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What university is best for English majors and where should I get my teaching credential from?
I'm a senior in high school wanting answers....
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Rehan !
If you want to become a teacher of 6th - 12th grade in California, you can get your Bachelors Degree in English and then take the Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. You must also complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in education, pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers in English and pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test. You then need to complete a student teaching or internship experience as part of the program in your state of California.
Once you begin teaching English in 6th to 12th grades, you can start to consider going for your Masters Degree in Education. Having a Masters in Education will broaden your professional options and possibly mean a higher salary. This degree is especially useful if later on you want to go into an administrative position such as a school principal or Superintendent of a School District. You can do your Masters Degree right after you complete your Bachelors and Certifications or wait till later on to go back for it. If you want to teach English at a community college in California, you would need the Masters Degree in English.
One of the top colleges for English would be the University of California at Berkley. My aunt went there many decades ago and had a good career as an elementary school teacher. It is said that Berkeley is a top school for English, not only in California but in the whole country. Also highly ranked for their English Program is Stanford University. Keep in mind that you can very well start out at a Community College and transfer to a four year University for your Bachelors Degree. Most colleges are good, offer an English Program and have credntialed professors.
You can decide which college would be best for you by registering for an orientation/tour of the college and getting a feel for the campus and the English Department. I know Berkley and Stanford both have prestigious names, but it's going to be the English major curriculum that you'll need to become aware of. You can decide which college has the courses required that you like.
Once you obtain your Bachelors Degree and one subject certification to teach English, in California you go for a a post-baccalaureate program, which typically takes one to two years to complete. This program includes coursework in how to teach and a student teaching experience, leading to a Preliminary Teaching Credential. You will have to ask the professor at the post bachelor program you attend for the details about where and how to go about it at the time you are ready for it.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
If you want to become a teacher of 6th - 12th grade in California, you can get your Bachelors Degree in English and then take the Single Subject Teaching Credential in English. You must also complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in education, pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers in English and pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test. You then need to complete a student teaching or internship experience as part of the program in your state of California.
Once you begin teaching English in 6th to 12th grades, you can start to consider going for your Masters Degree in Education. Having a Masters in Education will broaden your professional options and possibly mean a higher salary. This degree is especially useful if later on you want to go into an administrative position such as a school principal or Superintendent of a School District. You can do your Masters Degree right after you complete your Bachelors and Certifications or wait till later on to go back for it. If you want to teach English at a community college in California, you would need the Masters Degree in English.
One of the top colleges for English would be the University of California at Berkley. My aunt went there many decades ago and had a good career as an elementary school teacher. It is said that Berkeley is a top school for English, not only in California but in the whole country. Also highly ranked for their English Program is Stanford University. Keep in mind that you can very well start out at a Community College and transfer to a four year University for your Bachelors Degree. Most colleges are good, offer an English Program and have credntialed professors.
You can decide which college would be best for you by registering for an orientation/tour of the college and getting a feel for the campus and the English Department. I know Berkley and Stanford both have prestigious names, but it's going to be the English major curriculum that you'll need to become aware of. You can decide which college has the courses required that you like.
Once you obtain your Bachelors Degree and one subject certification to teach English, in California you go for a a post-baccalaureate program, which typically takes one to two years to complete. This program includes coursework in how to teach and a student teaching experience, leading to a Preliminary Teaching Credential. You will have to ask the professor at the post bachelor program you attend for the details about where and how to go about it at the time you are ready for it.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you for giving me advice.
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Rehan, this is a great question—and an important one to think about early.
Rather than focusing on a single “best” university, it’s usually more helpful to look for strong English programs combined with solid teacher preparation pathways, especially if your goal is to teach.
For an English major, look for universities that offer:
• A strong foundation in literature, writing, and critical analysis
• Opportunities to specialize (composition, linguistics, literature, or secondary education)
• Research, tutoring, or writing center opportunities
Many public universities and well-known liberal arts colleges offer excellent English programs, and success often depends more on how you use the program than the school’s name alone.
For your teaching credential, the most important factor is state alignment:
• Teaching credentials are issued at the state level, so it’s usually best to earn your credential in the state where you plan to teach.
• Look for universities with accredited teacher preparation programs that include student teaching and classroom experience.
• Some schools offer integrated programs where you can complete your English degree and teaching credential together, which can save time.
If possible, I’d recommend:
• Talking to academic advisors early
• Connecting with current teachers or student teachers
• Gaining classroom exposure through tutoring, volunteering, or substitute teaching
Choosing a university that supports hands-on experience, mentorship, and certification requirements will prepare you far better than simply choosing a school based on reputation.
Best of luck as you plan your next steps—you’re asking the right questions at the right time.
Rather than focusing on a single “best” university, it’s usually more helpful to look for strong English programs combined with solid teacher preparation pathways, especially if your goal is to teach.
For an English major, look for universities that offer:
• A strong foundation in literature, writing, and critical analysis
• Opportunities to specialize (composition, linguistics, literature, or secondary education)
• Research, tutoring, or writing center opportunities
Many public universities and well-known liberal arts colleges offer excellent English programs, and success often depends more on how you use the program than the school’s name alone.
For your teaching credential, the most important factor is state alignment:
• Teaching credentials are issued at the state level, so it’s usually best to earn your credential in the state where you plan to teach.
• Look for universities with accredited teacher preparation programs that include student teaching and classroom experience.
• Some schools offer integrated programs where you can complete your English degree and teaching credential together, which can save time.
If possible, I’d recommend:
• Talking to academic advisors early
• Connecting with current teachers or student teachers
• Gaining classroom exposure through tutoring, volunteering, or substitute teaching
Choosing a university that supports hands-on experience, mentorship, and certification requirements will prepare you far better than simply choosing a school based on reputation.
Best of luck as you plan your next steps—you’re asking the right questions at the right time.