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About Integrated Teacher Education Program
ITEP-Freshman Option is a comprehensive teacher preparation program designed for entering freshmen who plan to earn a B.A. AND a Preliminary Multiple Subjects Credential or a Preliminary Special Education (Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities and Deaf and Hard of Hearing) Credential concurrently.
ITEP-Freshman Option consists of 129 units for the Multiple Subjects Option and 135-148 units for the Special Education Options. This is a cohorted program that requires full-time attendance (13 to 16 units per semester). Students participating in the Multiple Subject Program will earn their B.A. and credential in four years including one summer.
All coursework is aligned with the California State Academic Content Standards and State Curriculum Frameworks for Grades K through 8, so that students will be able to teach this content in elementary and special education classrooms.
All requirements for a preliminary teaching credential are built into the ITEP-Freshman Option program, including two student teaching experiences.
To enter the program, students should be ready to take college level English and Math. Students may demonstrate eligibility by either passing or earning an exemption from the Entry Level Math (ELM) exam and the English Placement (EPT) test. Students who do not pass both exams but need one developmental Math or English course may also be considered for admission to the program.
Students begin this program in the fall semester of their freshman year ONLY. A CSUN application must be submitted to Admissions and Records office in November for the following fall. Once admitted to CSUN, the Liberal Studies Office will invite eligible students to join the program.
It is not possible to complete a bilingual credential in ITEP-Freshman Option. Students seeking other elementary credentials should complete the Liberal Studies Pre-Credential Option and apply for a post-baccalaureate credential program.
Requirements for the Bachelor or Arts Degree ITEP-Freshman Option
- Total units in major: 129 - 148 units
- General Education: Included in the Liberal Studies major
- Title 5: Included in the Liberal Studies major
- Passage of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam
- Total for B.A. & credential: 129 for Multiple Subjects Credential
- 135-148 units for Education Specialist Credential
Students are encouraged to view or print out a copy of the ITEP-Freshman Option Advisement Form that lists the major course requirements and the ITEP-Freshman Option Concentration choices. Also available is an ITEP-Freshman Option Program Grid that shows the full four year sequence of courses.
Information Handouts and Policies
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ITEP-Freshman Option (For Fall 2005 cohorts and later)
- Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes for the Fall 2009 Cohort
- Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes for the Fall 2008 Cohort
- Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes for the Fall 2007 Cohort
- Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes for the Fall 2006 Cohort
- Advisement Form: ITEP-Freshman Option (For Fall 2008 cohorts and later)
- Concentration Sheets: ITEP-Freshman Option (For Fall 2005 cohorts and later)
- Program Grid EED (Fall 2007 cohort and prior)
- Program Grid SPED (Fall 2007 cohort and prior)
- Program Grid EED (Fall 2008 and later cohorts)
- Program Grid SPED (Fall 2008 and later cohorts)
- Local Community College Transfer Charts
Getting Into the ITEP-Freshman Option
There is no special application process for ITEP-Freshman Option. On the University application form, indicate "Liberal Studies" as the intended major. All eligible students will be identified by the Liberal Studies office on the basis of test scores, and will be invited to join the program.
Students meeting the eligibility requirements - passing scores on the ELM and EPT placement examinations, or equivalent SAT or AP scores - will receive a letter of invitation to participate in ITEP-Freshman Option. Students whose test scores suggest that they could meet eligibility by completing coursework during the summe11/2/09an invitation to participate.
Orientation sessions for prospective students and their parents are held during late spring. Students choosing to participate will enroll in classes with the assistance of Liberal Studies advisors during June and July.
The Verification of Subject Matter Competence
Candidates for a preliminary teaching credential in the state of California must demonstrate their competence in the subject matter areas typically taught during the elementary school years. Students may demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the California Subject Exam for Teachers in multiple subjects (CSET).
Navigating the ITEP-Freshman Option
ITEP-Freshman Option will accept coursework completed at community colleges or AP courses with scores above 3 on the AP examination, where appropriate, to fulfill requirements in the program. Consult with an advisor in Liberal Studies about possible substitutions.
ITEP-Freshman Option includes the opportunity to take some courses with the entering cohort ("cohorted classes") and some courses with the university population at large ("free-floating classes"). Occasionally, students are allowed to take free-floating classes at community colleges. For course equivalents at nearby community colleges, see the ITEP-Freshman Option Transfer Chart.
ITEP-Freshman Option cohorted classes are normally scheduled Monday through Thursday between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Free-floating classes are scheduled around this afternoon time block. Students must also keep one or two mornings per week free to do field work assignments every semester.