Elementary Education Program Overview

To become an elementary school teacher you will need a Multiple Subject Credential.

The Elementary Education Credential Program at Cal Poly Humboldt is a two-semester course of study starting each Fall semester and concluding after the Spring semester. By completing our 44-unit professional education program, candidates can obtain a Preliminary Multiple Subject  Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, qualifying them for multiple subject teaching positions, primarily in grades TK-8. 

If you have questions about the program or application process, please contract our Program Coordinator, Keshnee Naidoo at kmn67@humboldt.edu or keshnee.naidoo@humboldt.edu. 

Apply for the 2025-2026 Elementary Education Credential Program - Open Now!

Applications for the Elementary Education Program are open from October 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year via Cal State Apply. Click the Eligibility and Applications link for more information.

Program Formats

Traditional Format: The Elementary Education program is available as a two-semester program with a Fall semester start and a Spring semester finish and is an in-person program with coursework after 4pm at Cal Poly Humboldt. For this format of the program, candidates have two student teaching placements and work under the mentorship and in the classroom of a credentialed K-8 teacher.

Intern Format: This two-year format of the Elementary Education Program requires employment (halftime or above) at a public school as a teacher in a multiple subjects classroom in Humboldt County. Hiring processes at school sites are negotiated between the candidate and the school’s administration, and Cal Poly Humboldt cannot assist or engage with the employment decisions of the district. Once employment is secured, the School of Education can assist in advising and enrollment. The Intern program’s coursework is extended over a two-year period. This program has courses that are a combination of online and synchronous, in-person, and hybrid formats. For more information, contact Keshnee Naidoo at kmn67@humboldt.edu.

Before you apply… 

From California tests to minimum GPAs, you must meet minimum eligibility requirements to enter the program. Before beginning the application process, make sure to review our eligibility & application page and plan ahead. EED Program & Application Requirements (PDF)

Tuition and Costs 

Tuition and costs information for the 2024-2025 academic year can be found on the Cost of Attendance page by scrolling down to the table titled "Teaching Credential: Cost of Attendance 2024-2025". Financial Aid information specific to credential students can be found on the Financial Aid: Just for Credential Students page. Information about scholarships for School of Education students can be found on the School of Education Scholarships page.