Admissions Information

Multiple Subject, Education Specialist Concurrent, Middle Level, and Single Subject Programs

Application Timeline

October 1st, 2024: Application Opens

October 1st, 2024 is the start of the application period for the following credential programs: Multiple Subject, Education Specialist Concurrent, Middle Level, and Single Subject.

March 1st, 2025: Application Deadline 

March 1st, 2025 is the application deadline for the following credential programs: Multiple Subject, Education Specialist Concurrent, Middle Level, and Single Subject.

Admission Requirements

Detailed below are admission requirements for the following credential programs: Multiple Subject, Education Specialist Concurrent, Middle Level, and Single Subject. Information on the Education Specialist Add-On Program admission requirements

You can submit an application for the credential program even if you have not met these admission requirements at the time of application submission. However, you must complete these admission requirements by the time you start your credential program in the Fall. All applicants who are offered admission receive a conditional admission offer. Once all admission requirements are confirmed applicants will be fully admitted to a teacher preparation credential program.

• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) Requirement
  • Complete a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally-accredited college or university. If you have completed your degree at an institution in a country other than the United States, your transcripts must be evaluated and approved by one of the CTC-approved agencies.
  • A minimum GPA of at least 2.5 in all baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate course work, or a GPA of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) attempted is required.
  • In order to be admitted to CSUSM, an officially conferred degree must be documented with the Office of Admissions. Undergraduate degrees from CSUSM are confirmed internally. Confirmation of an officially conferred degree from an institution outside of CSUSM must be accomplished by sending official transcripts, showing a conferred degree, to CSUSM. To send your official transcripts to CSUSM, please consult the Office of the Registrar.
  • If you are currently an undergraduate student you can apply for the credential program before graduation, but you must earn your bachelor’s degree before you start your credential program in the fall.
• Subject Matter Competence Requirement

  All applicants interested in a teaching credential in California must demonstrate knowledge in their chosen content area prior to beginning a credential program. This requirement is called “Subject Matter Competence.” While it is possible to be conditionally admitted to our teacher credential programs without having met Subject Matter Competence, you cannot start the credential program without meeting the subject matter competence requirement. 

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  • Multiple Subject Program Subject Matter Competence Requirement

    There are multiple ways for applicants to meet Subject Matter Competence for the Multiple Subject Program, which are detailed below::

    1. Complete a degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in one of the following majors:
       1. Liberal Studies
          1. Modifiers are permitted for Liberal Studies majors, for example: Liberal Studies: Urban Education would still satisfy Subject Matter Competency for the Multiple Subject and Special Education Concurrent programs.
       2. Liberal Arts
       3. Elementary Education
    2. Pass subtests I, II and III of the Multiple Subject CSET Examinations.

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to CSET score release dates when signing up for the assessments. CSUSM must receive passing scores before candidates can be fully admitted, and if passing scores are not received prior to the annual deadline set by College Services, candidates will not be allowed to begin the program. Contact College Services cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about CSET.

    3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation.  To request a coursework evaluation please complete the following steps:
       1. Fill out this MS SMC Worksheet.
       2. Submit your completed worksheet, along with a syllabus for each course used, to the evaluation request form.
    4. Completion of a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved subject matter preparation program. Search for CTC approved subject matter preparation programs.
    5. Through a combination of the methods described in clauses (2) and (3) in whole or in part. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation. 

    Please review CSET Test Preparation Resources compiled by the School of Education.

  • Education Specialist Concurrent Program Subject Matter Competence Requirement

    There are multiple ways for applicants to meet Subject Matter Competence for the  Education Specialist Concurrent Program, which are detailed below:

    1. Complete a degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in one of the following majors:
       1. Liberal Studies
          1. Modifiers are permitted for Liberal Studies majors, for example: Liberal Studies: Urban Education would still satisfy Subject Matter Competency for the Multiple Subject and Special Education Concurrent programs.
       2. Liberal Arts
       3. Elementary Education
    2. Pass subtests I, II and III of the Multiple Subject CSET Examinations.

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to CSET score release dates when signing up for the assessments. CSUSM must receive passing scores before candidates can be fully admitted, and if passing scores are not received prior to the annual deadline set by College Services, candidates will not be allowed to begin the program. Contact College Services cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about CSET.

    3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation.  To request a coursework evaluation please complete the following steps:
       1. Fill out this MS SMC worksheet.
       2. Submit your completed worksheet, along with a syllabus for each course used, to the evaluation request form.
    4. Completion of a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved subject matter preparation program. Search CTC approved subject matter preparation programs.
    5. Through a combination of the methods described in clauses (2) and (3) in whole or in part. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation. 

    Please review CSET Test Preparation Resources compiled by the School of Education.

  • Middle Level Program Subject Matter Competence Requirement

    There are multiple ways for applicants to meet Subject Matter Competence for the Middle Level Program, which are detailed below:

    1. 1. Complete a degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in the content area of the credential program you are applying to.  Degrees that meet Subject Matter Competence for each of the subjects listed below:
          • Math (Mathematics, Foundational Level Math)
          • Science (Biological Sciences, Foundational-Level General Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences)
          • Social Science
          • World Languages (Spanish)
          • Physical Education
          • English
       2. Pass the Single Subject CSET Examination(s) in the content area of the credential program you are applying to: 

    • • • Math (Mathematics, Foundational Level Math)
        • Science (Biological Sciences, Foundational-Level General Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences)
        • Social Science
        • World Languages (Spanish)
        • Physical Education
        • English

    Physical Education Testing Dates

    CSET: Physical Education test dates are not offered as regularly as other CSETs. For the Fall 2025 admissions cycle, the last day to take the CSET: Physical Education exams is 4/6/25. For more information on test dates, consult the CTC Exam website.

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to CSET score release dates when signing up for the assessments. CSUSM must receive passing scores before candidates can be fully admitted, and if passing scores are not received prior to the annual deadline set by College Services, candidates will not be allowed to begin the program. Contact College Services cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about CSET.

    3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation. 
    4. Completion of a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved subject matter preparation program in English, Math, Social Science, or Science. Search for CTC approved subject matter preparation programs.
    5. Through a combination of the methods described in clauses (2) and (3) in whole or in part. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation. 

    Please review CSET Test Preparation Resources compiled by the School of Education.

  • Single Subject Program Subject Matter Competence Requirement

    The Single Subject Program weighs Subject Matter Competence heavily during the admissions process, so applicants are encouraged to meet this requirement prior to applying.

    There are multiple ways for applicants to meet Subject Matter Competence for the Single Subject program (Middle or High School), which are detailed below:

    1. Complete a degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in the content area of the credential program you are applying to.  Degrees that meet Subject Matter Competence for each of the subjects listed below:
       • Math (Mathematics, Foundational Level Math)
       • Science (Biological Sciences, Foundational-Level General Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences)
       • Social Science
       • World Languages (Spanish)
       • Physical Education
       • English
    2. Pass the Single Subject CSET Examination(s) in the content area of the credential program you are applying to: 

    • • • Math (Mathematics, Foundational Level Math)
        • Science (Biological Sciences, Foundational-Level General Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences)
        • Social Science
        • World Languages (Spanish)
        • Physical Education
        • English

    Physical Education Testing Dates

    CSET: Physical Education test dates are not offered as regularly as other CSETs. For the Fall 2025 admissions cycle, the last day to take the CSET: Physical Education exams is 4/6/25. For more information on test dates, consult the CTC Exam website.

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to CSET score release dates when signing up for the assessments. CSUSM must receive passing scores before candidates can be fully admitted, and if passing scores are not received prior to the annual deadline set by College Services, candidates will not be allowed to begin the program. Contact College Services cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about CSET.

    3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation. 
    4. Completion of a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved subject matter preparation program. Currently, CSUSM offers subject matter preparation programs for Math and Social Science. In addition, search for other CTC approved subject matter preparation programs.
    5. Through a combination of the methods described in clauses (2) and (3) in whole or in part. Contact College Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about requesting an evaluation. 

    Please review CSET Test Preparation Resources compiled by the School of Education.

  
  
• Prerequisite Courses

  There are 3 prerequisite courses that must be completed with a C+ or above at CSUSM in order to be fully admitted into a credential program: EDUC 350, EDUC 364, and EDUC 422. Prerequisite courses must be completed within seven (7) years prior to the program start semester. For example, for a Fall 2025 program start, all prerequisite courses must have been successfully completed no earlier than Fall 2018.

  • You can apply for the credential programs even if you have not taken the prerequisite courses. However, you must complete the prerequisite courses by the time you start your credential program in the Fall.
  • The School of Education offers prerequisite courses during Fall, Spring, and Summer. If you are a currently enrolled CSUSM undergrad, you can enroll using the regular enrollment process through the MyCSUSM student portal. All other applicants, please refer to CSUSM Open University for more information and course availability. 
  • If you are a CSUSM undergraduate student, we recommend taking these courses as part of your course work during your junior or senior year. 

  EDUC 350 Foundations of Teaching as a Profession

  This course offers an orientation to careers in K-12 education that focuses on teaching and schooling from multiple perspectives. Sociological, philosophical, and historical foundations of education are addressed. Readings and interactions with local educators will promote an understanding of the richness and the complexity of teaching as a career in a diverse society. Minimum of fifteen (15) hours of field work in K-12 educational settings required. Certificate of clearance and TB Risk assessment required prior to engaging field experience hours. 

  EDUC 364 The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling

  This is a service learning course. Explores cultural and linguistic diversity as critical variables in educational equity for all students. Includes intensive theoretical and practical articulation of culture and cultural pluralism; educational issues of race, class, gender, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation and exceptionality; social, structural, programmatic and curricular issues, and effective teaching for diverse populations. Minimum of fifteen (15) hours of fieldwork in K-12 educational settings required. Certificate of Clearance and TB Risk assessment required prior to engaging field experience hours. 

  EDUC 364 and SLP 364 are cross-listed for university credit (students may not receive credit for both), but SLP 364 does not satisfy the CSUSM School of Education prerequisite requirement. Students who completed SLP 364 must still take EDUC 364. EDUC 364 meets the CSUSM DEI (DEu) graduation requirement.

  EDUC 422 Teaching, Learning, and Technology

  This is a service learning course. Focuses on developing knowledge and skills using technology for teaching and learning within the broader context of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education through fifteen (15) hours of field experience with children in K-12 educational settings. Certificate of Clearance and TB Risk assessment required prior to engaging field experience hours.

  The California State University's 45-hours of field experience requirement prior to entering a credential program is divided across the three prerequisite courses. There are no waivers for prerequisite courses because our prerequisite courses are intentionally designed to work together to prepare and help all students develop the knowledge, skills, and experience that are necessary to apply for the teaching credential program.

• Two Letters of Recommendation
  Students must submit two current, signed letters of recommendation, preferably on official letterhead, from faculty or others who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s personal qualities and potential for success in the field of education. It is highly recommended that at least one letter be written by a public school teacher or administrator and/or someone who has observed you working with students (if applicable). 
• Certificate of Clearance

  A Certificate of Clearance (COC) is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Title 5 regulations require that an application for a Certificate of Clearance be filed to determine whether or not a candidate meets the state standards for character and fitness to teach in California’s public schools. A Certificate of Clearance is valid for five years. 

  Obtaining a Certificate of Clearance (CoC) is a two-step process that involves: (1) completing the fingerprinting process at an agency that provides fingerprinting services, and (2) applying for a Certificate of Clearance online through the CTC website. You can read about the process of how to obtain your CoC on the CTC website. 

  Please follow the two steps outlined below to obtain your Certificate of Clearance: 

  Step 1. Completing the Fingerprinting (also called Live Scan) Process: 

  1. Download and fill out the 41-LS form 
  2. Print 3 copies of the 41-LS form and take them with you to the fingerprinting service agency. Locate an agency that provides fingerprinting services.  
     
     1. The fingerprinting agency that is closest to the CSUSM campus is the San Diego County Office of Education located at 255 Pico Avenue, Room #102, San Marcos, CA. 92069 within the North County Regional Education Center.
     2. We highly recommend using the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) for your fingerprinting services. While other agencies listed on the link above are acceptable,  transcription errors are less frequent through the SDCOE.

  Note: Acceptable forms of payment will vary across different agencies. 

  Step 2: Applying for a Certificate of Clearance:

  Once you have completed your fingerprinting (Step 1), your fingerprints will be transmitted electronically to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for clearance. For Step 2, please follow the instructions below: 

  1. Go to the CTC site  
  2. Click: ‘Submit Your Application Online’ (This page is going to take you to a login page)
  3. If you do not have an account for the CTC online system, you need to click ‘Create Educator Account’ and follow the instructions. If you already have an account then enter your User ID and Password. 
  4. Once you are logged into the CTC online system, you need to complete your ‘Educator Profile.’ 
  5. On ‘Educator Profile’, select ‘Create New’ under ‘Apply for a Certificate of Clearance or Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate’ and follow the instructions to complete your application. At the end of the application, you will be asked to submit payment using a credit card.  

  IMPORTANT: It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks for the CTC to issue a Certificate of Clearance in your online account. Once it is issued, you can access your Certificate of Clearance by logging back into your account. 

• Tuberculin Clearance
  Teacher candidates much provide documentation of a negative TB Risk Assessment or negative TB Skin Test/Chest x-rays in order to enter a K-12 classroom for clinical practice student teaching. A negative TB Risk Assessment/TB Skin Test is considered valid for four (4) years from assessment date. The clearance may be obtained at a private physician’s office, the Country Health Department, or the CSU San Marcos Student Health Center. A TB Risk Assessment Certificate of Completion form is available from Student Health and Counseling Services. 

Admission Requirements Deadlines for Fall 2025

Subject Matter Competence Deadline Details

• CSET Exams: June 29th, 2025
  
  • • The last date to complete the CSET exams is June 29th, 2025 (with the exception of Physical Education - the last PE CSET Exam date is April 6th, 2025).
    • The scores for CSET exams taken on June 29th, 2025 will be released on July 18th, 2025. We will accept scores for exams taken on, or before, June 29th, 2025. Any exams taken AFTER June 29th, 2025 will not be accepted for the Fall 2025 admissions cycle.
• Coursework Only: June 29th, 2025
  • If you are requesting an evaluation of coursework to determine if you have satisfied Subject Matter Competence via coursework, you must request an evaluation no later than January 31st, 2025.
• Coursework + CSET Exam(s): June 29th, 2025
  • • If you are completing Subject Matter Competence via coursework + CSET Exam(s) follow the deadlines ascribed above for CSET and Coursework deadlines.
• Degree or Subject Matter Preparation Program: End of Summer 2025
  • • • If you are satisfying the Subject Matter Competence requirement with a degree or completion of a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved subject matter preparation program, your degree must be conferred no later than the end of Summer 2025.

Application and Admission Process

Step 1. Apply for the teacher credential program of your choice through Cal State Apply. With your application, you will be asked to submit the following: 

• • • Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the your work in the field of education.
    • A copy of official transcripts from all colleges attended, unless you are a CSUSM student.
    • A TB Risk Assessment (If available at time of submitting application, see additional information above)
    • A Certificate of Clearance (If available at the time of submitting application, see additional information above)
    • Subject Matter Competence (If available at the time of submitting application, see additional information above)

Step 2. After the application deadline has passed (March 1st, 2025), the admission committee for each credential program will review your materials and then contact you about signing up for an interview. Through the interview process, the admission committee will further assess your fit for the program.

Step 3. You will receive an admission decision letter shortly after your interview. If you are offered admission, but are missing one or more of the admission requirements, you will receive a conditional admission offer to the credential program, and will be required to fulfill the admission requirements before you start your credential program.   

Education Specialist Add-On

Application Timeline

October 1st, 2024: Application Opens

October 1st, 2024 is the start of the application period for the Education Specialist Add-On Program.

May 15th, 2025: Education Specialist Add-On Application Deadline

May 15th, 2025 is the application deadline for the Education Specialist Add-On Program only.

Admission Requirements

You can submit an application for the credential program even if you have not met these admission requirements at the time of application submission. However, you must complete these admission requirements by the time you start your credential program in the Fall. All applicants who are offered admission receive a conditional admission offer. Once all admission requirements are confirmed applicants will be fully admitted to a teacher preparation credential program.

• Possess a valid Multiple or Single Subject Credential Issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
  • Applicant must possess a valid Preliminary or Clear Multiple or Single Subject credential issued by the CTC.
  • Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) must be passed. If you received your initial credential during the pandemic, and were recommended without having completed TPAs, please provide documentation demonstrating that you have subsequently completed the required TPAs.
    • If you already possess a Clear Multiple, Single, or Education Specialist credential (or Level II Education Specialist), you do not need to demonstrate passage of TPAs.
  • Credential documentation must also include verification of an English Learner (EL) authorization.
  • If you were issued an SB 2042 credential, the English Learner (EL) authorization is embedded. If your credential is not an SB 2042, please provide documentation of an English Learner (EL) authorization such as an ELA1 (Full English Learner Authorization), CLAD Certificate, or Bilingual Authorization.
  • You may download a copy of your credential from the CTC Website.
  • You may still apply if you are currently in progress on completing an initial Multiple or Single subject credential, but the credential must be issued by the CTC before you can begin the Education Specialist Add-On program in fall.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  Students must submit two current, signed letters of recommendation, preferably on official letterhead, from faculty or others who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s personal qualities and potential for success in the field of education. It is highly recommended that at least one letter be written by a public school teacher or administrator and/or someone who has observed you working with students. 
• Statement of Purpose

  A written statement of purpose is required which tells about you and why you wish to pursue this credential. Your goals, ideals, experiences, special skills, and community service may be included.

  Due by Application Deadline: May 15th, 2025

• Tuberculin Clearance
  Teacher candidates much provide documentation of a negative TB Risk Assessment or negative TB Skin Test/Chest x-rays in order to enter a K-12 classroom for clinical practice student teaching. A negative TB Risk Assessment/TB Skin Test is considered valid for four (4) years from assessment date. The clearance may be obtained at a private physician’s office, the Country Health Department, or the CSU San Marcos Student Health Center. A TB Risk Assessment Certificate of Completion form is available upon from Student Health and Counseling Services. 
• Official Transcript with Bachelor's Degree Conferred
  • Submit your official Transcripts to CSUSM. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.50.
  • One set of official, unopened transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from every college/university attended, even if it shows just one course taken years ago. We cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to include each institution when ordering transcripts. You will not be fully admitted to the university or able to register for courses until all transcripts are submitted and reviewed.
  • It is not necessary to submit transcripts for courses taken at CSUSM
• Interview and Writing Sample

  The interview process may include an individual interview, a group interview, and
  submission of a writing sample from prompt. Interviews for qualified candidates are conducted by program coordinators, faculty, educators and administrators. Candidates will be notified by email to make arrangements for the interview(s) after the application deadline.

  If you have a disability and will need reasonable accommodations to take part in the interview and/or admissions process for an academic program within the School of Education, please contact Disability Support Services at 760-750-4905 or by email at dss@csusm.edu. 

Application and Admission Process

Step 1. Apply for the teacher credential program of your choice through Cal State Apply.  With your application, you will be asked to submit the following: 

• • • Documentation of possession of a valid Multiple or Single Subject credential issues by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
    • Two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the your work in the field of education.
    • A copy of official transcripts from all colleges attended, unless you are a CSUSM student (Please note that GPA requirement for admission to the credential programs is 2.5)
    • Tuberculin Clearance (If available at time of submitting application, see additional information above)
    • Statement of Purpose

Step 2. After the application deadline has passed (May 15th, 2025), the admission committee will review your materials and then contact you about signing up for an interview. Through the interview process, the admission committee will further assess your fit for the program.

Step 3. You will receive an admission decision letter shortly after your interview. If you are offered admission, but are missing one or more of the admission requirements, you will receive a conditional admission offer to the credential program, and will be required to fulfill the admission requirements before you start your credential program.   

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid 

Tuition and fees for the credential programs are set by the CSUSM, and vary based on state residency and program. For current rates, please visit Student Financial Services page. 

There are many types of financial aid—including grants, loans, and scholarships.  You may even be eligible for aid that you didn't know you qualified for.  A Financial Aid staff member can help you to understand what kinds of aid are available, as well as explain how the financial aid process works.

Visit CSUSM Financial Aid to contact a staff member to help figure out which type of aid will work best for you. Also, explore the Scholarships & Grants page on the SOE website. 

Transfer Credit

Students who wish to transfer in courses from other institutions may do so if the program faculty assesses that the course content is aligned with  the program student learning outcomes. Program faculty will consider up to 9 units of graduate-level coursework that a student has successfully completed at another institution. Transfer credit evaluations take place once an applicant has received an admission offer.

• Disclaimers

  California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student to meet California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time. 

  The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C). 

  California State University San Marcos is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Campus that is strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for admission to our programs without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.