• A student teacher sitting in front of a large group of children talking to them
  • 	Student teacher sitting at a table with a student
  • a colorful empty classroom for elementary children
  •  A student teacher sitting with a girl at a table drawing numbers
  • Student teacher standing with a group of elementary school kids
  • group of students on a playground at a school

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.

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.

How to Become a Teacher

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 HSU 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

Maya Makino, 2021

Art Teacher, St. Bernard’s Academy

I teach 6th-12th grade Art and Ceramics at St. Bernard’s Academy in Eureka, California.

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 Pathways


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.

More about the LSEE program


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.

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.

Special Education

  • 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