Alert icon Now Available - Teacher Education Online! Our teacher education program now includes an online option. Click here to learn more about our online Catholic MA (CATMAT) and online Teacher Education (MATTC) programs!
Experience the Santa Clara Difference
Our vision imagines a region and world in which everyone has access to an inspiring education and the psychological tools and support to propel them toward flourishing lives of meaning, purpose and connection. Our education is characterized by strong values, social justice, transformative education and a diverse community.
This unique program prepares you to be a teacher who knows that education is a tool for promoting social justice, racial equity, and respect for diversity along with academic competence for all your students and meaningful engagement with the communities you serve.
In as little as a year, you can start your teaching career in public, Catholic, or private schools. Our graduates are in high demand because of their commitment to ensuring that all students learn, including English language learners and those with learning differences. Our multiple Scholarship opportunities can bring down tuition costs significantly. In fact, the SEMILLA Fellowship provides a 50% tuition discount to any selected candidates!
We have multiple scholarships available, including the Semilla scholarship (50% of tuition). See our Financial Aid page to learn more.
See our upcoming admissions events, or set up a personal meeting with an admissions counselor.
For more information on how to apply, and to learn about our requirements, please visit the Application Requirements page.
Program Details
- 1 year (full-time ) or 2 year program, start in any term
- Flexible night, weekend or online classes
- Multiple or single subject credential offered; Bilingual authorization optional
- Student teaching or intern format available
- Special programs for Catholic and bilingual teachers
- Teaching placement will be in your local area
- See the Bursar's Office for a full list of tuition & fees for graduate students.
- Certain California mandated tests may be required. Please contact an admissions counselor soon to discuss your options.
Specialized Programs
Bilingual Spanish/English Specialized Programs (BMATTC)
Credential candidates who are Spanish-English bilinguals have the opportunity to complete three additional courses and thereby earn a Bilingual Authorization. For more information, please contact Karla Lomeli, Director of our B-MATTC program at klomeli@scu.edu.
SEMILLA Teacher Fellowship
SEMILLA scholars commit to working at least two years after graduation in schools serving low-income students and to volunteering 30 hours per year of their educational program in Santa Clara University partnered organizations and settings. In exchange, SEMILLA scholars receive a 50% discount on tuition.
Intern Program
At Santa Clara University we recognize there is urgent demand for public school teachers in California. SCU's Intern Program is uniquely designed to support those interested in teaching for equity and inclusion in diverse schools to pursue a multiple or single subject teaching credential while working as a full-time K-12 teacher in a Bay Area public school.
Catholic Master of Arts in Teaching Program (CatMAT)
Catholic Master of Arts in Teaching (CatMAT) is a two-year program designed to help current Catholic school teachers earn their MAT and California teaching credential. The majority of CatMAT courses are taught from a distinctively Catholic perspective so that education theories and practices are relevant to the Catholic school contexts in which CatMAT teachers work. All full-time Catholic school teachers are eligible to join CatMAT, and they receive a 50% tuition reduction for the program.
Excellence in Catholic Education and Leadership (ExCEL)
Excellence in Catholic Education and Leadership (ExCEL) is a two-year, 100% tuition funded program designed to prepare and develop the "whole teacher" and to serve Catholic education in the Dioceses of San Jose and Monterey. ExCEL members serve as full-time teachers in Catholic elementary, middle, or high schools while also taking courses at Santa Clara University toward earning a Master of Arts in Teaching and teaching credential. Additionally, ExCEL members commit to living together in intentional communities, where they participate in regular activities meant to support their fellowship, faith, and spiritual development.
"SCU School of Education is so welcoming! All of the professors and staff are very helpful and try their best to make sure every student is successful inside and outside of the classroom. Growing up down the street from SCU I have always dreamed of going to school at this great institute. Being a part of the SCU family, it has opened up great doors in careers, knowledge, and lifelong friendships."
-Taylor Tompkins, ’17, Education