Explore PLNU’s Graduate Programs in the School of Education
Uncovering Your Passion
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Learn through hands-on education led by experience-driven faculty.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Strengthen your educational expertise through academically grounded, practice-driven programs — led by experienced faculty and shaped by real-world application.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Strengthen your educational expertise through academically grounded, practice-driven programs.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS
Graduate in a well-structured timeframe with affordable, convenient programs.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS
Whether it’s online, at one of our centrally located classrooms, or on a familiar community college campus, our courses are designed to accommodate your schedule.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS
Benefit from intentional in-person and online programs designed for a faster time to degree.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Join a respected program with a network of professionals and alumni.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Graduate from a program with a deep network of professionals and alumni, providing a strong reputation and engagement opportunities in our local districts.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Graduate with a deep network of professionals with a strong reputation and practical engagement opportunities.
Founded on Finding You
At Point Loma Nazarene University, we not only want to help you move into the next stage in your educational journey but also become more of who you are called to be along the way. It’s the reason our School of Education offers almost every degree, credential, and specialization, in a program that’s both more affordable and faster to complete. Whether you want to be a teacher or a counselor, trainer, or administrator, you have the freedom to discover your specific skills as an educator — and the means to apply them.
The School of Education offers almost every degree, credential, and specialization, in a program that’s both more affordable and faster to complete. Whether you want to be a teacher or counselor, trainer, or administrator, you have the freedom to discover your specific skills as an educator — and the means to apply them.
Why Choose PLNU?
Explicitly addressing the needs of English learners and special education students with a differentiated curriculum is a top priority for all faculty in the School of Education. All program graduates leave PLNU with special competency in addressing these priorities. Such skills equip PLNU alumni to better serve students as well as be more marketable job candidates.
Join a program that is known as one of the most esteemed producers of educational professionals.
Join a program that is known as one of the most esteemed producers of educational professionals.
Choose the Best Program for You
Whether you want to advance with your certification, gain added authorizations, or take the next step in your career with your master's degree in education or teaching, PLNU helps you discover your path forward in your calling to educate.
MASTERS PROGRAMS
Our six different master's degree programs are designed to prepare you to advance your career in education based on your goals.
View Masters Programs
CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS
Earn a credential by itself or as part of our Master's program to gain the skills and the credential you need to live out your calling to teach.
View Credential Programs
ADDED AUTHORIZATIONS
Learn the foundational principles and skills that support specific student groups in achieving academic success.
View Added Authorizations
CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
You can earn a Master of Arts or Master of Science graduate degree based on your future career goals. The Master of Arts pathway requires a final action research project that integrates your education with a field-based project (a thesis is not required). The Master of Science track prepares you for future scholarship — providing a direct pathway into a Ed.D. doctoral program, and requires a thesis project.
You can earn a Master of Arts or Science graduate degree based on your future career goals. The Master of Arts pathway requires a final action research project that integrates your education with a field-based project (a thesis is not required). The Master of Science track prepares you for future scholarship — providing a direct pathway into a Ed.D. doctoral program, and requires a thesis project.
The Master of Arts pathway requires a final action research project for career readiness. The Master of Science track prepares you for a direct pathway into a Ed.D. doctoral program.
BUILT TO SUPPORT YOU
Through our extensive network, all students — including online — can access local district partnerships. You’ll also benefit from professional development opportunities and support from career and financial services counselors who can help you pursue California’s TEACH or Golden State Teacher grants. Plus, you’ll receive free access to the California Teachers Summit and four-day CBEST preparation courses.
Through our extensive network, all students — including online — can access local district partnerships. You’ll benefit from professional development opportunities and support from career and financial services counselors who can help you pursue California's TEACH or Golden State Teacher grants. Plus, you’ll receive free access to the California Teachers Summit and four-day CBEST preparation courses.
You’ll benefit from professional development opportunities and support from career and financial counselors who can help you pursue California’s TEACH or Golden State Teacher grants.
ACCREDITED PROGRAM
This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in California. Through PLNU’s accreditations and district partnerships, you’ll gain highly relevant and applicable fieldwork and practicum experiences that count toward your credential hours — all through a trusted university respected in San Diego and communities across the region.
This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in California.
The Importance of Educators
You are called to help shape the minds of future generations. California is set to continue hiring teachers over the coming years at a pace not seen in over a decade. Currently, the job market is expected to grow by at least 7-8% for elementary, middle, high school, and special education teachers in the next 10 years (faster than the average job growth rate).
Lean on a Vast Network of Educational Leaders
Point Loma Nazarene University is proud to uphold a reputation for excellence in our community that includes forging lifelong connections with educators and education leaders throughout the state of California. These relationships are excellent resources for you to tap into for mentorship opportunities, connections, and networking. Joining our Education Associates alumni network will give you even more opportunities to stay connected as you advance in your career.
Point Loma Nazarene University is proud to uphold a reputation for excellence in our community that includes connections with educators and education leaders throughout the state of California. Joining our Education Associates alumni network will equip you with opportunities to stay connected as you advance in your career.
Fulfilling the Call
See how PLNU School of Education student Azucena found her life’s work in building meaningful relationships with her students.
Point Loma Nazarene University — © 2026
Point Loma Nazarene University — © 2026
Point Loma Nazarene University — © 2026