About Our Classes
The University of San Diego's courses for educators are designed for teachers working in today's public and private schools. They include scheduled (live) classes, independent studies and online courses.

Course Credit
USD operates on the semester system and credit is awarded in semester units with each unit indicating approximately fifteen hours of classroom time. (Most school districts accept EDU 500-599 series courses as credit for Professional Development purposes.)

USD is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC), and is approved to meet credential requirements by the California Commission on Teacher Credentials. The Division of Continuing Education is responsible for all extension courses and we enroll teachers from throughout California, the U.S., and Department of Defense Schools around the world. Our extension credit is offered in semester units (15 contact hours per unit), and is graduate level extension, meaning that it is post-baccalaureate. It is primarily utilized for professional growth, salary advancement or, in California, to meet the Clear Credential requirement. It is transferable to degree programs only on the approval of the institution being petitioned.

Professional Course Requirements
Many classes are appropriate for salary step advancement. California Senate Bill 813 requires teachers to participate in 150 hours of continuing education activities during a 5-year period in order to maintain a valid, clear, multiple or single-subject credential. Teachers should consult with their professional growth advisor to check USD's credit acceptability to ensure district requirements are met and/or salary advancement units will be acceptable prior to registering with USD.

Community College Educators
USD extension classes are designated under 500 to 599 providing credit for professional development purposes and for meeting certain credentialing requirements. Interested participants are advised to consult their professional development committee for USD credit verification.

Educators Outside of California
Educators outside of California will find courses of interest under Independent Studies and Online Classes categories. The remaining courses are geared towards California Credentialed educators.

DoDEA and International Educators
DoDEA and International Educators will find courses of interest on the DoDEA and International Educators page.