Credential Programs | School of Education

Programs

Elementary School (Multiple Subject)

The Elementary Education (Multiple Subject Credential) Program is designed to prepare teachers to work with students in grades K-12 with responsibility for all subject areas in a self-contained and core classroom. Teachers holding a Multiple Subject Credential are most often assigned to preschool and elementary school classrooms.

This program has been specifically designed to prepare teachers for the diversity of languages often encountered in California public school classrooms. The Authorization to Teach English Learners is met through the infusion of content and experiences within the Elementary Education Program, as well as additional coursework. Students successfully completing this program receive the Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential with Authorization to Teach English Learners.

A two semester program, the Elementary Education Program provides coursework in learning and instruction, content area methodology correlated with field experiences and clinical practice in conjunction with the Authorization to Teach English Learners. The School of Education is specifically committed to providing students with opportunities to learn innovative teaching practices and put these methods to work with children.

Multiple Subject Program Information
Middle School (Multiple Subject with Middle Level Certificate)

The Multiple Subject with Middle Level Certificate Teacher Education Program (“Middle Level Program”) is designed to prepare teachers to work with young adolescents in grades 5-9. Graduates of the program will hold a Multiple Subject Credential with Authorization to Teach English Learners as well as a Certificate of Advanced Study in Middle Level Education. The Middle Level Program provides the candidate with the flexibility to teach in elementary and middle schools.

The Middle Level Program provides focused preparation in teaching, learning and schooling for youngsters in the middle grades. Coursework is taught at a middle school site with class sessions and assignments geared to the particular needs of middle school teachers and learners. Clinical Practice is planned and coordinated with a small number of partner middle schools. Supervision of the teacher candidates is the shared responsibility of a university faculty advisor (a teaching team member assigned to one school) and an on-site supervisor at the middle school (a full-time teacher at the site).

Middle Level Program Brochure
High School and Middle School – Secondary Education (Single Subject)

Single subject (secondary) teacher education candidates enroll in a program designed to prepare them to teach students in grades seven through twelve. Upon completion of the program, candidates receive a Preliminary Single Subject Credential. In the two-semester curriculum, candidates take courses in teaching and learning at the secondary level, discipline and interdisciplinary specific methods, and multilingual/multicultural education. Coursework is taught by a team of instructors with class sessions and assignments geared to the particular needs of middle and high school teachers and learners. The teaching team consists of faculty from the School of Education, and they are assisted by educators from North County schools who share expertise and experiences and model exemplary practices for secondary schools.

North County middle and high schools serve as sites for Clinical Practice placements. Supervision of the teacher candidates is a shared responsibility of a University faculty advisor and an on-site supervisor (a full time teacher at the high school level). Two different opportunities constitute the clinical practice at two different sites. Within these experiences there will be opportunities to practice teaching a variety of subjects to diverse student populations with varying ability levels. In addition, teacher candidates will be encouraged to participate in school faculty activities outside of the classroom in order to gain both experience and expertise in the organization and decision making characteristics of the school culture.

Another important aspect of the Single Subject Credential Program is the acquisition of and Authorization to Teach English Learners (ELA). Requirements are met through the infusion of content and experience not only through the specific courses, but also during the clinical practice experience in order to better serve the needs of students from diverse language and cultural backgrounds often encountered in classrooms.

Successful completion of the program results in issuance of a Preliminary 5-year credential. New 2042 Standards require employment as a full-time teacher and completion of an induction program (sometimes called BTSA) to qualify for the Professional Clear Credential.

Single Subject Program Information
Special Education
The School of Education has a variety of options for people seeking a career in Special Education with Mild to Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Instruction Credentials.
The Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes instruction of students with mild to moderate support needs with a primary disability of
- Autism Spectrum Disorder,
- Emotional Disturbance,
- Intellectual Disability,
- Multiple Disabilities,
- Orthopedic Impairment,
- Other Health Impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder),
- Specific Learning Disability, or
- Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Preliminary Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes instruction of students with extensive support needs with a primary disability of
- Autism Spectrum Disorder,
- Deaf-Blindness,
- Emotional Disturbance,
- Intellectual Disability,
- Multiple Disabilities,
- Orthopedic Impairment,
- Other Health Impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder),
- Specific Learning Disability, or
- Traumatic Brain Injury.
Special Education Credential Information

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants to Initial Teaching Credential Programs (Multiple and Single Subject Credentials) must complete three prerequisite courses in order to be eligible for admission and enrollment. However, the courses can be in progress at the time of application.

Take the Prerequisites through Extended Learning!
These courses are:

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EDUC 350: Foundations of Teaching as a Profession
About EDUC 350: Foundations of Teaching as a Profession

Equivalent courses at a Community College:
- EDUC 115 at Mira Costa College
- EDUC 200 at Grossmont College
- EDUC 200 & 203 at San Diego Community College District
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

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: Teaching, Learning, and Technology (Fall 2020 Title Change - Previously Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning)

EDUC 422: Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning *
*Course title change Fall 2020 to Teaching, Learning, and Technology

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.

Admission Requirements

CBEST and CSET scores applicable to each program: Single Subject, Multiple Subject
Completion of the Graduate/Post-baccalaureate University Application.
Interview with appropriate School of Education Admissions Committee.
Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work in the field of education.
GPA according to the university admission policy.
Official transcripts.

All materials will be evaluated to assess an applicant’s qualifications for admission; however, no one indicator shall determine acceptance of an applicant.

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.

Application Instructions

CSUSM Credential Application (CSU Apply)

All applicants to Initial Teaching Credential Programs must complete an application to California State University San Marcos in order to be considered for admission. The Cal State Apply application is used to apply. Visit our How To Apply page for further information. The application fee is $70.00.

Tuition & Fees

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).