School of Education

Advising & Application

Pre-Program Advising & Support

If you have questions or need support, reach out to our friendly Pre-Program Advisors and Grant Specialists, Cheryl Ordorica (cordorica@csuchico.edu) or Lexi Kornblum (lkornblum@csuchico.edu). They’re happy to help you schedule a virtual or in-person advising session.

For specific questions about your completed coursework, transcript reviews, or possible equivalencies, feel free to contact the Chico State Credentials Office at credentials@csuchico.edu.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?(opens in new window)

People applying to program on laptop

BEST Cohort 1 Application Deadline

  • Applications are open NOW and will be due March 1, 2025. 
    • Please note you do not need to submit two separate applications (one to BEST & one to the traditional teaching credential pathway).  If interested in BEST, please apply & for some reason the application is not accepted, you will automatically be referred to the traditional Multiple Subject pathway.  We are one big team & all work together!  Thank you. 
  • Step 1: Cal State Apply
    • Submit your Chico State Graduate Admissions Application via Cal State Apply.
    • Choose the correct semester (select fall 2025, even though the BEST Teacher Residency Program starts in the summer).
    • Create an account.
    • Choose Graduate (e.g., Master's, Doctoral) or Professional's Degree Option
    • Search for "Chico Education: Dual MA Teaching / Credential (BEST)" & complete 4-sections (personal information, academic history, supporting information & program materials).
    • Questions or further support needed? Please contact the Chico State Office of Graduate Studies at graduatestudies@csuchico.edu.
  • Step 2: Initial Writing Assessment

    The Chico State Master of Arts in Teaching requires an Initial Writing Assessment as part of the application process (please reference Item 3 only via the link above for instructions & upload process to qualify). This academic paper is due via Canvas on the BEST application deadline (3/1/25).

    Applicants must activate their student portal to gain access to the Canvas page.  Graduate Studies will email instructions on activating your student portal after submitting your CalState Apply application.

    Directions

    1. Review the Masters in Education Writing Rubric (PDF) so you know the expectations that will be used in reviewing your academic writing skills.
    2. Include your name and "MA in Teaching" at the top of your paper.  
    3. Available topics for the initial writing assessment are:
      • Education Standards (e.g., Common Core, NGSS)
      • Purpose of Schooling
      • Changing US Demographics Impact on Education
      • Identity as Educational Leader
      • Co-Teaching Considerations and Issues
      • School Accountability
      • Interventions in General and Special Education 
      • Non-traditional Education Models 
      • Online Learning and Teaching 
      • Equity in Education
      • Teacher Retention and/or Burnout
      • Bilingual Teacher Shortage
    4. Select one of the listed education topics above and write a three-to-five-page paper (plus an additional page for references) that addresses an issue, trend, or position. (The paper should not merely report on what the topic is.) The Master in Education Writing Rubric outlines how your academic writing will be assessed (see rubric for quality and use of evidence criteria). Note: Using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to write any draft of your paper is not acceptable. Using AI to check spelling, grammar, etc. is permissible. Additional details are listed at the bottom of the rubric. 
    5. You should have at least three different and appropriate references/citations in APA style(opens in new window).
    6. The paper should be double-spaced.
    7. The paper should be in Word document format (docx). 
    8. Use APA formatting (American Psychological Association Manual, 7th Edition).
    9. Once you receive your Chico State campus ID from the Office of Graduate Studies, self-enroll in the MA in Education Initial Writing Sample Canvas Organization by clicking this link(opens in new window). Once you have self-registered and logged in, you will be able to submit your writing sample. Note: You need your Chico State campus Portal username to login. The Office of Graduate Studies will email you your Chico State campus Portal username about two weeks after you apply to Cal State Apply. 
    10. Your application for the MA in Teaching program cannot be processed until the Initial Writing Assessment has been received and reviewed.
  • Step 3: Apply to the Credential Program
  • Step 4: Complete the Supplemental Application