Earn Your Master's in Education at Saint Mary's College of California

Over 80% of California school districts reported teacher shortages in 2025, with special education, math, and bilingual education facing the most severe gaps. The state’s increasingly diverse classrooms require educators who bring both strong credentials and a commitment to equity. Saint Mary’s College of California, with its Lasallian Catholic heritage of social justice and personalized mentorship, has prepared exactly this kind of educator for decades.

The Kalmanovitz School of Education offers master’s and credential programs in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, with an admissions process designed for working professionals. Tuition is structured as a flat program fee, and graduates report median earnings of $56,000 within one year of completion. When weighed against average debt levels, the degree delivers a return that mirrors the long-term stability of California’s teaching profession.

Why Saint Mary's College of Education Stands Out

Large public university versus intimate private college: the choice shapes every aspect of your graduate education. At Saint Mary's College of California, the small-school difference runs deep, rooted in a Lasallian Catholic mission that prioritizes social justice, hands-on mentorship, and community engagement. This isn't just about smaller class sizes; it's about an educational philosophy that sees teaching as an act of transformation.

Lasallian Mission and Social Justice Commitment

The Kalmanovitz School of Education draws its identity from the Lasallian tradition, which emphasizes respect for all persons, quality education, and a profound concern for the poor and social justice.¹ This isn't a mere add-on; it infuses coursework and field experiences. You'll engage in shared inquiry and collaborative learning environments that push beyond theory, preparing you to advocate for equity in your classroom from day one.

Clinical Partnerships in Bay Area Schools

Unlike programs that delay real classroom time, Saint Mary's places you in schools early through signature clinical partnerships across the Bay Area. These aren't passive observations, you'll co-teach, design lessons, and receive feedback from mentor educators. Some pathways offer paid clinical experiences, allowing you to earn while you learn. The CalEPIC program, for example, recruits local diverse candidates and embeds them in high-need schools, combining stipends with rigorous training.²

Supportive Community and Faculty Mentorship

Where large state schools can feel impersonal, Saint Mary's thrives on a tight-knit community. Faculty members know your name, your strengths, and your goals. Advisors help you navigate credentialing, coursework, and career moves with the kind of individual attention that gets lost in bigger institutions. This network often turns into a lifelong professional support system.

Centers for Leadership and Creativity

Beyond the classroom, distinctive initiatives extend learning. The Leadership Center develops administrative and teacher-leader skills,³ while the River of Words program fuses environmental literacy with the arts.⁴ For those exploring Catholic education, the Lasallian Educator Fellowship offers formation tailored to mission-driven schools.⁵ These resources signal a college invested in your whole career, not just your diploma.

Master's in Education Program Options at Saint Mary's

Saint Mary's College of California offers several graduate-level paths for educators, though the structure differs from traditional M.Ed. programs. Instead of separate master's degrees in special education, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership, the Kalmanovitz School of Education, like some other California institutions such as University of La Verne master's in education, concentrates its master's offerings into a few key areas.¹ The core programs are the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAIT) for credentialed teachers, the Master of Arts in Leadership for professionals across sectors including education, and the Master of Arts in School Counseling with its embedded Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. Credential-only tracks, which can often be completed alongside a master's or as standalone pathways, fulfill state licensing requirements for teaching and specialized roles. A detailed program listing appears later in this article; here we provide the narrative context to help you navigate the options.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAIT): Deepening Practice for Credentialed Educators

The MAIT is designed for practicing teachers who already hold a California teaching credential. It does not lead to initial licensure; instead, it's an advanced degree that strengthens instructional skills, curriculum design, and reflective practice. The program is delivered fully online, making it accessible for working educators. A Catholic Educator Emphasis is available for those teaching in Catholic schools, integrating faith-based pedagogy. This master's is best suited for elementary, middle, or secondary teachers seeking career growth without leaving the classroom, a path that aligns with a master's in teacher leadership.²

Teaching Credential Pathways: Entry to the Profession

Saint Mary's offers several preliminary credential programs approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing¹. These are designed for aspiring teachers and typically require a bachelor's degree for admission, much like the Hope International University teaching credential programs. The Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential prepares candidates for K, 8 classrooms, while the Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential is geared toward secondary teachers in specific content areas such as mathematics, science, English, or world languages. For those drawn to special education, the Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate) Teaching Credential focuses on serving students with mild to moderate disabilities. While these are credential-only pathways, they can often be combined with a master's degree for those seeking deeper study and an edge in the job market.

MA in Leadership and School Counseling: Expanding Your Impact

The Master of Arts in Leadership⁴ is a versatile program open to professionals in education, non-profits, and other fields. For educators, it builds skills in organizational management, equity, and change-making, preparing graduates for roles like instructional coach, department chair, or program director. The MA in School Counseling with PPS Credential¹ is a specialized degree that leads directly to a state credential for school counseling in K, 12 settings, combining coursework with supervised field experience.

Navigating Your Choice

Your decision hinges on whether you need a teaching credential, are already credentialed and want to deepen your expertise, or are aiming for leadership or counseling roles. The following sections dive into curriculum details, online learning formats, admissions, and costs to help you match your goals with the right Saint Mary's program.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Curriculum & Instruction: Preparing Instructional Leaders

How does Saint Mary's College of California prepare educators to become instructional leaders and curriculum designers?

While the Kalmanovitz School of Education does not offer a standalone Curriculum & Instruction concentration¹, its master's programs embed robust curriculum leadership principles throughout the coursework. Candidates across the Master's in Education, Teaching Leadership, and other graduate pathways engage with curriculum design, assessment strategies, and culturally responsive teaching, equipping them to shape classroom practice and schoolwide instructional improvement.

Curriculum Leadership Across Programs

Even without a dedicated track, the curriculum at Saint Mary's weaves instructional leadership into every strand. Coursework frequently addresses:

• Curriculum design: Analyzing and developing coherent, standards-aligned unit plans that meet diverse learner needs.
• Assessment literacy: Designing formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and measure student growth.
• Culturally responsive pedagogy: Creating inclusive learning environments that honor students' backgrounds and foster equity.

These elements appear in core courses and electives, allowing candidates to build a foundation for roles that demand deep curriculum expertise.

Preparing for Instructional Leadership Roles

Graduates leave prepared to step into positions such as instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, department head, or teacher leader, including roles like STEM curriculum developer. The programs emphasize collaborative data analysis, coaching cycles, and leading professional learning communities, often culminating in an action research project that directly addresses a curriculum or instruction challenge in the candidate's own school setting. This applied approach ensures that theory translates immediately to practice.

Faculty Expertise and Partnerships

Faculty members at the Kalmanovitz School bring experience as former teachers, principals, and district-level leaders, often engaging in research on effective instruction and equity.² While specific C&I research centers are not publicly highlighted, the school's emphasis on teaching for social justice and its partnerships with Bay Area districts provide real-world labs for curriculum innovation. Candidates benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities that support their growth as instructional leaders.

Online and Hybrid Learning Formats for Working Teachers

Online and hybrid learning formats enable educators to pursue a master's degree or credential while maintaining full-time teaching positions. At Saint Mary's College of California, graduate education programs incorporate flexible delivery methods that balance coursework rigor with the practical realities of a teacher's schedule. These formats span a spectrum: fully online programs deliver all content through digital platforms, while hybrid models combine remote learning with periodic on-campus sessions.

Flexibility for Working Professionals

Online courses at Saint Mary's are typically structured around both asynchronous and synchronous components. Asynchronous work allows students to complete readings, recorded lectures, and discussion posts on their own time during the week, a necessity for teachers who grade papers and plan lessons after school. Synchronous class sessions, often held in the evenings or on weekends, provide real-time interaction with faculty and peers. The blend creates a rhythm that fits around a school day without sacrificing meaningful connection.

Technology Requirements and Support

Participating in an online program requires a reliable internet connection, a current computer with webcam and microphone, and comfort using a learning management system. Saint Mary's provides technical support and orientation to ensure students can navigate the digital classroom smoothly. For specific hardware or software needs, the college’s IT help desk and program advisor are the best resources. Prospective students should inquire about any course-specific tools, such as video analysis software for observed teaching practicums.

Clinical Placements for Distance Learners

Many education programs include a student teaching or clinical component. Saint Mary's field placement office works with distance learners to arrange placements in accredited schools near their home community whenever possible. Remote supervision, where a university supervisor observes teaching via video, may also be available. For the most accurate picture of placement logistics, contact the program coordinator directly to discuss partnerships with local districts and the level of in-person support provided.

Making an Informed Decision

Before committing, working teachers should gather details directly from the source. The Saint Mary's College Kalmanovitz School of Education website outlines delivery modes for each program, and admissions representatives can clarify the weekly time commitment. Additional context can come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), which publishes data on education job outlooks that often assume advanced degrees, and from professional associations like the National Education Association or American Federation of Teachers, which offer guidance on navigating distance learning and clinical practice while employed.

Admissions: How to Apply to Graduate Education Programs

Admission for master’s programs at Saint Mary’s follows a straightforward set of requirements, but candidates pursuing a California teaching credential must complete additional state-mandated steps. Understanding both pathways will help you submit a complete application.

Standard Admission Requirements

All graduate education programs at the Kalmanovitz School of Education share a core set of expectations. The minimum GPA for master’s-level admission is 3.0¹; the Ed.D. program requires a 3.5². You will submit official transcripts, a current resume, and a personal statement. For counseling programs, the personal statement should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, detailing your goals and readiness⁴. Three letters of recommendation are required for counseling⁴; specific master’s programs may request two. An interview is part of the Ed.D. process². International applicants must provide TOEFL (80) or IELTS (6.5) scores³. GRE scores are not required for any education program; admissions decisions are holistic and based on your full profile.

Additional Steps for Credential Candidates

If you are pursuing a teaching credential alongside your master’s, California state mandates add several layers. You must have a Certificate of Clearance (fingerprint clearance) before student teaching⁴. Proof of a recent TB test and health insurance is also required⁴. Many programs expect you to have passed the CBEST or equivalent basic skills assessment; CSET subject-matter competency exams may be needed before or during the program, depending on your pathway⁴. Counseling applicants may need to register for the CBEST⁴. Finally, plan to complete a U.S. Constitution requirement, either through coursework or an exam, if not already met.

Application Deadlines and Submission Tips

Deadlines vary by program and start term. The Graduate Admission Bulletin lists specific dates for fall, spring, and summer cohorts¹. To be safe, begin your application at least six months before your intended entry. Secure recommendations early, order transcripts well in advance, and tailor your personal statement to illustrate your commitment to the mission of Saint Mary’s. Missing materials can delay review, so use the application portal to track your status. Reach out to the admissions office for program-specific questions; deadlines are firm, but some programs offer rolling review after priority dates.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Education Students

The cost of your graduate education is a practical starting point. At Saint Mary's College of California, tuition for the Master of Arts in Teaching is structured as a flat program fee, with financial aid options available to help you manage the investment.

Estimated Program Costs

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program requires 30 credit hours and carries a total tuition of $38,500. This translates to roughly $1,283 per credit, giving you a clear benchmark as you plan your budget. Other M.Ed. specializations may follow a per-credit model with slightly different rates, but the MAT's fixed cost provides a transparent baseline. Keep in mind that the program is fully online, so you won't incur on-campus room and board expenses.

Additional Fees

Beyond tuition, you should anticipate mandatory fees that support technology, student services, and other institutional resources. While exact figures vary by term and registration, a typical technology fee might run a few hundred dollars per semester. Contact the Kalmanovitz School of Education for a current fee schedule tailored to your enrollment status.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Several aid pathways can reduce your out-of-pocket costs: - Federal Loans and Grants: Submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and the TEACH Grant, which offers up to $4,000 per year for educators who commit to teach in high-need fields. - School-Based Scholarships: Saint Mary's provides need- and merit-based awards for graduate students; education-specific scholarships may not be publicly listed, so inquire with the financial aid office for opportunities aligned with your background. - Catholic Educator Discount: If you are a current Catholic school teacher, ask about tuition reductions that honor your service.

Comparing Costs Across Programs

The MAT's $38,500 price point is competitive with similar online master's in education programs in California; for context, per-credit rates at peer institutions like the CSUF online M.Ed. range from $620 to over $1,200. Saint Mary's commitment to small cohorts and faculty mentorship often justifies the investment. If you are exploring multiple M.Ed. tracks, note that programs like University of California-Berkeley education programs with additional credits or on-campus components will shift your total cost accordingly. Use the flat MAT cost as a reference point when evaluating longer or more specialized degrees.

Career Outcomes and Salary Potential for Graduates

Investing in a master’s degree in education means balancing the near-term cost of tuition against the long-term boost in earning power and career flexibility. For many educators, the decision comes down to whether the credential opens doors to higher-paying roles and expanded job security, especially in a state like California where advanced degrees can affect salary placement.

Earnings and Debt at a Glance

Federal data on Saint Mary’s College graduates shows a median salary of $78,812. This figure covers alumni across all master’s programs, not only education, and includes professionals at various career stages. For education graduates specifically, program-level earnings are not yet published, but the overall figure suggests a positive return on investment. The median graduate debt for Saint Mary’s students is $23,691, which is relatively manageable compared to many graduate programs. When you compare that debt to the salary data, the cost-to-earnings ratio points to a strong value proposition for those who complete their degree.

Career Paths for Education Graduates

A master’s from the Kalmanovitz School of Education can lead to several in-demand roles. Common paths include: - Classroom teacher: Many graduates move into or advance within K-12 teaching, often on a higher pay scale thanks to the master’s credential. - Special education specialist: With a focus in special education, you can step into a high-need area that commands additional stipends or salary increments in many districts. - Curriculum coordinator: This role involves designing instructional materials and assessments, often at the district level, and typically requires a master’s. - Instructional coach: Coaches support fellow teachers through professional development and mentoring, a position that blends leadership with classroom expertise.

California Teacher Salary Context

In California, teacher salaries are largely determined by district salary schedules, which reward years of experience and graduate units. A master’s degree can place you several columns higher, adding thousands of dollars annually. The state also faces a persistent shortage of credentialed educators in areas like special education, math, and science, making a master’s a strategic asset for job security and advancement. While starting pay varies by region, master’s-prepared teachers in the Bay Area and other urban markets often earn well above the state median, giving Saint Mary’s graduates a practical advantage for networking and local placements.

Your Path to a California Teaching Credential

The Single Subject Preliminary Credential program at Saint Mary’s College consists of 34 credits¹ and follows a full-time, in-person format over 12 months². For Multiple Subject candidates, the credential requires 36 credits³ with integrated student teaching. These pathways, along with the Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate) Preliminary Credential, are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)⁴ and embed the coursework and fieldwork needed for initial licensure.

Credential Pathways and Program Alignment

Each credential pathway aligns with a specific career goal: - Single Subject: For middle or high school teachers focused on one content area (e.g., math, English). - Multiple Subject: For elementary school teachers teaching all subjects in a self-contained classroom. - Education Specialist: For those working with students with mild to moderate disabilities in K, 12 settings.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program integrates the Preliminary Credential directly into its curriculum, enabling candidates to earn both the graduate degree and certification concurrently. For those pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing, the MFA and teaching credential pathway combines the Single Subject Credential with the arts degree.

Required Exams and Performance Assessments

All candidates must pass the required teacher certification exams, including the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or an approved alternative, to demonstrate foundational proficiencies⁴. Subject-matter competence is verified via the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or completion of an approved subject-matter preparation program⁴. Additionally, candidates must satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement⁴ and complete a teacher performance assessment (CalTPA or edTPA) before credential recommendation³.

Student Teaching and Fieldwork Hours

Student teaching is a cornerstone of each credential. Single Subject candidates begin a full-time student teaching placement in the fall², while Multiple Subject candidates engage in a year-long, supervised teaching experience embedded in the program³. Education Specialist candidates complete fieldwork in inclusive and special education settings, meeting CTC standards for hands-on practice⁵.

Clearing Your Credential and Out-of-State Considerations

Upon earning the Preliminary Credential, graduates enter a two-year induction program through a California school employer to clear their credential and obtain the Clear Credential⁶. While Saint Mary’s programs are designed for California licensure, the CTC accreditation often facilitates reciprocity agreements that can ease the transition for out-of-state candidates. The program’s structured support, including application guidance via the online Credential Documents Form⁴, helps streamline the process.

Accreditation: Ensuring Quality and Credential Portability

As state licensure rules grow more complex, accreditation has become the foundation for both credential recognition and financial aid access.

Institutional Accreditation at Saint Mary's

Saint Mary's College of California has been continuously accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1949.¹ In 2025, the college was placed on a Notice of Concern², and in June 2026, WSCUC issued a formal warning related to operating deficits³. This means the institution is actively addressing financial sustainability while maintaining compliance with accreditation standards. The next comprehensive review is scheduled for 2029, and a special campus visit took place in spring 2026.⁴ Institutional accreditation qualifies the college for federal financial aid programs and signals to employers that degrees meet national quality benchmarks.¹

Programmatic Approval for Teacher Preparation

The Kalmanovitz School of Education holds state approval from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).¹ This approval authorizes the school to recommend candidates for California teaching credentials upon successful completion of state-approved programs. It is distinct from national programmatic accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); that designation applies to Saint Mary's College in Indiana, not the California campus.⁵ California educators should verify that their specific credential pathway aligns with their intended state of practice, as reciprocity agreements often depend on both institutional accreditation and state-level program approval.

Faculty and Resources: A Supportive Learning Community

The Kalmanovitz School of Education surrounds students with a supportive learning community defined by accomplished faculty, targeted resources, and individualized guidance. Graduate candidates join a network of distinguished scholars who mentor them through coursework, research, and clinical practice, helping them emerge as reflective and effective educators.

Faculty Expertise

The school's teacher education faculty includes award-winning and widely published scholars whose work directly shapes classroom practice.³ Dean Carol Ann Gittens¹ leads a team that focuses on teacher effectiveness, school-based management, multicultural teaching, and language and literacy development. Among the notable full-time professors, Cybelle Barthelmess brings expertise in anti-racist pedagogical practices, particularly engaging evangelical white communities in equity work², while S. Marshall Perry serves as a senior academic leader with deep experience in educational research and policy.⁴ Associate Professor Tangela Blakely Reavis contributes to the educational leadership strand⁵, and other faculty such as Peter Alter and Mary Kay Moskal advance literacy and inclusive education.³ This breadth ensures that every student connects with mentors who can guide their specific interests.

Academic Resources

Housed in Filippo Academic Hall⁵, the Kalmanovitz School of Education offers resources that go beyond the typical classroom. The school maintains academic centers and institutes that foster research into best practices⁵, and teacher candidates benefit from a curriculum library and teaching laboratories where they can develop and test instructional materials. Clinical field placements, coordinated directly by program directors, embed students in local K-12 schools and community organizations, providing hands-on experience that aligns with coursework.⁶ These partnerships with Bay Area districts strengthen the bridge between theory and practice.

Personalized Advising and Cohort Model

A small cohort model lies at the heart of the graduate experience. Students progress through their programs together, building lasting professional relationships and a collaborative learning environment. From application to graduation, each candidate receives personalized advising. Program directors work one-on-one to tailor academic plans, oversee field-based practicums, and connect students with research opportunities. This individualized attention ensures that aspiring educators receive the support they need to reach their career goals, whether they are pursuing a teaching credential or an advanced master's degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective graduate students often have specific questions about program delivery, costs, and credential outcomes. The following answers provide a general overview, but for the most accurate and current information, please refer directly to the Saint Mary's College of California website and admissions team.

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