Credential Programs

Fall 2023 Applications

Virtual Information Sessions

Please join us for an upcoming information session. We provide an overview of each credential program and answer questions about the application process with a special focus on Fall 2023. No RSVP necessary. We look forward to seeing you! 

**Individuals with disabilities, who would like to attend this event, please contact CEHHS Student Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu regarding any special accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify the event sponsor at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

All materials will be evaluated to assess an applicant’s qualifications for admission; however, no one indicator shall determine acceptance of an applicant. Completion of the Graduate/Post-baccalaureate University Application.

• Interview with appropriate School of Education Admissions Committee.
• Two (2) 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.

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.

Admission Requirements

• 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

  Students must satisfy the Basic Skills requirement prior to admission to the credential program.

  To meet the CBEST requirement, students can demonstrate proficiency by:

  1. Passing the CBEST exam
  2. Submitting 3 unit semester classes with a B- or better in:

  • reading proficiency: a course in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
  • writing proficiency: a course in composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
  •  mathematics proficiency: a course in algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.

  3. A combination of tests and 3 unit semester classes in a reading, writing or math area. For example, coursework in reading and math and the writing test.

  To request a basic skills evaluation, please click here

  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 Matter Competence (CSET)

  Single Subject Program:

  All candidates must meet the California Subject Matter Competency (CSET) prior to admission to the program. Please note: Conditional admission may be considered on a limited basis; however, state program standards prohibit advanced Clinical Practice (student teaching) until CSET: Single Subject is met.

  Students can demonstrate proficiency in 1 of 4 ways:

  1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree specifically conferred in the content area you intend to teach for example, a Physics degree to waive the Physics CSET or Mathematics to waive the Mathematics CSET.   An Economics degree would not waive a Math CSET, even if you have taken many math courses.  (At CSUSM the Literature and Writing degree waives the English subject matter competency.)  
  2. Completion of a commission-approved subject matter preparation program.
  3. A combination of courses that meet the subtest competencies.  Or a combination of subtests and coursework.  
  4. Take and pass the CSET

  If students would like coursework considered for approval for subtests, they can request an evaluation by completing this form, submitting appropriate course descriptions and syllabi:  

  Middle Level Program:

  Subject matter competency must be shown prior to admission to the Middle Level credential program. This can be met in one of four ways through:

  1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree in the content area you wish to teach.  The degree must match the content area. For example: “Mathematics” degree for math subject matter competency.  An economics degree has many math courses but does not meet math subject matter competency.  (Please note: At CSUSM, the Literature and Writing degree meets the English Subject Matter Competency)
  2. Completion of a Single Subject CSET examination in at least one core content area (English/Language Art, Mathematics, Social Science/History, or Science).
  3. Completion of a CCTC-approved subject matter preparation program
  4. Completion of a combination of subtests and coursework.
     1. Each undergraduate major has a worksheet on which applicants can indicate what courses they have completed that may meet the testing requirements. After completing the worksheet, applicants should request an appointment with a credential analyst.
     2.  
     3. Multiple Subject Competency – Before completing the program, all candidates must demonstrate mastery of Multiple Subject content through one of four ways. They are:

  1. Passage of the Multiple Subject California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), which consists of three (3) subjects:

  Subtest I:	Reading Language and Literature; History and Social Science	Test Code 101
  Subtest II:	Science; Mathematics	Test Code 214
  Subtest III:	Physical Education; Human Development; Visual & Performing Arts	Test Code 103

  2. Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies.

  3. Completion of a commission approved subject matter preparation program. Currently, CSUSM offers a preparation program for liberal studies students.

  4. Completion of a combination of subtests and coursework.

  Click here to request an evaluation of prior coursework as it relates to meeting the subject matter competencies.

  Click here for more information on subject matter competency options from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

  Click here for more information on scheduling and preparing for the CSETs and CBEST.

  Multiple Subject & Concurrent Programs:

  All candidates must meet the California Subject Matter Competency for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects prior to admission to the program. Please note: Conditional admission may be considered on a limited basis; however, state program standards prohibit advanced Clinical Practice (student teaching until CSET: Multiple Subject is met.

  Completion of a commission approved subject matter preparation program. Currently, CSUSM offers a preparation program for liberal studies students. Subject Matter Competency can be met by three options:

  1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree specifically conferred as a Liberal Studies or Liberal Arts major.
  2. Completion of a commission approved subject matter preparation program.
  3. Pass the Multiple Subject CSET Examinations.

  For subject matter competency options, please click here:
  SMC Link https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/subject-matter-requirements

• 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
  Administrative Building
  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.

  Credential Programs

  Graduate Programs

• 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). 

Selection Process

All materials will be evaluated to assess an applicant’s qualifications for admission; however, no one indicator shall determine acceptance of an applicant. Completion of the Graduate/Post-baccalaureate University Application.

• Interview with appropriate School of Education Admissions Committee.
• Two (2) 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.

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.