Teaching Credential Programs
Credential requirements specified in this catalog are subject to changes made by the State of California.
Contact the Department of Teacher Education or the Credential Student Services Center (CSSC) for current regulations.
Admission
Department application deadlines differ from those listed by the University. Please contact the Credential Student Services Center (CSSC) for program application deadlines.
Multiple or Single Subject Credential Programs
Before applying to the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential Program, all applicants should attend a ”Credential Information Session.” Several sessions are held every month except July and August. Students can also register for a session on the CSSC website.
All applicants must submit the following documents to the CSSC:
- A completed copy of the online University “Graduate and Post Baccalaureate Application” (see Calstate.edu/Apply)
- A completed online “Department of Teacher Education” application;
- One official copy of your degree-granting institutional transcript
- Two letters of recommendation; both letters must demonstrate suitable aptitude for teaching in public schools;
- Academic letters of recommendation are not acceptable.
- Letters should be dated within 3 years.
- The letters should be written by someone who has observed you teaching or working with students in the age group of the credential sought.
- Both letters must be on official letterhead, signed, and dated. If letterhead is not available, include a business card.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must submit the following documents for admission to the Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential programs:
- Statement of Purpose - 300-500 words, typed, double-spaced; see department application for questions.
- Subject Matter Competency.
- Single Subject applicants must either:
- Pass the relevant California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), or
- Obtain a waiver for the CSET by completing an approved subject matter preparation program at a CSU.
- Multiple Subject applicants must:
- Pass all three of the Multiple Subjects tests offered in the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
- Pass a U.S. Constitution course or exam
- Pass a basic educational skills test approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
- Earn a 2.67 cumulative grade point average or 2.75 in the last 60 semester units in a baccalaureate degree.
- 45 hours of Early Field Experience:
- Documented field experience of at least 45 hours in a K-12 classroom or classroom-like setting with groups of children: multiple subject, children 5-11 years of age and single subject youth aged 12 - 17 years.
- At least 15 hours must be in a public school classroom setting within the last two years.
- An acceptable public school experience includes work as a substitute teacher, para-educator, instructional aids, or classroom volunteer.
- Faith-based instruction is not acceptable.
- The remaining 30 of the 45 hours minimum must have been satisfied within the last three years.
- These hours may be completed in public or private school settings; in community-based venues, such as the YMCA, park recreations center, or in a structured summer camp, after-school, or other formally organized educational program.
- Submit the Early Field Experience Verification form. Use as many forms as needed to verify the total hours.
- This requirement may be partially fulfilled by enrollment in TED 3001.
- CTC Certificate of Clearance.
- Submit a TB clearance dated within two years.
Admission Process
Applicants are required to attend an admission interview. Successful applicants are notified by email from the CSSC after the interview. Applicants may receive a “Conditional Acceptance” pending receipt of documents.
Credential Requirements
The Single Subject Credential is the credential that authorizes the teaching of a specific subject in a departmentalized classroom. The Multiple Subject Credential is the basic credential that authorizes the teaching of all subjects in a self-contained, elementary school classrroom.
Single Subject Credential Requirements
The Single Subject Credential authorizes teaching in one subject area of the curriculum. This credential is required for almost all high school and middle school positions and for a few elementary “specialist” positions. The credential is offered in the following areas: art, English, mathematics, music, physical education, science, world languages, and social studies.
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