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Academic programs

AcademicsMaster of Arts in Single Subject Education

Mills College at Northeastern University

Master of Arts in Single Subject Education

Master’s Degree

The Master of Arts in Single Subject Education prepares you to become an educator who teaches specific subject(s) effectively in K–12 classrooms, particularly topics such as art, English, social sciences, world languages, science, and mathematics. The program enables you to critically examine the roles of educators within various sociopolitical and cultural contexts, with the aim of advancing educational equity.

Our program meets the California Commission on Teaching Credentialling (CCTC) requirements for a Single Subject Teaching Credential.

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Location

Oakland, California

Commitment

Full-Time/Part-Time

Duration

2 Years

Type

Classroom

Program overview

Mills College at Northeastern’s Master of Arts (MA) in Single Subject Education prepares K–12 educators by emphasizing culturally sustaining, anti-racist, and universal-design practices. Our core goal is to develop a community of transformative teacher-leaders who are committed to critical reflection and practice, with the aim of challenging dominant ideologies and advancing educational equity.

Our curriculum is built upon praxis, integrating theory with practice. This includes a cognitive apprenticeship model that combines coaching and inquiry in real classroom settings. The program incorporates culturally relevant pedagogy, humanizing education, and academic rigor, all tailored to equip teacher candidates for diverse teaching roles in California’s varied cultural, linguistic, and social landscapes. Offering both traditional and internship pathways, the MA in Single Subject Education provides you with flexible professional learning options.

The program requires a summer session dedicated to preparing you for full-time teaching responsibilities, with a strong focus on classroom inquiry, reflection, and collaboration. You’ll graduate well-prepared for roles in diverse California classrooms, embodying our commitment to anti-racist, gender-inclusive, and culturally responsive teaching principles.

Unique features

Two credentialing pathways: student teaching and intern teaching
Two-year program (five semesters)
Preliminary teaching credential requirements after one academic year
CCTC application, degree, and program guidance from academic coordinator and credential analyst
Lesson study cohort-based program: program year begins in early summer, engaging you in community building exercises while you complete course work in a summer school context; coach-led cohorts are multidisciplinary and across grade levels

Program objectives

Increase educational equity and access through a focus on racial and gender justice.
Build a community of transformative teacher-leaders who commit to critical reflection and practice, and who advance educational equity in the field.

Career outlook

Graduates of the program will be well equipped for employment in public, charter, and independent schools in California and beyond, benefiting from reciprocity arrangements with other states.

Curriculum

For 100+ years, Northeastern University has designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

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Experiential learning

To prepare you to become a transformative educator in California schools, the MA in Single Subject Education program supports learning through an apprenticeship model that combines coaching and inquiry in real classroom settings. Our cohort-based program begins in early summer engaging students in classroom inquiry, reflection, and collaboration while completing course work in a summer school context. Candidates can go on to choose either a traditional or internship pathway towards completion, with support and mentorship along the way.

“To become a good teacher, you have to sit with difficulty constantly, and [the program] prepared us for that. There was a great balance of peer, mentor, and teacher feedback, which provided multiple reference points and created a realistic view of where I was and where I was going in my teacher development.”
—Virginia Tremblay, ’10, Mills College, and high school teacher

Tuition and aid

Tuition

$27.6K

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024–2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.

Finance your education

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

How to apply

Learn more about our required admissions materials and process, including deadlines.

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