School of Education FAQ's

Admissions

  1. How long will my program take?

    Several options are available based on the number of units you carry each term. An advisor can help you chart out a timeline that works for you. Generally, our credential programs take 1 1/2 - 2 years, while the master's programs take 1 - 2 years. Candidates are welcome to attend full-time or part-time. The graduate program is designed to accommodate full-time working professionals.

  2. I received my degree from out of state. Can Biola offer me a CSET waiver?

    Biola University may only issue subject matter waivers for degrees completed at Biola for programs preapproved by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). We do not currently evaluate transcripts; however, students who are interested in having a transcript evaluation can contact the Center for Careers in Teaching at Cal State Fullerton, (714) 278-7130.

  3. I'd like to apply for the master's or Credential program, but my B.A. is from outside of the USA. Is it still valid?

    Your four-year degree must be evaluated by an approved foreign evaluation agency to determine whether your degree is approved within the USA. The easiest place to have this done is through Cal State Fresno. The transcript must be an English translation and the institution granting the degree must be accredited. Contact the Institute for International Credential Evaluation at CSU, Fresno (559) 278-7622.

  4. I am a substitute teacher. Can any of my hours count for observation or student teaching?

    No credit for student teaching may be given for substitute teaching. In fact, it is considered a conflict of interest to be paid for substitute teaching while you are completing your student teaching. You must honor your commitment to student teaching by completing your placement assignment. If you are teaching or substituting full-time in a classroom, your professor will reduce your field observation hours as follows:

    SEED 519 Foundations of Ed. 10 hours instead of 25
    SEED 520/525 Reading 10 hours instead of 35
    SEED 505/506 Curriculum 15 hours instead of 60

  5. If I have already been accepted to Biola's graduate teaching credential program, I am assuming this means I can complete the program. So why am I applying to student teach?

    The formal process of application is intended to identify those who are planning to student teach, to assess their readiness for student teaching, and to schedule their student teaching placement. It is also a checkpoint so we can be sure that applicants meet all the necessary requirements prior to their student teaching. The process of going through an interview with a faculty panel is recommended by the state and serves as a good experience for future teaching interviews.

  6. I graduated from Biola with 30 units of Bible already. Why do I have to take another graduate theology course when my district will not honor the units on the pay scale?

    The theology requirement is a Biola University graduate program standard established by the Graduate Studies Committee and the Provost. It reflects our strong commitment to integrate educational principles with biblical teaching.

  7. I graduated from Biola's undergraduate program and am transitioning into the graduate education program. Why can't I pre-register for classes for next semester? Won't I lose my space in classes that I need?

    Re-application is required by the Registrar's Office because you are beginning a new program. The graduate program has additional requirements and the application process serves as a checkpoint on these issues. Even though you cannot pre-register, it is unlikely that you will lose your space since introductory graduate classes typically do not close. There is a short application available for readmits that return within a year.

  8. Can I transfer in a course to Biola with a grade of a "C"?

    The School of Education requires that students maintain a 3.0 GPA for graduation; therefore, all coursework being transferred in from another college or university must have been completed with the 3.0 minimum requirement. Since transfer units do not affect your Biola GPA, this maintains our standard minimum GPA requirement.

  9. Do extension courses transfer into the M.A.Ed. program?

    The Registrar only recognizes courses that count toward a student's degree. Most extension courses do not count toward an master's degree. However, they can count towards credentials and certificates. Have a Biola credential analyst answer specific questions related to coursework. Call (562) 903-4843.

  10. If I first apply only for the graduate teaching credential, how and when do I change to the master's program? Is there a separate application?

    If you meet the master's program requirements, a change of program must be filed with Graduate Admissions in order to be officially enrolled in the master's program. This should be done during your final semester in the credential program (student teaching).

  11. Regarding the pastoral reference to get into the program: what if I belong to a mega-church and do not personally know the pastor? Is there anyone else who can provide the reference? What if I have not been involved in a church?

    A spiritual leader in your church who knows you personally would be permissible (i.e. deacon, deaconess, elder, etc.) but this reference is necessary for admission. The pastor's reference must come from the church that you have been currently involved with for the past year.

Degree Programs

  1. Can I get my CLAD before my regular teaching credential?

    No. The CLAD must be attached to a regular teaching credential. However, as a result of California State Bill 1059, all students enrolling in a teacher preparation program beginning fall 2002 forward at Biola University will be in a CLAD-embedded program. This means that the CLAD credential will be earned along with the California preliminary credential.

  2. How do I meet the U.S. Constitution requirement? Is this a class or an exam? Where can I take it?

    The U.S. Constitution course requirement is met by earning a C or better in HIST 107 or POSC 225 at Biola. There are two other ways to meet this requirement:

    • If the course is taken at a school other than Biola, you must submit a transcript and a course description or letter on college letterhead to the School of Education to confirm that the course has been taken and meets the U.S. Constitution requirement.
    • You may take a U.S. Constitution competency exam available at Biola University in September and February. Exams are also given at other universities.

  3. Why do I have to take multiple subject competency courses if I am also taking the CSET, which covers multiple subjects?

    The CSET exam meets the state subject matter competency requirement, however, the competency courses integrate strategies and methodology with content.

  4. What happens if I can't pass the CSET?

    Can I still student teach? No. Students are required by the state of California to meet subject matter competency prior to student teaching.

  5. Can my credential courses roll over into the master's program? Is there a cut-off date for when the units would no longer be valid?

    12 units of student teaching may be applied to the M.A.Ed. or M.A.T. programs as long as they are graduate-level units. Units are usually valid for approximately five years with department approval.

  6. Where are the school districts that Biola is willing to use for student teaching under contract? What is the farthest distance Biola supervisors would be willing to travel?

    As long as we can support you in your student teaching with a supervisor who is a Biola employee, aligned with the spiritual values of the University, we will make every effort to accommodate you. Supervisors are often available in a variety of locations if we know ahead of time. These requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. However, we are more likely to be able to accommodate student teaching under contract if the school is within a 15-mile radius of Biola University's La Mirada campus.

  7. If I fail a course in the graduate education program, what are my options?

    You would need to retake the course.

  8. What happens if my GPA goes below 2.75 in the graduate credential program (or below 3.0 in the M.A.Ed. or M.A.T.)?

    You will be placed on probationary status with a formal letter of warning. Your GPA must be raised to the minimum standard and you will be evaluated semester by semester.

  9. Which master's program would best meet my needs, the M.A.Ed. or the M.A.T.?

    The M.A. in Teaching is designed for the K-12 classroom practitioner to improve their teaching skills to the highest levels. It requires 30 units beyond the B.A. The M.A.Ed. is designed for those wanting to work in the K-12 classroom or serve in curriculum development, administration, or teach at the collegiate level. It better prepares candidates for moving to a doctoral level of study. If you would like to discuss this further with one of our credential analysts, please call the School of Education office at 562-903-4843.

Miscellaneous

  1. What is the APLE program? Where can I find out about it? What are Biola's requirements for recommending me for the APLE grant?

    Applications for the APLE Loan Assumption Program are usually available in April and due by June 30 to Melinda Soto in the School of Education. This loan assumes up to $11,000 of student loans in exchange for teaching in a school for four years that is designated low-performing, low-income or hard to staff, or by teaching in a subject area where there is a teacher shortage. This program is available for students who have completed at least 60 semester units and do not hold any previous credentials. Please visit www.csac.ca.gov for more information.

  2. Is there any other financial assistance available for master's students?

    Biola University makes available a limited amount of grant money each year. Application forms may be picked up from the School of Education office and are due by April 15 for the following year. Grants are distributed based on financial need and academic qualifications. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for the School of Education faculty scholarship.