Expand your teaching opportunities

No new degree needed with an add-on credential

The Center for Professional and Continuing Education is excited to offer new pathways to add-on credentials for California teachers. This innovative program empowers working K-12 teachers to seamlessly earn additional California credentials in Special Education, Multiple or Single Subject teaching, positioning you to make an even greater impact in your school and community. 

With flexible courses led by expert faculty, personalized support, and a clear path to professional advancement, the add-on credential pathway is your gateway to new possibilities, broader classroom expertise, and transformative growth as an educator.

Elevate Your Teaching Career
Why pursue an additional credential?

An add-on credential allows a California-credentialed teacher to expand their qualifications by earning an additional credential, allowing them to serve multiple student populations. Teachers can obtain this without having to complete an entirely new teacher preparation degree program—usually by taking a few methodology courses and demonstrating subject-matter competency.​

Earning an add-on credential enables teachers to teach in more subjects or specialized settings, making them more versatile and valuable to schools. This flexibility can lead to more job opportunities, career advancement, greater job security, and the ability to meet the needs of a wider range of students.

What sets our add-on credential program apart? Credential coursework can be fully completed online, with support from Pacific's student-centered teaching model, without requiring formal university enrollment. 

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Affordable

Flexible

Online Coursework

teachers
Choose your pathway

The add-on credential pathway at University of the Pacific's Benerd College is designed for California teachers who want to expand their impact by earning an additional credential in special education, multiple subjects, or a single subject area—all in a convenient, primarily online format. With courses typically ranging from 3 to 4 units each and an affordable $400 per-unit price tag, educators can quickly upskill while balancing work and life commitments.

View Pathways Flowchart

Teacher curious about pathways
Adapt and Thrive: Meet Evolving School Needs
What courses will I need?

Find the CA teaching credential you currently hold below to see your add-on credential options. 

Each add-on credential pathway is specific to the individual student based on their completed application. Our Student Services team will create a tailored action plan that aligns with your career goals and teaching needs. This flexible approach means students experience Pacific’s signature, student-centered support and advising—without the commitment of a separate degree program.

View Pathways Flowchart

I have a single subject credential

Great! We can support this pathway.

 You may need between 2-3 courses to complete this pathway. Typical coursework may include:

XBCG 261 (4 units): Literacy DevelopmentXBCG 253 (4 units): Teaching STEM
XBCG 270 (3 units): Professional Practice 

 

 

Note: Your tailored action plan may vary based on your individual application. 

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines.

Great! We can support this pathway.

You may need up to 2 courses to complete this pathway, in addition to completing the CSET in your selected content area. Typical coursework may include:

XBCG 255 (3 units): Teaching Content AreasXBCG 255 (Lab): Teaching Content Areas Lab
XBCG 270 (3 units): Professional Practice 

Note: Your tailored action plan may vary based on your individual application.

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines.

We apologize, but this pathway is unavailable.

We invite you to explore our Master's in Education, Teaching Plus Credential program.

I have a multiple subject credential

Great! We can support this pathway.

You may need 3-5 courses to complete this pathway. Typical coursework may include:

XBCG 242 (3 units): Curriculum and Instruction for SPED StudentsXBCG 224 (3 units) : Assessment for Special Education
XBCG 228 (3 units): Advanced Programming for SPED StudentsXBCG 270 (3 units): Professional Practice 
XBCG 231 (3 units): Evidence-Based Practices in Autism Spectrum Disorder  

Note: Your tailored action plan may vary based on your individual application.

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines. 

Great! We can support this pathway.

You may need up to 2 courses to complete this pathway, in addition to completing the CSET in your selected content area. Typical coursework may include:

XBCG 255 (3 units): Teaching Content Areas with LabXBCG 270 (3 units): Professional Practice

Note: Your tailored action plan may vary based on your individual application.

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines.

I have a SPED subject credential

Great! We can support this pathway

You may need up to 5 courses to complete this pathway. Typical coursework may include:

XBCG 242 (3 units): Curriculum and Instruction for SPED StudentsXBCG 228 (3 units): Advanced Programming for SPED Students
XBCG 231 (3 units): Evidence-Based Practice in AutismXBCG 224 (3 units): Assessment for SPED
XBCG 270 (3 units): Professional Practice 

Note: Your tailored action plan may vary based on your individual application.

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines.

Great! We can support this pathway.

You may need up to 5 courses to complete this pathway, in addition to completing the CSET in your selected content area. Typical coursework may include:

XBCG 255 (3 units): Teaching Content Areas I with LabXBCG 256 (3 units): Content and Disciplinary Literacy Development in Secondary Schools with Lab
XBCG 254 (3 units): Productive Learning EnvironmentsXBCG 265 (2 units): Teaching in Content Areas II
XBCG 270 (3 units): Professional Practice 

Note: Your tailored action plan may vary based on your individual application.

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines.

Great! We can support this pathway

You may need up to 2 courses to complete this pathway. Typical coursework may include:

XBCG 253 (4 units): Teaching STEMXBCG 270 (3 units): Professional Practice

Note: Your tailored action plan may vary based on your individual application.

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines.

 

Next Steps
Apply Now

Complete the online application and pay $130 application & credential file fee (non-refundable). Once we receive your application, we will evaluate it in about 14 business days. After approval, you will receive a tailored plan to guide your pathway to your selected add-on credential.

Program requirements are subject to change based on California Commission on Teacher Credentialing guidelines.

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SPED classroom