Secondary Education

Preliminary Single Subject Credential Program


The state of California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year preliminary credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements. (A clear credential is issued when all credential requirements and a state-approved Induction Program have been completed.) A Single-Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in most middle schools and high schools. However, a teacher authorized for single-subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level: preschool, grades K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

CSUN offers specialized training for secondary teachers. We have one of the largest public-university, education-credentialing programs in the state of California. As a result of our size, we are able to offer specialized instruction in the teaching of a wide range of specific subjects (see sidebar at left), rather than the generalized teaching methods taught at many institutions. Students take a subject-specific methods course with other aspiring teachers of the subject, where they learn the most up-to-date, research-based teaching methods. Student teaching is supported by university supervisors with numerous years of experience teaching the subject in secondary schools. Accompanying the student-teaching experience is a subject-specific seminar, led by an experienced subject-matter educator, with enrollment restricted to same-subject student teachers.

Pathways

CSUN offers flexibility—6 different "pathways" for earning your single-subject credential:

Professional Opportunities & Scholarships

You can also see the Credential Office website for more information on our programs.