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Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) and Education Department 4+1 Contiguous Bachelor's/Master's Pathway

The 4+1 pathway into the MA/Credential Master’s program is an option that allows undergraduates in the Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) major at UC Santa Cruz to:

  • Finish the master’s degree in just one additional year (five quarters, July to July)
  • Apply to the Education Master’s program through a streamlined application process

Undergraduate students currently enrolled in the LALS major have the opportunity, any time after the start of their junior year until Dec. 1 of their senior year, to apply to be admitted to the 4+1 contiguous pathway leading to the Education Master’s degree.

The requirements for admission into the 4+1 pathway are:

Interested students should schedule a meeting with the LALS undergraduate advisor to discuss their curriculum plan and complete the application forms. The deadline for application to the pathway is Dec. 1 of the senior year, although students are encouraged to apply earlier.

While students in the pathway are not guaranteed admission to the MA/Credential Program, the Education Department expects to admit students who: (a) have met the requirements listed above for admission to the 4+1; (b) have classroom experience with youth; and (c) have a commitment to teaching in communities serving traditionally underserved populations, barring any extenuating circumstances, or if the applicant does not obtain clearance from the State of California. Additionally, students will be eligible for a streamlined admission process if, at the time of application, they have met the state Basic Skills and Subject Matter requirements, typically by providing passing scores on California State tests: the CBEST and the CSET (applicants must pass the required sub tests for a secondary Single Subject Social Science credential or the Multiple Subjects credential).

After entering into the Master’s/Credential Program, students from the pathway will follow the same requirements as any other students in the MA/C program with expected graduation in July of the year after their graduation from the UCSC LALS program.

Students who have completed one of these identified undergraduate education courses will have the course EDUC 205 waived from their MA/Credential requirements. Students intending to apply for the MA/Credential Program may also choose to complete these courses in Summer Session II between their junior and senior years, instead of during the MA/Credential Program:

EDUC 210, Health, Safety and Community, 2 credits,

EDUC 213, Child and Adolescent Development for Educators, 2 credits.

The following State of California requirements for a California teaching credential, which have to be completed before the end of the final quarter of the MA/Credential Program, can also be completed at the undergraduate stage if a student chooses:

  • The U.S. Constitution Examination, when offered by the Education Department. (Completion of any of the courses POLI 20, POLI 111A, POLI 120A or HIST 10A also satisfies this requirement.)
  • The UCSC Extension online course EDUC.XSC209 can be completed any time it is offered to satisfy the Preliminary Technology Requirement.
  • A certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course (infant, child, and adult) must be completed before the end of the final quarter of the MA/Credential Program and be valid at the time of application for the preliminary credential in the final summer session of the MA/Credential Program.

(A CPR course that will remain valid through the preliminary credential application may be taken during the undergraduate state; 12-month certifications will not be sufficient. Student must check with course provider.)