Frequently Asked Questions for Multiple Subject, Single Subject & Special Education programs
What is a teaching credential?
A: A teaching credential is a state license to teach in a public school setting. California law requires all teachers in the California public school system to hold a valid teaching credential. Credentials are most often obtained by completing a state-approved credential program at an accredited college or university. CSUN offers programs for teaching credentials in most subject areas. The three basic teaching credentials used in public schools are the Multiple Subject, Single Subject and Education Specialist credentials.
What is the credential needed to be an elementary school teacher?
A: To be an elementary school teacher a Multiple Subject credential is required. This credential authorizes teaching in public school settings where one teacher teaches all subjects in a self-contained classroom. This situation is typically found in grades 1 through 5 in this area although in some parts of the state it includes grade 6.
What is the credential needed to be a middle school or high school teacher?
A: To be a middle school or high school teacher a Single Subject credential is required. This credential authorizes teaching in public school settings where one teacher teaches one subject in departmentalized classrooms. This situation is typically found in grades 6 through 12.
What is the credential needed to be a special education teacher?
A: To be a special education teacher an Education Specialist credential is required. This credential authorizes teaching infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. Four specialization areas are offered at CSUN: Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Early Childhood.
How long is the program?
A: The Multiple Subject program is 39 units, the Single Subject program is 32 units and the Special Education program can be anywhere from 42-52 units depending on your area of specialization. The average amount of time students take to complete the program is 2 years. But this is ultimately determined by how you set your schedule, i.e. full-time or part-time.
Can I complete the program in a year?
A: Yes, some of our credentials programs can be completed through the two semester Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program (ACT). This is a full-time, fast-track, post-baccalaureate program that begins each Fall and ends in Spring. If you are interested in this pathway you can obtain a brochure from the Credential Office or by calling 818-677-2567. In addition, some traditional programs may be completed in a year.
Are there courses offered in the evening, on the weekend, on-line?
A: Most of the credential courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening and usually meet once or twice a week. Occasionally, there are Saturday classes offered as well as a few on-line. Student teaching will of course take place during the day, but may be reserved until the last two semesters of your program.
How much does the program cost?
A: Please check the following link for current university fee schedules .
When are applications due?
A: The application deadlines for priority consideration are March 1st for Fall and October 1st for Spring. HOWEVER, we regularly accept applications well beyond those dates. In most cases applications will be accepted up until the beginning of the semester, but it is to your advantage to get your application in early.
Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree?
A: All California public school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. However, you do not need to have a bachelor’s degree in order to begin the credential program. In fact, we have several “blended” programs that will allow you to complete your undergraduate degree and credential simultaneously and in less time than if you pursued these objectives independent of each other. For more details about these programs please contact the appropriate department:
- ITEP for the Liberal Studies degree and Multiple Subject or Special Ed credential -
- FYI / JYI for the English degree and Single Subject credential – kent.baxter@csun.edu
- FYI / JYI for the Math degree and Single Subject credential – kellie.m.evans@csun.edu
Do I also need to apply to the university?
A: If you are currently admitted to the university you will not need to reapply. However, if you are an undergraduate, you will need to submit a post-baccalaureate application via www.csumentor.edu once you’ve completed your undergraduate objective. If you are already a post-baccalaureate student you will simply need to notify A&R that you are adding a credential objective.
Do I need to take the CBEST?
A: Possibly. In the past, the CBEST exam has been the most common way to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) for admission to the program. However, a new exam has been introduced – the CSET Writing Skills exam. This exam may be used in conjunction with the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam to meet the BSR and you would then not need the CBEST. NOTE: This option is most suitable for Multiple Subject candidates since they will already be taking the CSET: Multiple Subject exam. Typically, Single Subject candidates still use the CBEST to meet the Basic Skills requirement. Other options are available on our website.
Do I need to take the CSET?
A: Possibly. The CSET exam is used to meet the Subject Matter Competence requirement for admission to the program. Multiple Subject candidates must take the CSET Multiple Subject exam.
Single Subject and Special Education candidates have several options for meeting the subject matter requirement:
- they may take one of the accepted CSET exams (listed in the application instructions) or
- they may complete a “subject matter program”. If your undergraduate major was in the subject area you want to teach there is a possibility you may be able to meet this requirement by way of a subject matter program. This must be determined by the subject matter advisor for the department of your major. If you think this option applies to you, then you may contact the Credential Office for a list of subject matter advisors.
- For Specialized Sciences only: if you have an advanced degree in your specified subject area, this will meet the subject matter requirement. Note that the Specialized Science authorization is more limiting in that you will only be able to teach your specific area of Science, and not General Sciences.
If I’ve already been fingerprinted do I need to do it again?
A: Possibly. If your fingerprinting and background check resulted in you receiving a document issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (i.e. substitute permit, provisional intern permit, etc.) and your document is valid, then you would not need to go through this process again.
If you were fingerprinted for any other purpose (work, coaching, etc) then you would need to get a current livescan service and complete the Certificate of Clearance process. Directions are on this website under “Forms and Flyers”.
Can I substitute courses from another university?
A: Once you have submitted your application, your transcripts will be reviewed and a determination will be made as to whether or not any of your courses are applicable to our credential program. Coursework taken at another institution after you submit your application to our program will not be admissible.
Note that if you were previously enrolled in a credential program at another university, you will also need to provide a “letter of good standing” from that institution along with your program application. Also, you will be required to complete a minimum of 9 units of Professional Education coursework to establish residency at CSUN prior to student teaching if you are transferring from another program.
What is the GPA requirement for admission?
A: The GPA requirement for those applying to a blended program (ITEP,FYI & JYI) is 2.75 overall cum. For those not in a blended program the GPA requirement is 2.67 overall cum or 2.75 in the last 60 units.