Classroom Immersion
Being able to apply what you learn in the classroom to a school classroom is a hallmark of an Humboldt Education degree.
Founded as a teacher’s college in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt continues its commitment to fostering the educators of tomorrow. Experience teaching in local k-12 schools is a hallmark of our undergraduate, graduate, and credential programs, which are led by faculty who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students.
Social Responsibility
Addressing the array of backgrounds, needs, and abilities of today’s youth, our program is built on a foundation of equity and social justice.
Close-knit Community
Start and end the program with the same group of students. That means seeing familiar faces, and building a sense of belonging and community.
Becoming a K-12 Teacher or Administrator in California
At its most basic, becoming an elementary, high school, or special education teacher in California requires a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential. Learn more about the steps to becoming a teacher or an administrator and our undergraduate pathway programs.
Email us for more information at education@humboldt.edu!
Career Options
There are a wide range of careers teaching and beyond for Education majors. Here are some of them:
- Elementary Teacher/Secondary Teacher
- Adolescent Activity Specialist
- After School Program Leader
- Curriculum Specialist
- Director of Child/Family Services
- Parent Educator
- Peace Corps /Americorps Volunteer
- Preschool Teacher or Director
- Special Education Teacher
- Teachers Aid
School of Education Vision
At Cal Poly Humboldt's School of Education, we prepare teachers who share a deep commitment to social justice, progressive approaches to understand and meet the needs of students, and an ethic of critical activism in the support of children. In all phases of the program, students are challenged to examine their own beliefs, expand their perspective and develop a productive empathy for those across the cultural spectrum. We believe tolerance is insufficient. We are committed to helping teachers value different perspectives and learn to weave diverse cultures and experiences into the fabric of education in ways that encourage and validate all students.
Featured Alumni Profile
Naomi Alcaraz, 2021
Elementary Teacher , Palm Springs Unified School District
I am a first grade teacher.
Our Programs
Undergraduate Pathway Programs
To Teach Elementary Education
Liberal Studies Elementary Education: earn a bachelor's degree and a Multiple Subject Credential in four years.
To Teach Middle and High School Education
The following programs, offered by other Humboldt academic departments, allow you to waive the subject matter exams--a requirement for the Secondary Education Credential Program.
- Art Education
- English/Language Arts Education
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Physical Education
- History Education
- Spanish Education
*Please note that some of the above are concentrations.
To Teach Special Education
Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in any major from Humboldt or other college or university.
Undergraduate Elementary Education
Liberal Studies Elementary Education (4 year program)
In this four year credential program you will earn a B.A. in any subject and a multiple subject credential.
Credential Programs
After earning your bachelors degree and passing required exams, you’ll need a teaching credential, which is a license that allows you to teach elementary, middle school, high school, or special education students.
Cal Poly Humboldt offers several 1 year (two semester) credential programs:
Educational Leadership
Administrative services credential, generally for working teachers.
Elementary Education
Multiple subject credential that allows you to teach elementary school.
Secondary Education
Single subject credential that allows you to teach middle and high school.
A preliminary credential to qualify for K-12 Special Education positions to teach youth with mild to moderate disabilities.
The Moderate/Severe specialization through the College of Extended Education & Global Engagement may be added to an existing Preliminary Special Education Credential.
All Post-Baccalaureate Credential Programs
Graduate Program
Master of Arts in Education
Designed for a practicing educator, this program is focused on conducting research that can directly impact the classroom and school.
More about the Master of Arts in Education
Achievements
Find out what our students, faculty, and staff are being recognized for.
