Traditional Program Quick Facts

Image of university building with steps leading up to the door and columns on either side.

Most common pathway type; combines academic and theoretical focus with clinical practice

Image of standing calendar.

1-2 years post-baccalaureate to complete, but can take longer if on a part-time basis

Image of open laptop with a graduation cap hanging on the top right corner.

Format options may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid

Image of an open hand with a dollar symbol enclosed in a circle hovering over the hand.

Variety of financial resources available including grants (Federal TEACH, Golden State Teacher)

 

The traditional post-baccalaureate program (sometimes called a “fifth-year program”) is the most common pathway into teaching in California. Like a residency program, it takes place after you have completed your undergraduate degree, but in a traditional program, the clinical experience does not usually span an entire school year. This pathway provides an academic and theoretical focus in addition to classroom-based field and student teaching experiences. Earning a Preliminary teaching credential in this way typically takes one to two years, or it can take longer if you’re pursuing it on a part-time basis.

 

Image shows a classroom of adult students at their desks. In the center of the image is a young woman smiling with her hand raised and a pen in her hand, waiting to be called on by the teacher.

Distinct Advantages

  • Teachers prepared through this pathway are less likely to leave the profession than those who started on emergency permits or intern credentials.1
  • Also, compared to teachers on emergency permits or intern credentials, teachers prepared through this pathway are much more likely to have completed all of their credential requirements by the end of their third year.1
  • Some traditional programs provide an opportunity to earn a master’s degree.
  • There are many programs in this pathway available across the state offering in-person, virtual, or hybrid options.  

Key Considerations

  • The traditional pathway offers less hands-on learning than other pathways, like residency, which may not align with all learning styles.
  • If you know you want to be a teacher before college or soon after enrolling, or want to become a teacher of record as soon as possible, you may want to consider a different program model option.
  • May participate on a part-time basis, allowing for separate employment while completing the teacher preparation.

Financial Support

A wide variety of financial resources can help make any pathway you choose affordable. Learn how to fund your future in teaching with financial planning steps for every aspiring educator.

For example, financial aid for a traditional program may be available through your institution of higher education. Traditional program teacher candidates are eligible to apply for federal and state grants such as the Federal TEACH Grant and Golden State Teacher Grant.

Search a comprehensive database of funding resources to create your own financial plan.

Find Your Traditional Program

This dashboard shows the Commission-approved institutions offering traditional programs. Filter using the legend to narrow down the list and find the program that's best for you. You can also navigate to an institution's website by clicking on the name and using the link in the tooltip.

References

  1. Ong, C., La Torre, D. Griffin, N., Leon, S., Sloan, T., Smith, T. & Cai, L. (2021). CTERIN Policy Brief: Diversifying California's Teaching Force: How Teachers Enter the Classroom, Who They Serve, & If They Stay. California Teacher Education Research & Improvement Network.

Back to text

Updated April 26, 2024