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 California public schools to hold a valid teaching credential. Credentials are primarily obtained by completing a state-approved credential program at an accredited college or university. CSUN offers programs leading to most credentials required in California. 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.
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 36 units, the Single Subject program is 31 units and the Special Ed program can be anywhere from 38-51 units depending on the your focus area. The average amount of time it takes 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 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 at the Credential Office or by calling 818-677-2567. In addition, some traditional programs can be completed in a year or less.
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 schedule.
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 - www.csun.edu/liberalstudies/workshops.html
- 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 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. Traditionally attempting the CBEST exam has been used to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) for admission to the program. However, a new exam has been recently 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:
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. But currently, Single Subject and Special Ed candidates still have the option of either taking the appropriate CSET exam or completing a “subject matter program”. If your undergraduate major was in the subject area you want to teach there is a possibility you may have met the subject matter requirement, but this must be determined by the subject matter advisor for your department (see link for contact information www.csun.edu/coe/cred)
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 in our application packet.
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
Keep in mind that if you were previously enrolled in a credential program at another university, you will need to provide a “letter of good standing” from that institution along with your program application.
What is the GPA requirement for admission?
A: The GPA requirement for those in 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.