How to Apply: Berkeley Teacher Education Program (BTEP)
Admissions application portal opens Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, for the summer 2025 term. The application will close Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at 8:59 p.m. (PST).
Online Application
- Application deadline: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at 8:59 p.m. (PST).
- The online application for admission can be found at the Graduate Division website(link is external).
- Select Term: Summer; Degree objective: Education-Teaching Credential/MA.
- All uploaded documents should be in PDF format only.
All materials are due by the application deadline.
All application materials become property of the University of California. Materials can neither be returned to you nor released to any other party.
Application Fee
- When you apply for graduate admission, you will be required to submit the application fee using a major credit card.
- If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.
- The application fee is non-refundable.
- You may qualify for an application fee waiver. To check eligibility, visit the Graduate Division website(link is external).
Essays
You are required to submit two essays: a Statement of Purpose, and a Personal History.
Statement of Purpose
Describe your preparation and desire for earning a California Teaching Credential and Master’s degree in the Berkeley Teacher Education Program (BTEP) at UC Berkeley. Explain why you want to be a teacher, making connections to the grade level and/or subject area that you plan to teach. Why is BTEP right for you? And why are you right for BTEP?
Personal History
Describe how your personal background and experiences inform your decision to pursue a teaching credential and Master’s degree. Consider the BTEP Identity Statement in your response. Please include relevant lived experiences that have led you to this point in your life.
- How have issues of race, class, gender, sexual identity, citizenship, and/or language shaped who you are?
- What barriers or challenges have you overcome to get to this point?
- What barriers or challenges have you helped others overcome?
GPA Worksheet
You must calculate your Advanced GPA, which is defined as all coursework after the first two years of your bachelor's degree.
For applicants whose undergraduate trajectory was not a standard 4 years at one institution, simply use your last two years of your Undergraduate degree.
If you need a GPA calculator, we recommend this online resource(link is external).
If you have a graduate degree, there is a separate box for you to enter your graduate degree GPA.
If your GPA is not on a 4.0 scale there is no need to convert it. Enter it as is, in the appropriate GPA box.
Transcripts
- Scan and upload PDF copies of all transcripts.
- Unofficial transcripts should include all information an official transcript would:
- Student information (i.e., first/last name)
- Institution information
- Degree conferral date(s) when applicable
- All coursework information
- Unofficial transcripts should include all information an official transcript would:
- Hard copies are not accepted.
- Upload transcripts from every post-secondary school you have attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.
- Upload PDF scans of your final transcripts from institutions where you did not receive a degree (e.g., community college) if you received credit that was later applied toward your degree, or if credit from that institution is listed on your bachelor's degree transcript.
- Official transcripts will be required if you are accepted into our program; please do not send transcripts before official acceptance.
Letters of Recommendation
You are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation.
- At least one (1) academic letter; and two (2) letters from individuals providing information about your experience working with children.
You will add the recommenders’ information to the online application. Each recommender is then responsible for uploading their letter directly into the online portal.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
You are required to submit a resume that includes education and professional work history; other professional activities (e.g., professional organizations); professional productivity (e.g., professional publications or professional development); and other major professional, vocational, community, or recreational activities, interests, and pursuits.
Submit via the online Graduate Division application, Resume/CV section.
English Language Proficiency
- All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency.
- Use recipient code 4833 for UC Berkeley.
- For current information regarding this requirement, visit the Graduate Division website(link is external).
Supplemental Requirements for Credential Applicants
All applicants are required to upload documentation of credential requirements into the online application. If you are fulfilling the requirement via exam and have not yet received score reports, you may also upload exam registration confirmation(s).
SUBJECT MATTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT
To fulfill the Subject Matter Competency requirement, choose one of the following:
- Pass the CSET;
- Complete an approved Subject Matter Preparation Program (Upload a certified letter from your credential analyst confirming your enrollment and completion of your program.);
- Completion of degree major in the credential area being sought; or
- Completion of applicable coursework, in each of the domains of the credential subject area being sought. Coursework worksheets coming soon.
For more information about the options for fulfilling the Subject Matter Competency Requirement visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing(link is external).
*****NOTE: As of November 1, 2021, the following list of degree majors are the only approved majors to satisfy Subject Matter Competency requirements.*****
- English: English, Applied English
- Math: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
- Science – Biological: Biology or Biological Sciences
- Science – Chemistry: Chemistry, Applied Chemistry
- Science – Physics: Physics, Applied Physics
- Science – Geoscience: Geology; Applied Geology
- History/Social Science: "Social Science" is the only approved major to satisfy subject matter compentency
- Multiple Subjects: "Liberal Studies" is the only approved major to satisfy subject matter compentency
UC Berkeley does NOT offer Commission-approved Subject Matter preparation programs.
If you are recommended for admission to BTEP you will need to provide evidence of satisfying the Subject Matter Competency requirement by August 2025 in order to remain in the program and begin student teaching.
Review the coursework options for any subtests where you have not met SMR by using the Coursework worksheet for your intended credential pathway. You must have coursework in each domain listed for that subtest. Access the worksheets at the following links: Multiple Subjects(link is external), Secondary English(link is external), Secondary History/Social Science(link is external), Secondary Math(link is external), Secondary Science(link is external).
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If yes, you have a course for every domain for that subtest, you will request a Subject Matter Coursework Evaluation by submitting the worksheet in lieu of CSET scores for review. Upon recommendation for admission BE3 will verify subject matter competency.
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If no, you have NOT taken a course in every domain listed for that subtest, you will need to pass the CSET exam for that subtest to meet SMR.
BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENT
Effective June 29, 2024, there are two changes to the California Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Specifically, the bill adds a provision that allows possession of a bachelor’s (or higher) degree earned at a regionally accredited college or university to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The bill also removes the BSR as a requirement for earning any credential or permit where the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree. (See the document “Senate Bill 153 (Chap.38, Stats 2024): Changes to the California Basic Skills Requirement(link is external).”)
Review Process
A faculty admissions committee will review all completed application files for their relevant area of study. In accordance with students' active participation in School of Education governance, duly appointed students may also participate in reviewing applicant files. In addition to grades and test scores, we will assess your application by noting achievements in graduate study, employment, and extracurricular and other voluntary activities that you describe in your statement of purpose.
BTEP requires interviews of top-ranked applicants. We will notify all applicants who are invited to interview sometime in the first two weeks of February.
Notification of Decision
The School of Education sends recommendations for admission to the Graduate Division between February and April for final approval. Notice from the Graduate Division constitutes official approval of admission. Communication or correspondence with the School of Education or an individual faculty member does not constitute approval of admission.
Contact
BSE Admissions Office
Questions about BSE's application process?
Sign up for our BSE Application Office Hours(link is external) to speak with our Admissions & Fellowship Coordinator.