, and field experience hours are subject to periodic revision, the most reliable way to obtain accurate information is to review the official program page on the Pacific Oaks College website. Additionally, speaking with an admissions counselor or academic advisor can clarify specialization tracks, prerequisite courses, and any recent changes to credential alignment. They can often provide sample course sequences, estimated completion timelines, and guidance on the application process, including documentation needed for fieldwork placements.

To ensure full compliance with state educator licensing rules, candidates should cross-reference any information from the college with the latest CTC guidelines. This step helps confirm that the program's curriculum, clinical hours, and assessments align with current Education Specialist credential standards for Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe authorizations. Taking these proactive measures can help you plan a degree path that truly supports your career goals in special education.

Elementary Education M.ed. Pathway

Pacific Oaks College’s M.Ed. in Elementary Education is designed to develop effective elementary teachers who can earn the California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential¹. The program balances robust coursework in instructional design, child development, and culturally responsive pedagogy with extensive hands-on teaching practice.

Curriculum and Instructional Design

The 43-credit program offers a comprehensive foundation in curriculum and instruction, covering planning, delivery, and assessment for diverse elementary classrooms. Core coursework explores how children learn and grow, integrating principles of child development to inform teaching strategies. Candidates learn to design lesson plans that accommodate varying learning styles and abilities while meeting state academic standards. The sequence includes studies in curriculum theory, literacy development, and classroom management, all geared toward creating engaging, supportive learning environments.

Credential Alignment and Requirements

Completion of the program positions candidates for the California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing¹. To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5², pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)¹, and clear a background check³. These requirements are integrated into the program’s admissions and progression milestones. The curriculum aligns with the credential’s performance expectations, ensuring graduates meet state standards for elementary teaching in multiple subjects.

Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Teaching

A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on inclusive, culturally responsive instruction. Coursework and field experiences prepare candidates to recognize and value the diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds of students. Strategies for differentiating instruction and building equitable classroom communities are woven throughout the program, helping future teachers address the varied needs of all learners. This approach reflects Pacific Oaks’ broader commitment to social justice and education that respects every child’s identity.

Student Teaching and Practicum

Field-based learning is central to the program. Candidates complete supervised student teaching placements in elementary classroom settings, where they apply instructional methods under the guidance of mentor teachers and college supervisors. These practicum experiences are structured to meet credential requirements and provide incremental responsibility, from observation to co-teaching and ultimately full-time solo teaching. The hands-on component ensures graduates enter the workforce with practical, classroom-tested skills.

Program Format and Time to Completion

The M.Ed. in Elementary Education is offered online and on campus at the Pasadena, California location¹, giving students flexibility in earning their degree. Full-time students typically finish the program in 18 months, while a part-time pace extends completion to about 30 months¹. This structure accommodates working professionals or those balancing other commitments while pursuing their teaching credential.

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Program Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid

Pacific Oaks College delivers its M.Ed. programs in three distinct formats to accommodate varied student needs: fully online, on-campus in Pasadena, and a hybrid blend of both. This structure provides pathways for working professionals, full-time learners, and those balancing multiple responsibilities.

Online Learning: Asynchronous Flexibility

The online M.Ed. format is designed primarily for asynchronous participation, meaning students can access lectures, readings, and assignments at any time. This model eliminates the need for scheduled class meetings and allows educators to fit coursework around teaching contracts, family commitments, or other obligations. Some courses may include optional synchronous components, such as live webinars, virtual office hours, or collaborative group projects scheduled at mutually agreeable times. Pacific Oaks College utilizes an intuitive learning management system that houses all course materials, discussion boards, and assessment tools, making it straightforward to navigate without prior online learning experience.

On-Campus Learning in Pasadena

For students who prefer face-to-face interaction, Pacific Oaks College offers on-campus M.Ed. courses at its Pasadena location. These classes provide direct access to faculty, peer collaboration, and campus resources like the library and student support centers. On-campus sections typically follow a semester schedule with weekly class meetings, often held in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working teachers. This format suits local students or those who learn best through in-person dialogue and hands-on activities.

Hybrid Options: Combining In-Person and Online

Certain M.Ed. specializations use a hybrid delivery model, merging online coursework with periodic on-campus sessions. These may include weekend intensives, summer residencies, or monthly in-person seminars. The hybrid approach preserves the flexibility of distance learning while providing valuable opportunities for networking, cohort-building, and experiential learning that are harder to replicate virtually.

Support for Working Professionals

All three formats include part-time enrollment options, allowing students to take one or two courses per term and extend the program timeline as needed, an approach common among online M.Ed. programs for working teachers. Academic advisors help structure a manageable course load, and the college understands the demands already placed on educators, prioritizing practical, immediately applicable content.

Technology Requirements and Online Student Services

Online and hybrid students need a reliable computer, high-speed internet, and standard software such as a web browser, word processor, and video conferencing application. No specialized equipment is required. Pacific Oaks College offers robust online student support, including 24/7 technical help desk assistance, virtual library access, online tutoring, and remote academic advising. These services mirror the in-person support available to campus learners, ensuring all M.Ed. students receive consistent guidance throughout their program.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition and Financial Aid for Pacific Oaks M.ed. Students

The M.Ed. at Pacific Oaks College costs $1,283 per credit hour for the 2026-2027 academic year.¹ All specializations, whether in Elementary Education, Special Education, or Curriculum and Instruction, share the same 43-credit structure,² bringing the total program tuition to $55,169.¹ An additional $100 tuition deposit confirms enrollment, and the one-time application fee is $55.

Additional Fees and Course-Related Costs

Students pay a general fee of $79 per semester, which covers technology and student services.¹ Those who opt for credit by examination, available for select courses, pay $54 per credit.¹ Books, supplies, and any required fieldwork expenses are not included, so budgeting an extra $500-$1,000 per term is advisable depending on the format.

Financial Aid Options for Education Students

Pacific Oaks participates in all major federal aid programs, making graduate students eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.⁴ Education majors, particularly those entering high-need fields like Special Education, may qualify for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.³ The TEACH Grant provides up to $3,772 per year to students who plan to teach in a low-income school for at least four academic years within eight years of completing their degree.³ Because Pacific Oaks' programs align with California's ongoing teacher shortage areas, many enrolled M.Ed. candidates are likely to meet the grant's service requirements.³

Institutional scholarships further reduce out-of-pocket costs. The College offers several need-based and merit-based awards for graduate students; the specific amounts and eligibility criteria are published on the financial aid website.⁴ These scholarships do not require repayment and can be combined with other aid.⁴

Net Price and Payment Flexibility

Actual costs vary significantly based on the student's aid package. After grants, scholarships, and federal loans, many Pacific Oaks M.Ed. candidates see their effective annual cost come in below the published tuition. The average net price for graduate students at the College is not publicly disaggregated by program, but the financial aid office provides individualized estimates upon admission.⁴

To ease the burden, Pacific Oaks offers monthly payment plans through its business office. These plans spread tuition and fees over 3-4 months per semester without interest, eliminating the need for a large lump-sum payment. Additionally, employer tuition assistance programs are accepted; many local school districts provide partial or full reimbursement for working teachers pursuing an advanced degree.⁴

For a detailed, personalized cost projection, prospective students should contact the Office of Financial Aid directly. With a combination of TEACH grants, federal loans, institutional scholarships, and flexible payment options, the total cost of an M.Ed. at Pacific Oaks College can be significantly less than the headline tuition of $55,169, making it a viable affordable M.Ed. option.

Admissions Requirements and Application Process

Gaining admission to Pacific Oaks College's Master's in Education programs is a straightforward process: the admissions requirements are designed to identify committed educators who will thrive in the college's progressive, experiential learning environment.

Application Materials

Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.¹ A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is expected¹, but the college takes a flexible approach. If your undergraduate GPA falls below 2.5, you can strengthen your application with a letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference.¹ A personal statement outlining your educational philosophy and career goals is also required.¹ Pacific Oaks does not require GRE scores; its test-optional policy reflects a belief that standardized tests are not always the best predictors of graduate success.² Additionally, applicants must meet basic skills requirements, which can be demonstrated through prior coursework, state-approved exams, or equivalent assessments.¹

Application Deadlines and Process

Pacific Oaks operates on a rolling admissions basis, but priority deadlines ensure timely consideration for your preferred start term. For fall enrollment, submit your application by June 1; for spring, the priority date is October 1. The $55 application fee is non-refundable³, and the college recommends applying early to secure financial aid, as the FAFSA deadline is April 15. After these dates, applications continue to be reviewed on a space-available basis.

International Applicants

International students must also demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent scores⁴ if their prior education was not conducted in English. A virtual interview with an admissions counselor is required⁴ to discuss your academic background and fit with Pacific Oaks' mission-centered programs.

Acceptance and Selectivity

While Pacific Oaks does not publish a single acceptance rate, data shows that 149 graduate students were admitted in a recent cycle. The college values diversity of experience and intentionally builds cohorts with varied professional backgrounds. This ensures you'll learn alongside peers from different teaching contexts, enriching discussions and collaborative projects.

Career Paths and Salary Outcomes for Graduates

Common Career Paths

Graduates pursue a range of masters in education jobs, such as elementary school teacher, special education teacher, and instructional coordinator. Many also move into curriculum development or literacy coaching positions within California school districts.

• Elementary School Teacher: Works with students in grades K-6, creating lesson plans, assessing progress, and fostering foundational skills in reading, math, and social development.
• Special Education Teacher: Adapts curriculum and teaching methods for students with diverse learning needs, often collaborating with families and support staff in public or private school settings.
• Instructional Coordinator: Oversees school curricula, trains teachers, and evaluates educational materials to align with state standards, often requiring a master’s degree and teaching experience.

Salary Comparison: California vs. National

In California, elementary school teachers earned a median annual wage of $98,200 in 2024², far above the national median of $62,340¹. For special education teachers, the gap is similarly wide: the median for elementary special education in California was $90,300², compared to a national median of $64,270³ across all special education levels. These figures, detailed in the masters in education salary guide, reflect the state’s higher cost of living and strong demand for qualified educators.

Program-specific earnings data for Pacific Oaks M.Ed. completers is not yet available in federal datasets like College Scorecard. However, the overall median earnings for Pacific Oaks College graduates across all fields 10 years after entry is $52,485, though this figure likely understates teaching salaries because it aggregates across degree levels and includes non-education programs. Once published, program outcomes will offer a clearer picture of the return on investment.

Job Demand and Growth in California

California’s public school system is the largest in the nation, and teaching positions are projected to grow steadily. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates employment of elementary school teachers to increase by about 4% from 2023 to 2033¹, with comparable trends in California; an education job growth comparison shows similar projections for other teaching roles. Special education roles are in particularly high demand due to persistent shortages across the state. Districts in both urban and rural areas actively recruit candidates with master’s-level training, especially in specialized fields like mild/moderate disabilities or early childhood special education.

The Master’s Degree Advantage

Most California school districts use salary schedules that reward advanced degrees. Teachers with a master’s credential typically start at a higher step and continue to earn more throughout their careers. Nationally, educators with a master’s degree earn an annual premium of approximately $14,500³ over those with only a bachelor’s, adding up to an estimated $580,000³ in additional lifetime earnings. In California, where base pay is higher for both groups, this differential may be even larger when factoring in cost-of-living adjustments and longevity bonuses. Completing a Pacific Oaks M.Ed. can thus serve as a strategic investment, opening doors to leadership roles, higher pay, and long-term financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective students often have questions about Pacific Oaks College's M.Ed. programs, from accreditation and cost to format and outcomes. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions, grounded in the latest institutional information.

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Choosing between a bachelor's and a master's degree is a critical career move. Pacific Oaks College's M.Ed. programs blend progressive, culturally responsive teaching with hands-on classroom preparation, opening doors to high-demand roles as an elementary school teacher or in special education. Flexible online, on-campus, and hybrid formats accommodate working professionals.

At $1,283 per credit hour (43 credits total), the investment positions graduates for salary schedule advancement and long-term growth. Visit the Pacific Oaks College website to explore current offerings, confirm admission requirements, and begin your application.