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Becoming a TeacherInformation SessionPreliminary Single Subject Program
It’s a great timeto become a teacher! The demand for new teachers in California far exceeds thenumber of candidates in teaching-credential programs. Demand is highest for science, math, and special-educationteachers, but CSUN program-completers are being hired in allsubjects. New LAUSD teachers with regular credentials start at over 53K,with steady increases and excellent benefits.
Single Subject Credential, 1 of 3 The Single Subject Credential is a license to teach in aCalifornia public school setting. It authorizes the holder to teach a specific subject orsubjects in departmentalized classes in grades preschool, K12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. *EnglishLearner Authorization (ELA) is included. This ELA does not authorized Departmentalized ELDevelopment. The ELA on your credential may not beenough for the teaching assignment you are hired for.
Single Subject Credential, 2 of 3The Single Subject Credential is a license to teach in aCalifornia public school setting. It authorizes the holder toteach the specific subject(s) named on the credential indepartmentalized classes in grades preschool, K-12, or inclasses organized primarily for adults. In California, thedepartmentalized setting is most typically found in highschools, junior high schools and in some middle schools.
Single Subject Credential, 3 of 3In California there is a two tier credentialing system:The Preliminary Credential - When you have completed our program,you will have earned a Preliminary Single Subject Credential. Thepreliminary credential is valid for five years.The Clear Credential - Within the five years your preliminarycredential is valid, you will need to complete the requirements necessaryto earn the clear credential. The clear credential is typically earnedthrough the completion of a General Education Induction Program; anadvanced on-the-job training program provided by the public schooldistricts.
Single Subjects Available at CSUNArtScience: BiologyEnglishScience: ChemistryHealth ScienceScience: GeosciencesHome EconomicsScience: PhysicsFoundational-Level MathSpanishMathAmerican Sign LanguageMusicFrenchPhysical EducationGermanSocial ScienceKoreanFoundational-Level ScienceMandarin
Credential Program Pathway Options, 1 of 4There are four Pathway Options through which you may earn yourSingle Subject Credential at CSUN, they are as follows:The Traditional Pathway is the most flexible. You may begin in eitherthe fall or spring semester and complete the program on either a fullor part-time basis. Students usually complete the program throughthis pathway in three or four semesters.
Credential Program Pathway Options, 2 of 4The Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Pathway is offered incollaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District. This is acohort model with personalized advising and guaranteed courseenrollment. This full-time program is completed in two semesters.Admission is offered in fall semesters only.
Credential Program Pathway Options, 3 of 4The Internship Pathway is open to those with an offer of employmentin a public or charter school teaching position. Students in thispathway are working as a full time teacher during the day whilecompleting coursework in the evening. The program is completedthrough this pathway in two years.
Credential Program Pathway Options, 4of 4The Integrated Pathway is a blended program where the studentcompletes a subject matter program, bachelor’s degree andPreliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential in either English orMathematics concurrently. The Integrated Pathway has twooptions; Four Year Integrated (FYI) and Junior Year Integrated(JYI). Detailed information regarding these options can be foundon the Department of English website and Department ofMathematics Teacher Preparation website, respectively.
Important Notes forACT and Internship PathwaysSupplemental ACT Pathway ApplicationTo apply to the ACT pathway an applicant must submit threeapplications: the university application, the credential programapplication, and an ACT program application. For furtherinformation regarding the ACT program and its supplementalapplication please visit the ACT Office webpage.Additional Requirements for the Internship PathwayStudents admitted to the Traditional Pathway may transfer to theInternship Pathway once they meet the following additionalrequirements: U.S. Constitution, Pre-service and Offer ofEmployment. Detailed information regarding becoming aUniversity Intern can be found on our website at the , CredentialOffice website.
The CSUN Single SubjectCredential Program 36 to 41 units of coursework. Courses offered in late afternoon and evening. Field experiences duringregular K-12 school hours. Course descriptions can be found in the University catalog. Certaincourses contain prerequisites. Recommended course sequences can be found on the Department ofSecondary Education website.
Additional Program Requirements, 1 of 4These requirements are common to all pathway options andcan be completed after admission to the program.U.S. Constitution (Required prior to recommendation for theMultiple Subject Credential.) – The U.S. Constitutionrequirement can be met through coursework or exam. Onlineexams are not acceptable. If you are a California StateUniversity alumni, you have probably met this requirementthrough coursework, as long as you passed the class with agrade of C or higher. Additional information regarding thisrequirement can be found on our website under Quick Links.
Additional Program Requirements, 2 of 4Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (Required prior to finalsemester student teaching.) – An in person class which coversinfant, child and adult CPR, to the standards of the AmericanRed Cross and the American Heart Association is required.Further information regarding this requirement can be foundon our website under Quick Links.
Additional Program Requirements, 3 of 4Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) - Completed in the final semester ofstudent teaching. All Teacher Candidates enrolled in the final studentteaching or Intern field assignment complete a standardized TeachingPerformance Assessment (edTPA) to demonstrate teaching competence.For the edTPA, the Candidate prepares and teaches a 3-5-day unit, assessesstudents during the unit, videos portions of the unit, and writes extensiveanalyses and reflection about the experience. Credential coursework andfield experiences are designed to build the necessary skills and knowledge forthe edTPA
Additional Program Requirements, 4 of 4GPA – An overall GPA of 2.75 since admission to thecredential program and a GPA of 3.0 in professionaleducation coursework is required for student teachingclearance and credential recommendation.
PROGRAMAPPLICATION
Program Application Deadline Date,1 of 2The Program Application Deadline Dates are listed withinthe program application instructions on our website.It is strongly recommended that you submit the programapplication as early as possible. Registration begins prior tothe application deadline date. Classes will begin shortlyafter the deadline date.
Program Application Deadline Date,2 of 2Important: If you wish to student teach the first semesteryou enroll, please review the student teaching requirementsoutlined on our website.
Step One:University ApplicationThe California State University Application is completed onlineat Cal State Apply website.There is a 70 required application fee.Important: This application is not required if currently enrolledas a CSUN graduate student or if applying under theundergraduate ITEP option.
Step Two:Credential Program Application, 1 of 2The Credential Program Application is completed onlineat the Credential Office website.There is a 50 required fee plus a 1.38 processing fee.All eight items listed on the next slide are required aspart of your complete credential program application.With the exception of transcripts, these items are to besubmitted as attachments within the online application.
Step Two:Credential Program Application, 2 of 2Required items: Transcripts Subject Matter Competence Basic Skills Fingerprint Clearance Tuberculosis Clearance Statement of Objectives Letters of Recommendation Early Field ExperienceImportant Note: If you were previously enrolled in a teacher trainingprogram at another institution, you will need to include with your programapplication a Letter of Good Standing from that institution.
1. Transcripts, 1 of 6Official transcripts from each institution you have attended,including community colleges, must be submitted to Admissionsand Records and the Credential Office.Good academic standing and a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or a 2.75GPA in your last 60 units is required for admission. For thoseapplying under the ITEP option, a 2.67 cumulative GPA isrequired.
1. Transcripts, 2 of 6Electronic transcripts:In your previous school’s transcript ordering system, choose"CSU Northridge" as the recipient. If this option is notavailable, use admissions.records@csun.edu as the recipientemail address.If submitting California community college transcripts, pleasereview eTranscript California and use this convenient system.Please do not send identical, duplicate electronic and papertranscripts!
1. Transcripts, 3 of 6Paper transcripts:If your previous school(s) do not supply electronic transcripts, ordertwo identical, official paper copies of those transcripts and havethem sent to your mailing address.Once you receive the two transcript sets, do not open them.Forward each set to us in sealed envelopes—one set to theCredential Office and the other to Admissions and Records at thefollowing addresses:Admissions and RecordsCSUN18111 Nordhoff StreetNorthridge, CA 91330-8265Credential OfficeCSUN – Credential Office EA 10318111 Nordhoff StreetNorthridge, CA 91330-8265
1. Transcripts, 4 of 6If you are a current CSUN student or a graduate of CSUN andhave not taken coursework since graduation, you do notneed to resubmit transcripts to either office.
1. Transcripts, 5 of 6If you are applying as a graduate student and in the processof completing a bachelor’s degree at a school other thanCSUN you will be conditionally admitted and required toprovide one additional official transcript after your degreehas been awarded. The condition will be satisfied once anofficial transcript with your bachelor's degree posted hasbeen received. Your bachelor's degree must have beenawarded by a regionally accredited institution of highereducation.
1. Transcripts, 6 of 6Students with an international transcript must submit acomprehensive international evaluation by a CTCapproved agency. A list of approved agencies is availableon the CTC Website.
2. Subject Matter Competence, 1 of 5In a credential program, you learn how to teach effectively.You must come to the program with verified knowledge ofthe subject matter you will be teaching. Subject mattercompetence can be verified in one of two ways:
2. Subject Matter Competence, 2 of 51. California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Subject SpecificExam Detailed information regarding the CSET can be found at the CaliforniaEducator Credentialing Assessments website. Here you will findinformation regarding how to register for the test. Informationregarding the tests format, content, practice questions and a fullpractice test are also provided. It is important to note that CSET scores have a validity period of tenyears. If you do not qualify and apply for your credential withinthat time frame, you will need to retake the exam.Please have the test scores sent directly to CSUN from the testing agency. Ifscores were not sent to CSUN, you will be required to submit a copy with yourapplication.
2. Subject Matter Competence, 3 of 52. Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approvedSubject Matter ProgramA Subject Matter Program is an organized course ofundergraduate study which meets the Commission onTeacher Credentialing standards for subject matterpreparation.The document you provide to verify completion must besigned by an authorized person in the educationdepartment of a California college or university with anapproved program.
Subject Matter Competence, 4 of 53. Successful completion of coursework*Coursework must be verified by a Commission-approved program ofprofessional preparation. Coursework must addresses each of the Commissionadopted domains of the applicable subject matter requirements.4. Successful completion of an academic majorFor Single Subject credentials, the major must be in one of the subjects namedin Education Code section 44257(a).5. A combination of coursework and examination*Coursework must meet or exceed the domains of the subject matterrequirements. Such mixing of options may only be done by candidates enrolledin a Commission-approved preparation program that allows for this option.
2. Subject Matter Competence, 5 of 5*Options 3 and 5 are currently not available. We will not be able toconduct coursework evaluations until the CTC provides guidanceand technical assistance; however, we can begin acceptingconferred degrees to meet subject matter competency.Important: For those applying under the FYI/JYI pathway options,80% subject matter competence must be met prior to studentteaching and 100% prior to recommendation for the credentialdocument; it is not a program admission requirement.
3. Basic Skills, 1 of 2Different credentials authorize teaching in a variety of different subjects. No matterwhat specific subject an individual may be teaching, California requires a verified basiclevel of skill in reading, writing and mathematics. These basic skills can be verifiedthrough one of the following options: California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) CSET: Multiple Subjects and CSET Writing Skills EAP/ELM/EPT SAT ACT Math and English AP Exams CTC approved Out-of-State Basic Skills Exams Meet the Basic Skills requirement by coursework Combination of coursework and exam
3. Basic Skills, 2 of 2Detailed information regarding options for meeting the Basic Skillsrequirement can be found on the CTC website in the Basic SkillsRequirement Document.When verifying basic skills through CSET or CBEST, please have the scoressent directly to CSUN from the testing agency. If the scores are not sent toCSUN, you will need to submit a copy with your application. Informationregarding these tests can be found at the California Educator Assessmentswebsite.Important: For those applying under the FYI/JYI pathway options, basicskills testing must have been attempted prior to program admission; therequirement must be met prior to student teaching
4. Fingerprint Clearance, 1 of 2Classroom observation and student teaching are a large partof the credential program. In order to be placed in aclassroom setting, you must first obtain fingerprint clearance.Applicants must possess a valid Certificate of Clearance orother CTC issued document. Details as to how to apply forthe Certificate of Clearance are provided on our website inthe Certificate of Clearance document.
4. Fingerprint Clearance, 2 of 2It is important to note that the Certificate of Clearance has avalidity period of five years. You must maintain validfingerprint clearance throughout your time in the credentialprogram.Some candidates may already hold a valid documentthrough the CTC, for example; a substitute teaching permit,activities supervisor’s certificate, etc. In this case, thatdocument would meet the fingerprint clearancerequirement.
5. Tuberculosis ClearanceApplicants must provide verification of freedom from activetuberculosis. The TB test report or a letter from a physicianregarding a chest x-ray, must have been administered within thelast two years and clearly indicate a negative result. This test maybe completed at any health facility. If the applicant is a currentCSUN student, they may contact the CSUN Student Health Centerfor a tuberculosis test. The telephone number is (818) 677-3666.
6. Statement of ObjectivesApplicants must write a one to two page typed essay addressingthe following questions: Why do you wish to become a teacher? What will you contribute to the profession? What do you plan to achieve as a teacher?
7. Letters of Recommendation, 1 of 2Applicants must provide two professional recommendationsusing the Recommendation for Credential Program form. Theletters must support the applicant’s acceptance into thecredential program. Recommendations from family membersand friends are not acceptable.
7. Letters of Recommendation, 2 of 2Recommendation forms must be uploaded with yourapplication. Once the recommender has completed therecommendation form they will need to email it back to you. Ifthe recommender prefers they can send it directly to theCredential Office at credprep@csun.edu
8. Early Field Experience, 1 of 2Applicants must have participated in an early field experienceworking with a group of school age children in the generalpopulation they will be teaching once they receive theircredential. This experience must have taken place within thelast five years and must consist of at least forty-five hours ofpaid or volunteer experience.
8. Early Field Experience, 2 of 2Please complete the Early Field Experience Verification form.Be sure to obtain an appropriate signature from a supervisor.Examples of acceptable early field experience include:teacher aid, teacher assistant, substitute teacher, campcounselor, coach, Boy Scout volunteer, Girl Scout volunteer,YMCA volunteer
Faculty InterviewAll credential program applicants are required to participatein an interview with a CSUN College of Education facultymember. Applicants will receive an email directing them toschedule this interview once the complete programapplication has been evaluated.This is the final step in your complete program application.
Credential Office Website& the Program Application Quick Links Deadline Dates Pathway Options Admission Requirements Admission OptionsCredential Office Website
Admission andAdvisement, 1 of 2Notification of Admission – Approximately two weeksfollowing the interview the applicant will receive an emailregarding their admission status. If they are admitted, theywill also receive a credential progress report. This report isan official record of the admitted student’s programrequirements. Students must read this document carefullyas they will be held responsible for its content.
Admission andAdvisement, 2 of 2Program Orientation – You will be provided withinformation about the specific online or in personorientation you should attend by the Secondary EducationDepartment.
What will this cost me?, 1 of 2Halftime tuition (1-6 units) 2,567 per semesterFulltime tuition ( 7 units) 3,965 per semesterFor the most current information regarding tuition and fees go tothe Student Finance webpage. 300 for the state-required Teacher Performance Assessment(edTPA), with additional fees for remediation.
What will this cost me?, 2 of 2Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships, grantsand loans, if you qualify. For information contact the Financial Aidand Scholarship Department at, (818) 677-4085 or visit theirFinancial Aid and Scholarship Department webpage.Additional scholarship information can be found on theScholarship web page of the CSUN College of Education website.
I’m interested!What do I do?Become familiar with the Credential Office Webpage Review all requirements for application Be mindful of Deadline Dates Study for and take all required admission exams Gather all required application itemsContact the Credential Office with any questions atcredprep@csun.edu or (818) 677-2733Submit your application to the UniversitySubmit your application to the Credential OfficeStill have questions about the application process? Attend oneof our application workshops.
The Preliminary Credential - When you have completed our program, you will have earned a Preliminary Single Subject Credential. The preliminary credential is valid for five years. The Clear Credential - Within the five years your . preliminary. credential is valid, you will need to complete the requirements necessary to earn the clear credential.
