Introductory Mathematics

“This program and the staff at UCR Extension have been amazing, and worked hard to conveniently schedule the courses for working professionals. The instructors were very experienced, teaching both content for the classes, and giving us usable ideas and activities for our own classrooms.”

Karon Woolsey

Math and AVID Teacher
Landmark Middle School
Moreno Valley, CA

Earning the Certificate

Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
2. One of the following valid, unexpired, California teaching credentials:
   • Multiple Subject
   • Single Subject
   • Standard Elementary
   • Standard Secondary
   • Special Secondary
3. Please note that there is no application required to begin taking courses toward the Subject Matter Authorization, however, we recommend that you apply by the third course if you would like UCR to assist with the filing of CTC paperwork at the completion of the required courses. You can apply, free of charge, below.

Completion Requirements

• Successful completion of 48 units with a grade of C or better. This must include a minimum of four units in each of the following five areas: Real Number System/Introduction to Mathematics, Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Geometry, and Probability and Statistics.
• Upon program completion:
  • The candidate may request the assistance of UCR Extension to file the appropriate paperwork with the CTC or the candidate may apply on their own to the CTC.
  • If the candidate would like UCR to assist, please notify the Credentials Office via email. Please include your full name, program and mailing address in the email. At this time, the CTC does not accept online applications. Please note, a university $50 "credential filing fee" will apply as well as a $100 check or money order made out to the CTC.
  • Upon verification that all requirements have been met, the Credentials Office will mail the required paperwork to your home address in 10 business days. Please complete the application and mail back to the Credentials Office with ONLY the CTC payment.
  • The candidate will need to pay the UCR Extension$50 "Credential Filing Fee-Education" to Student Services by calling (951) 827-4105. Please pay this fee on the same day the application is mailed to the Credentials Office. DO NOT MAIL PAYMENT.
  • Upon receipt, the Credentials Office will process the paperwork within 24 hours. A letter is then mailed to the candidate as verification of completion.
  • CTC can take up to six months (50 business days) to process paper applications. Please review CTC's website to verify issuance. The candidate will not receive a document in the mail as the CTC has gone completely paperless.

UCR Extension only submits recommendations to CTC on behalf of students who have completed all of the coursework through UCR Extension.

For more information see How to Earn a Certificate

Certificate Courses

Our certificate programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you the option to take just a few courses or to earn the complete certificate. If choosing to complete the certificate, we recommend you get the most out of your experience by following the suggested completion path below.

“While most of my students like math, there are some who struggle with it. My goal for all of them is to at least love the joy that comes from getting the right answer. Teachers who pursue math are making a good choice--there is always a need for math teachers.”

Tinka Davis

Mathematics Instructor
Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas