We offer programs and courses at several different levels, starting with the prerequisite courses for the credential program and then continuing with credential programs, graduate programs, authorizations, and certificates.
myCSUSMProspective Students
Welcome!
Welcome to the School of Education! Whether you're a student thinking about getting into teaching, a teacher looking to advance your career, or a professional looking to switch fields, the School of Education has a program for you.
Information Sessions
Advising Sessions are available with Student Services here:
https://www.csusm.edu/cehhs/studentservices/credinfosessions.html
Student Services & Credential Advisors:
Applications Open for Credential Programs
Apply Here Application Guide
Scholarships, Grants and Stipend Information
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.
Programs
- Undergraduate Programs
B.A. in Liberal Studies: Integrated Teacher Education Program Option (ITEP)
The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) option in Liberal Studies offers an excellent curricular pathway to students interested in a career in elementary or middle school teaching (grades K-8).
B.A. in Liberal Studies: Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program Option (ESM)
The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) option in Liberal Studies offers an excellent curricular pathway to students interested in a career in elementary or middle school teaching (grades K-8).
B.A. in Mathematics with Single Subject Matter Preparation (SSMP)
Students interested in teaching mathematics at the secondary level may wish to complete the Single Subject Matter Preparation (SSMP) Program in Mathematics.
B.A. in History with Single-Subject Preparation for Teaching
Students interested in majoring in History and teaching at the secondary level may elect the Single-Subject Option in History/Social Science.
Minor in Education Studies
The Minor in Education Studies, consisting of 21 units, offers students a program of interdisciplinary study in several aspects of education from its history and roots, to culturally responsive pedagogy, to youth development, to mathematics and the arts.
- Credential Programs
Elementary School
- Multiple Subject Credential Program
Middle School
- Middle Level Education Program
Secondary School - Middle & High
- Single Subject Credential Program
Special Education
- Concurrent with Multiple Subject
- Add-On or Add-On internship for candidates who already hold a Single or Multiple Subject Credential
- Master Programs
The M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction is designed for K-12 credentialed educators who wish to broaden their understandings of education as well as deepen their knowledge and skills as teachers. The program provides opportunities for students to develop advanced understandings and capacities related to curriculum development, to interrogate the many ways in which students and their families experience marginalization and exclusion in schools, and to conduct original research to address inequities in schooling. It is recommended that educators begin this program after clearing their CA credential and/or after gaining at least 2 years of full-time classroom teaching experience.
M.A. in Multilingual & Multicultural Education
The Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural Education centers on a critical examination of issues of educational equity, diversity and social justice with a focus on students and their families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
M.A. in Educational Administration
The Master of Arts in Educational Administration program qualifies candidates for a Certificate of Eligibility for the Preliminary Educational Administration Services credential (PASC). This program has a focus on K-12 education using a lens of cultural proficiency and equity. Candidates also conduct meaningful field experience work in school settings.
M.A. in Reading, Language & Literacy
Courses within Literacy Education prepare teachers to assist other teachers and administrators in creating literacy programs that promote not only the learning of reading and writing, but also the learning of subject matter across the curriculum. Candidates may earn a Reading and Literacy Added Authorization, a Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential, or use courses within this area to satisfy the 21-unit course electives required for the M.A. Literacy Education Option.The Master of Arts in Special Education and Credential Option is specifically designed for teachers who hold a valid basic teaching credential who are seeking both a master’s degree and a career path in special education by adding on the Mild/Moderate and the Moderate/Severe Preliminary Education Specialist Credential(s). - Doctorate Program
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
The Joint Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is offered through a partnership of California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and University of California, San Diego (UCSD). It is designed as a professional degree for P-12 school and postsecondary leaders who will develop advanced leadership and research skills related to the advancement of the P-12 educational community. This program views the students' workplace as a powerful laboratory for their own study. Students will conduct research on professional practice within their own institutions, addressing specific local problems that have national implications for teaching and learning, school reform, and professional development. Students completing the program will receive a joint degree from UCSD and CSUSM.
- Advanced Credentials
Educational Administration
CSUSM’s fully online Master of Arts in Educational Administration program is designed to connect theory and practice to train and prepare K-12 school administrators. Lead an institution with strong values, improve curriculum and instruction, effectively manage budgets and personnel, prepare for the CAL Administrator Performance Assessment and much more.
Reading, Language and Literacy
CSUSM’s fully online Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy program provides advanced preparation in reading and language arts assessment and instruction. The coursework is immediately applicable and prepares you to work within a variety of settings to maximize learning for diverse student populations.
Speech-Language Pathology
The MS in Speech-Language Pathology program will prepare students for practice in the field of speech-language pathology. This program will prepare individuals to practice across the entire scope of the field. For more details, see the MS SLP Flyer.
- Certificates
Applied Behavior Analysis
This completely online certificate program is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Behavior analysts provide services to individuals, families, group homes, schools, mental health agencies, hospitals, industrial and business settings, and other agencies working with individuals who require intensive behavioral training and/or consultation. Special populations such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities have been shown to benefit greatly from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. ABA is also frequently used in the field of education for both neuro-typical students and students with disabilities.
Dual Language
The local Dual Language Certificate issued by the School of Education is designed for educators to meet the growing needs of dual and multilingual education at local, national and international levels. The certificate program examines a variety of school-based models to offer candidates, teachers and school administrators an opportunity to better understand the theoretical principles, research, and instructional practices of teaching and learning in dual language immersion settings.
Leadership in Middle Level Education
The Certificate for Advanced Study in Leadership in Middle Level Education allows teachers to deepen their knowledge about the unique needs of young adolescents as well best practices in developmentally responsive middle schools. Holders of the Certificate will understand the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to young adolescent development, and use that knowledge in their practice. By analyzing the philosophical foundations of developmentally responsive middle level programs and schools, and candidates learn to work successfully within middle level organizational components. The purpose of the Certificate is to help educators enhance their complex roles as educators of young adolescents.
Multicultural Specialist
The Multicultural Specialist Certificate prepares educators to take on leadership roles for social change. Areas of focus include: multicultural curriculum development; differentiated instruction for English learners, culturally and linguistically diverse students and students with special needs; and working collaboratively with families and communities. Graduate units can be applied toward a master's degree at CSUSM.
- Authorizations
Bilingual Authorization
The Bilingual Authorization equips bilingual teachers with effective, research-based bilingual - bicultural instructional strategies and is valued by employers. The bilingual authorization can be added to any credential and provides eight units of masters level credit.
Reading and Literacy Authorization
The School of Education offers a Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program as a focus area within the General Option in the Master’s Program. The purpose of the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization is to prepare teachers to assist other teachers and administrators in the areas of the language arts – reading, writing, listening, speaking – both in creating literacy programs and across the curriculum.
Application Information
- Why choose the CSUSM School of Education?
When you attend the School of Education, you are attending an institution that is:
- well-known in the local community and highly regarded by local schools
- recognized for producing quality graduates who are sought after by schools and districts
- dedicated to the education of its students through small class sizes and a solid curriculum
Choosing the Cal State San Marcos School of Education shows that you are a dedicated professional and that you've made a commitment to being the best educator that you can be.
- Prerequisities
EDUC 350 Foundations of Teaching as a Profession
An orientation to careers in K-12 education. Focuses on teaching and schooling from multiple perspectives, with an emphasis on current thinking and practices in public education in the U.S. Subjects from the sociological, philosophical, and historical foundations of education are addressed. Readings from the lives of teachers and interactions with local educators will assist students to understand the richness and the complexities of teaching as a career. Emphasizes the importance of education for all children in a diverse society. Intended for individuals interested in becoming teachers to understand the nature of formal education in the United States and to assess teaching as a career.
Includes 45 hours of supervised fieldwork assignments in K-12 classroom settings.
EDUC 364 The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling
Principles of first and second language acquisition (e.g. historical and current theories, psychology, sociocultural, political, and pedagogical factors) and issues related to notions of culture, interaction, and communication in school and community contexts (e.g. the nature of culture, manifestations of cultural contact and cultural diversity in the United States and in California) within a theoretical and applied context.
Cross-listed: EDUC 364 and SLP 364 are cross-listed. Students may not receive credit for both. Enrollment Requirements: Certificate of clearance and TB risk assessment required.
EDUC 422 Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning
Focuses on knowledge and skills necessary to apply education oriented productivity tools, graphic organizers, database and spreadsheets, presentation tools, school-appropriate multimedia tools, and communication tools.
In addition to being offered through the School of Education, prerequisite courses may also be available through Extended Learning.
The School of Education may also agree to waive a prerequisite course or accept an equivalent course offered through a local community college in place of the prerequisite courses offered at Cal State San Marcos.
- Admission Requirements
CBEST & CSET Test Preparation Materials
Basic Skills Requirement
All applicants to Initial Teaching Credential Programs must meet the Basic Skills Requirement outlined in California Education Code and Title 5 Regulations. Applicants have several options for meeting the requirement.
- California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
- California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) - Multiple Subject, including Subtest IV: Writing
- California State University (CSU EAP OR ELM/EPT) Placement Tests
- Basic Skills Examination From Another State
Complete details related to each of these options is available on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
Bachelor Degree
A Bachelor’s degree and all undergraduate academic requirements must be satisfied before entering a teacher education program. A Bachelor’s degree is a requirement for teacher certification. Please note: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree requires submission of a Graduate application to enroll in Post-baccalaureate or graduate coursework.
California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)
Single Subject Program:
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in the subject matter area for Single Subject, and at least one core content area for Middle Level (English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science/History, or Science)California Educator Credentialing Assessment Information
OR
- Completion of a CTC approved Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP): Applicants must submit a letter on official letterhead from the SMPP institution in order to be considered for admission.
Middle Level Program:
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in the subject matter area for Single Subject, and at least one core content area for Middle Level (English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Science/History, or Science)California Educator Credentialing Assessment Information
AND
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects Examination - Subtests I – IIICalifornia Educator Credentialing Assessment Information
Multiple Subject & Concurrent Programs:
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects Examination - Subtests I – IIICalifornia Educator Credentialing Assessment Information
OR
- CSET I-III Waiver:
- CSUSM Liberal Studies B.A. (Elementary Subject Matter and Integrated Teacher Education Program Options) is now approved as a CSET I-III Waiver Program by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
OR
- Completion of a CTC approved Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP): Applicants must submit a letter on official letterhead from the SMPP institution in order to be considered for admission.
- Financial Aid
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 availalbe, 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.
Financial Aid and Scholarships Office
Cougar Central
Craven Hall
Third Floor, Room 3900
Main Office: (760) 750-4850 | Email: finaid@csusm.edu - Tuition & Fees
Tuition and Fees are set by CSUSM, and vary based on state residency and program.
- Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certifications
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).