Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by program. In general, applicants to the School of Education's graduate programs must:

  • Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Affirm Biola's doctrinal statement
  • Agree to abide by the standards of conduct while enrolled

In addition, applicants to each program must meet the following specific requirements prior to admission.

Multiple Subject (Elementary) Credential

  • Present evidence of passing at least one subtest of the CSET
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Single Subject (Secondary) Credential

  • Present letter verifying completion of a state-approved subject matter program or evidence of passing at least one subtest of the CSET
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Online Clear Credential Program

Early Childhood Program (CTC approved for Child Development Permits)

  • Have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Online, Special Education Certificate Program (Institution sponsored)

  • Have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Master of Arts in Teaching with a Personalized Emphasis

  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Clear Credential Candidates must meet admissions requirements for the Clear Credential program listed above

Master of Arts in Teaching with a Multiple Subject Credential

  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Present evidence of passing at least one subtest of the CSET
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Master of Arts in Teaching with a Single Subject Credential

  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Present letter verifying completion of a state-approved subject matter program or evidence of passing at least one subtest of the CSET
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Hold a California SB2042 Preliminary Credential
  • Clear Credential Candidates must verify that a commission-approved induction program is not available through their employer by submitting the CL-855 CTC form.
  • Clear Credential Candidate must submit the Coach and Placement Information form.
  • Verify computer literacy sufficient to become actively engaged in learning online by passing an online proficiency test offered by Biola University’s Distance Learning Department or providing proof of successful online learning in a prior course. Distance Learning Education.
  • Verify reliable access to a computer and the Internet sufficient to engage in Biola University’s Distance Learning Programs. Distance Learning Education.
  • Submit a passing score on the TOEFL and / or TWE passing score earned for non-native English speakers before admission.
  • Complete Biola University’s Graduate Education Application.
  • Interview with a member of the School of Education.

Online, Master of Arts in Teaching Personalized or
Online, Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education or
Online, Master of Arts in Teaching, TESOL

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Present evidence of passing CBEST or equivalent. Students living outside the U.S. must present alternate admissions documentation for review and approval in place of the CBEST exam.
  • Verify computer literacy sufficient to become actively engaged in learning online by passing an online proficiency test offered by Biola University’s Distance Learning Department or providing proof of successful online learning in a prior course. Distance Learning Education
  • Verify reliable access to a computer and the Internet sufficient to engage in Biola University’s Distance Learning Programs. Distance Learning Education
  • Submit a passing score on the TOEFL and / or TWE passing score earned for international students before admission.
  • Complete Biola University’s Graduate Education Application.
  • Interview with a member of the School of Education.

Master of Arts in Education with a Faith-Based Issues emphasis or a Personalized emphasis

  • Hold a clear credential or verify the equivalent experience
  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Hold a preliminary credential or provide verification of the equivalent professional experience and passage of CBEST. Students living outside the U.S. must provide verification of equivalent professional experience and present alternate admissions documentation for review and approval in place of the CBEST exam.
  • Verify computer literacy sufficient to become actively engaged in learning online by passing an online proficiency test offered by Biola University’s Distance Learning Department or providing proof of successful online learning in a prior course. Download verification form.
  • Verify reliable access to a computer and the Internet sufficient to engage in Biola University’s Distance Learning Programs. Download verification form.
  • Submit a passing score on the TOEFL and / or TWE passing score earned for non-native English speakers before admission.
  • Complete Biola University’s Graduate Education Application.
  • Interview with a member of the School of Education.

Master of Arts in Education with a Teaching Emphasis, including Induction program for Clear Credential

  • Hold a preliminary credential or verify the equivalent experience
  • Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Verify that a commission-approved induction program is available through your employer.
  • Present evidence of passing the CBEST or equivalent

Master of Arts in Education with a Teaching Emphasis, including Clear Credential program for Clear Credential

Online, Master of Arts in Education, Clear Credential

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Hold a California SB2042 Preliminary Credential.
  • Clear Credential Candidates must verify that a commission-approved induction program is not available through their employer by submitting the CL-855 CTC form.
  • Clear Credential Candidate must submit the Coach and Placement Information form.
  • Verify computer literacy sufficient to become actively engaged in learning online by passing an online proficiency test offered by Biola University’s Distance Learning Department or providing proof of successful online learning in a prior course. Distance Learning Education.
  • Verify reliable access to a computer and the Internet sufficient to engage in Biola University’s Distance Learning Programs. Distance Learning Education.
  • Submit a passing score on the TOEFL and/or TWE passing score earned for non-native English speakers before admission.
  • Complete Biola University’s Graduate Education Application.

  • Interview with a member of the School of Education.