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About the Pre-Credential Option at CSUN
The Pre-Credential Option is an undergraduate major that focuses broadly on the liberal arts and specifically on the curriculum areas required for teaching in elementary classrooms (Grades K-6). The major includes coursework from disciplines in eight subject matter areas: language arts, mathematics, science, history/social sciences, visual and performing arts, health, physical education, and human development.
Students complete a concentration, or depth of study requirement, selected from a group of approved concentrations.
Course content in the Pre-Credential Option is aligned to the California Student Academic Content Standards and State Curriculum Frameworks for Grades K-8, so that students in the Pre-Credential Option will be able to teach this content in elementary and special education classrooms.
The Pre-Credential Option also includes three professional education classes: social/philosophical foundations of education as applied to urban schools, psychological foundations of teaching and learning, and inclusive education.
The Pre-Credential Option provides a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies. It is also the pathway through which students move into the ITEP-Junior Option during their junior year.
Students can complete this option to earn a B.A. degree only and then apply to a post-baccalaureate credential program.
OR
During the junior year, students can move from the Pre-Credential Option into the ITEP- Junior Option and earn a B.A. degree and teaching credential simultaneously. For information click on the ITEP- Junior Option page.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree Pre-Credential Option
- Total units in major: 107 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
- Additional elective units: 13 units
- Total units for the B.A. degree: 120 units
Students are encouraged to view or print out a copy of the Pre-Credential Advisement Form that lists the major course requirements and the Pre-Credential Concentration List. Also available is a sample course sequence Pre-Credential Option Grid that can help "map out" a plan to graduation and Pre-Credential Option Community College Transfer Charts that list acceptable transfer courses that satisfy major requirements.
Informational Handouts and Policies
In order to view the forms and handouts on this page you will need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, click here to download it from the Adobe website.
Pre-Credential and ITEP-Junior Option (Plan "H")
- Advisement Form Plan "H" (E ED)
- Advisement Form (SPED/Mild-Moderate or Moderate-Severe)
- Advisement Form (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
- Careers in Special Education
- How to Read Your Advisement Form
- Concentration Sheets: Plan "H" Pre-Credential and ITEP-Junior Option
- Community College Transfer Charts: Plan "H" Pre-Credential and ITEP-Junior Option
- ITEP Early Preparation Tips
- CSET: MS Information Sheet
Pre-Credential and ITEP-Junior Option (Plan "G")
The Following forms are for the Pre-Credential and ITEP-JR following Plan G (those who began the Liberal Studies Program in Spring 2006 or earlier).
- Liberal Studies Capstone Paper Requirement
- Capstone Writing Tutor Referral Form
- Community College Transfer Charts: Plan "G" Pre-Credential and ITEP-Junior Option
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).
Getting Started
Click here for advice on getting started in the Pre-Credential/ ITEP-Junior Option.