(a)
The commission may approve any institution of higher education to recommend to the commission the issuance of credentials to persons who have successfully completed a teacher education program of the institution if the program meets the standards approved by the commission.
(b)
An institution of higher education whose teacher education program has been accredited by the commission shall approve and electronically submit credential applications to the commission, and the commission shall grant credentials to these applicants based upon that approval.
(c)
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the commission may approve for credit any coursework completed for credential purposes or for step increases in programs offered in California by out-of-state institutions of higher education that meet the requirements prescribed by Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 94700) of Part 59 only if the program of courses is offered by a regionally accredited institution and evidence of satisfactory evaluation by that accrediting body is submitted by the out-of-state institution to the commission for purposes of seeking approval of the program and any courses within that program to enable potential teachers to meet one or more requirements for a teaching credential in California.