Join a New Generation of Education Leaders

A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required to apply to our graduate programs. Dominican Teaching Credential Candidates must be located in the state of California in order to complete the California Teaching Credential fieldwork requirements.

1. Completed Application — Apply now!
2. Official Transcript(s)
   Official transcript of coursework from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate).
3. Resume
4. Statement of Purpose or Intent
   Please respond to each of the following in a typed essay:
   • Why have you chosen teaching as a profession?
   • What assets do you bring to the profession?
   • What is your experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion?
5. Completed Certificate of Clearance (COC) or Valid Credential
   All credential candidates must have current fingerprint records and an approved background check on file with the CTC. Fingerprint information (COC).
   • Complete the Request for Live Scan Services Form.
   • Complete the Live Scan (fingerprinting) process at a local law enforcement agency.
   • Apply for a COC.
   • When you have been granted a COC, forward your CTC Certificate of Clearance to your admissions counselor.

_{Please note: Criminal background checks, or information relating to a student’s criminal background, are not used as part of the admissions process at Dominican University of California (DUOC). Students should be aware that some programs train students to sit for the State of California or national licensure and certification examinations that qualify them to work in the field relating to their program of choice.}

_{Students with questions relating to criminal background requirements, who wish to enroll in these programs at DUOC should speak to an Academic Advisor and reference the specific qualifications for degree completion, and license or certification.} 

The following items are not required for admission, but are required to be completed during, or prior to starting, the program.

1. Meet the Subject Matter Competency (SMC) Requirements
   The Subject Matter Competency (SMC) requirement is not required for admission into the program, however, this requirement must be met prior to recommendation for the credential.
   • Earning a degree from an accredited college or university in the exact subject area for which a credential is being sought (i.e., English Degree for Subject Matter Authorization to teach English; or a degree in Liberal Studies for Subject Matter Authorization to teach Multiple Subjects in an elementary school classroom.
   • Completing a CTC approved undergraduate teacher preparation program.
   • Passing the CSETs in the desired Subject Matter authorization.
   • SMC will be verified by the Credential Analyst subsequent to your admission into the program.
2. Child and Adolescent Development (CAD) Course
   (Recommended that this course be taken prior to the end of the first semester.) Please review our list of acceptable CAD courses.
3. U.S. Constitution Requirement

_{Please note: Criminal background checks, or information relating to a student’s criminal background, are not used as part of the admissions process at Dominican University of California (DUOC). Students should be aware that some programs train students to sit for the State of California or national licensure and certification examinations that qualify them to work in the field relating to their program of choice.}

_{Students with questions relating to criminal background requirements, who wish to enroll in these programs at DUOC should speak to an Academic Advisor and reference the specific qualifications for degree completion, and license or certification.} 

Below you will find some of the courses you would be taking as aa Education student:

• Approached to Educational Research
• Applied Educational Research
• Leadership in Education
• Research for Social Justice
• Human Diversity
• Teaching for Equity
• Elementary Preparation for Student Teaching
• Teaching Observation
• Student Teaching
• Teaching Math in Elementary Schools
• Classroom Climate and Curriculum
• Pedagogical Preparation
• Program Design
• Differentiating Instruction for Inclusive Classrooms

2025-2026 Tuition and Fees

*Tuition and fees are set by the Dominican University of California Board of Trustees and may change at any time. Subsequent year calculations reflect a projected 3% annual increase. 

Scholarships

Scholarships and grants are types of aid that do not have to be repaid and that can help to directly reduce your tuition expenses. Contact your admissions counselor for more information.

Merit Scholarship

School Employee Scholarship

Dominican is proud to offer the School Employee Scholarship for eligible candidates who are currently working in a public or private school. 

• The scholarship amount is 25% of tuition applicable while completing credential coursework.
• The scholarship is renewable each year up to a maximum of two years from the start of your enrollment.
• Please note that students are eligible for either a Graduate Merit Scholarship OR the School Employee Scholarship, not both.

Marin Educators Scholarship

The Marin Educators Scholarship was established at Dominican University of California to benefit underserved students. Preference is given to Marin County students whose background and life experience provide them with unique qualifications for teaching African American and Latinx students.

• Amount: Up to 50% of tuition.
• Scholarship recipients will be enrolled in the Teaching Credential portion of the MS Education program.
• Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Preference will be given to those who intend to teach, or currently teach, at a Marin County public school.

Golden State Teacher Grant Program

Students applying for this program must be currently enrolled in a professional teacher preparation program within an accredited California institution of higher education that is approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) (such as Dominican University of California). 

The one-time Golden State Teacher Grant funds up to $20,000 that will be awarded if you commit to the following:

• You will teach in the “high need” field of Special Education, at a priority school, as determined by the CTC, for four years, within five years after you receive the teaching credential.
• A “priority school” means either a school with a high percentage, as determined by the CTC in consultation with the State Department of Education (CDE), of teachers holding emergency-type permits, based on the most recent data available to the CTC and the CDE, or a school with a high percentage, as determined by the CTC in consultation with the CDE, of low-income students.
  • “Emergency-type permits” include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
  • Provisional internships
  • Short-term staff permits
  • Credential waivers
  • Substitute permits
• You will repay the Commission 25 percent of the total award annually, up to full repayment of the award, for each year if you fail to do one or more of the following:
  • Be enrolled in or have successfully completed a teacher preparation program approved by the CTC.
  • While enrolled in the teacher preparation program, maintain good academic standing.
  • Complete the required teaching service following completion of your teacher preparation program.

TEACH Grant

Students pursuing a career in teaching at elementary or secondary schools may receive the TEACH Grant from the Federal Government.

• Amount: Up to $4,000 per academic year
• Requirements: Students must agree to teach at a low-income school in a high need field for four years within 8 years of completing their degree for which they received the TEACH Grant.
• How to Apply:
  • Must complete an Agreement to Serve and Entrance Counseling annually with the Federal Government.
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application after October 1 of each year.
     

A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required to apply to our graduate programs.

1. Completed Application — Apply now!
2. Official Transcript(s)
   Official transcript of coursework from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate).
3. Resume
4. Two Letters of Recommendation
   Academic or professional, on letterhead.
5. Statement of Purpose or Intent
   A brief essay (500 words) describing professional and/or personal goals and reasons for obtaining a graduate degree
6. Personal Interview
   Interview with program director, if necessary.
7. International Applicants
   International candidates must meet additional admissions requirements. Contact your admissions counselor for more information.

_{Please note: Criminal background checks, or information relating to a student’s criminal background, are not used as part of the admissions process at Dominican University of California (DUOC). Students should be aware that some programs train students to sit for the State of California or national licensure and certification examinations that qualify them to work in the field relating to their program of choice.}

_{Students with questions relating to criminal background requirements, who wish to enroll in these programs at DUOC should speak to an Academic Advisor and reference the specific qualifications for degree completion, and license or certification.} 

Below you will find some of the courses you would be taking as aa Education student:

• Approached to Educational Research
• Applied Educational Research
• Leadership in Education
• Research for Social Justice
• Human Diversity
• Teaching Math in Elementary Schools
• Classroom Climate and Curriculum
• Pedagogical Preparation
• Program Design
• Differentiating Instruction for Inclusive Classrooms

2025-2026 Tuition and Fees

*Tuition and fees are set by the Dominican University of California Board of Trustees and may change at any time. Subsequent year calculations reflect a projected 3% annual increase. 

Scholarships

Scholarships and grants are types of aid that do not have to be repaid and that can help to directly reduce your tuition expenses. Contact your admissions counselor for more information.

Merit Scholarship