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Biosphere

Department of Biology

18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8303

Phone: (818) 677-3356
Fax: (818) 677-2034

Email:biology.dept@csun.edu

Office Location:
Eucalyptus Hall 2102

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm

Map

Information for individuals seeking subject matter clearance for Single Subject Credentials in Biological Sciences, California State University Northridge.

We will only evaluate your transcripts for a waiver from the CSET exams if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You received or are receiving a bachelors or masters degree from the Department of Biology at CSUN.
• You have completed at least one semester as a student accepted into the CSUN credential program.
• You have been previously evaluated by us, and are completing courses that were required for the waiver.

If you don't meet one of these criteria, then you need to take the CSET examinations to demonstrate subject matter competence. If you do meet one of these criteria, then continue following the steps listed below:

Step 1: In preparing for an evaluation, you should download and print the tracking form (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format)

Complete and return the form, and include official transcripts showing all science and mathematics courses you have taken at universities other than CSUN.

The materials may be hand delivered (see driving directions and campus map) or mailed to the following address:

Department of Biology
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge CA 91330-8303

Step 2: Your case will be assigned to one of the Biology Department evaluators. The evaluation may take 2 to 4 weeks to complete

Step 3: Your materials will be evaluated using a program that has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This program can accept new students through July 1, 2005, and all students having started the subject matter waiver program must complete their coursework by July 1, 2009.

Effective fall 1994 the old Life Science and Physical Science credentials were combined into a single credential in Science. Within the Science credential candidates must select from and specialize in one of four areas of concentration: Biology, Chemistry, Geological Sciences, or Physics. A single subject credential in Science (Biological Science) authorizes the holder to teach courses in integrated or general science, in addition to biological sciences. In Spring 2003, a second type of credential became available, entitled Biological Sciences (Specialized), which is based on a masters degree or at least 30 postbaccalaureate units in the subject (with appropriate level of performance). This new "specialized" credential authorizes the holder to teach biological sciences, but not integrated or general sciences. If you think you may qualify for the specialized credential, you should send your transcripts directly to the CTC evaluators, with a request that they approve a "specialized" waiver.

For the evaluation of subject matter competency under the Science (Biological Science) credential, the following three parts must be completed:

Part One

Science Core-Breath Courses

Total units for core breadth courses will vary from 37-44 units, depending on the actual number of course substitutions which are made.

Part Two

Science Core-Depth Courses

Part Three

Two options for completion of DEPTH COURSES

There are currently two accepted methods for evaluating the remainder of the depth courses. These are described as OPTION A and OPTION B below. OPTION B matches the current B.A. degree at Cal State Northridge.

OPTION A

OPTION B