Urban Dual Credential Program (UDCP)
UDCP is a blended multiple subject and education specialist credential program, enabling candidates to obtain two credentials within a two-year timeframe. CSULB stands out as the sole public university in the local area offering a dual credential program in special education and general education, delivering exceptional value for tuition. Graduates emerge well-prepared to teach both general education and special education and to be innovators in inclusive education.
Starting Fall 2025, UDCP student teachers will be eligible for a living expense stipend up to $34,000! Stipend covers 1 year of student teaching with Long Beach USD. To learn more, visit the Long Beach Teacher Residency page for UDCP or register for an Information Meeting!
UDCP offers:
Partnerships with local districts
Fieldwork integrated with university classes
A small cohort model
Two years of mentorship from teachers and professors
Support for CalTPA and RICA
Strong hiring potential after graduation
Why join UDCP? Graduates of the program share why they chose UDCP:
SSAC Advising Hours
In-Person Advising — We've MOVED! Come see us in our new location in EED-18. Same building, just off the lobby. When you're facing the tables and chairs in the lobby, our front door is to your left.
By Appointment — Candidates who wish to make an appointment with a credential advisor may do so by calling 562-985-1105 and requesting to make an appointment with a credential advisor. Appointments are available in-person or via Zoom. Candidates who wish to make an appointment with a Liberal Studies advisor must do so online through Beach Connect.
Advising Hours
In-Person Drop-in Advising Available in EED-18
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Candidates earn both a Preliminary Multiple Subject and Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in 2 years. Program features include the following:
- UDCP is a school/university residency program with strong partnerships with local districts.
- UDCP courses are held at school sites in the partner district. Space in UDCP courses is reserved for admitted students and no campus parking is needed.
- UDCP provides supervision from university faculty and mentor teachers during the full two years of the program, even before student teaching. Students benefit from two years of hands-on learning and feedback from mentors.
- UDCP's residency model strives to narrow the gap between theory and practice by connecting all classes to meaningful fieldwork where future teachers learn to teach by working in diverse classrooms.
- UDCP fieldwork and student teaching are pre-arranged.
- UDCP's cohort model allows students to form a community with other future teachers.
- UDCP provides small class sizes and personalized support from university faculty.
- Students receive substantial support in preparing for the RICA and CalTPA, resulting in pass rates higher than the state average. In 2023-2024, 100% of students passed CalTPA.
- With two credentials, graduates have strong hiring potential. Over 95% of UDCP graduates are working as full-time teachers in public school districts, as reported by annual alumni surveys
- 54 units (42 units Core Courses & 12 units Student Teaching)
Year 1 Schedule
| - | Tuesdays | Thursdays |
|---|---|---|
| *Monday class spring semester | 8:30-10:30am
11:00am-3:30pm
| 8:30-10:30am
11:00am-1:30pm
|
Year 2 Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8:00-3:00 Student Teaching *Monday class fall semester | 8:00-12:00 Student Teaching 1:00-4:00 Class | 8:00-3:00 Student Teaching | 8:00-12:00 Student Teaching 1:00-4:00 Class | 8:00-3:00 Student Teaching |
Candidates entering this program have either received a Bachelor's Degree or will receive a Bachelor's Degree prior to the end of their Credential Program (including CSULB Liberal Studies majors). Through this pathway candidates will earn a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in 2 years.
Liberal Studies ITEP Urban Dual Credential Program (UDCP)
Candidates entering this program are in the third year of the Liberal Studies program and have completed a majority of Liberal Studies core requirements. These students will apply for the ITEP pathway with an ITEP credential program by Senior Year. Through this ITEP pathway, candidates will earn their Liberal Studies Bachelor's Degree, Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and Preliminary Education Specialist Credential all in 5 years.
For additional information related to professional licensure and certification related to this program, please see the Credential Center.
