So You Want To Be An Educator

Step 1: Apply to a Bachelor Degree Program

Your pathway to becoming a teacher depends on the grade level, subject(s) you plan to teach, and the amount of time you would like to dedicate to earning your degree and teaching credential.

What grades and subjects do you want to teach?

Based on what you want to teach, here's what we suggest studying!

Undergraduate Program Details

• Elementary School

  For the Elementary School teaching pathway, a Liberal Studies major is the best choice at CSUSM. The Liberal Studies major, in addition to preparing you for the Multiple Subject Credential (MSC) Program, waives the requirement to take CSET I–III if a student achieves a 2.67 overall GPA.

  The Liberal Studies major offers two pathway options for earning a credential:

  • The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) begins freshman year, and students complete the Liberal Studies degree concurrently with teaching credential classes. Program completion takes four year and may include summer classes.
  • The Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) option leads to a Liberal Studies, B.A. degree followed by the multiple subject credential program. Total completion time takes 5 years.

  The Teaching Credential program you will apply for is the Multiple Subject program.

• Middle School

  For Middle School, you may choose to take one of the Elementary level pathways by majoring in  Liberal Studies and selecting from ITEP or ESM, or you may follow the Secondary (High School) level pathway by obtaining a baccalaureate degree related to the subject matter that you would like to teach. Then, you can apply to either the Middle Level or the Single Subject program upon completion of your undergraduate coursework. If you would like to teach a specific subject, you will need a Single Subject credential.

  If you would like to teach Mathematics, we encourage pursuing a B.S. in Mathematics and completing the Single Subject Matter Preparation (SSMP) program. The SSMP Program is not a major, it is a collection of mathematics courses that provides undergraduate students the academic background to help them become qualified for a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. The holders of this credential may teach at any K-12 grade level, but departmentalized teaching of mathematics usually occurs in grades seven through twelve. The SSMP program, in addition to preparing you for a credential program, waives the requirement to take CSET: Mathematics I–III if a student achieves a 2.5 overall GPA.

  If you would like to teach History or Social Science, we encourage pursuing a B.A. in History with Single-Subject Preparation for Teaching. This program, in addition to preparing you for a credential program, waives the requirement to take the CSET: Social Science I–III if a student achieves a 2.5 overall GPA.

  The Teaching Credential program you will apply for is the Middle Level Education program.

• High School

  For Secondary (High School) level, you should obtain a baccalaureate degree in a field that corresponds with the subject you wish to teach. Upon completion of your major coursework, you should apply to the Single Subject Program.

  If you would like to teach Mathematics, we encourage pursuing a B.S. in Mathematics and completing the Single Subject Matter Preparation (SSMP) program. The SSMP Program is not a major, it is a collection of mathematics courses that provides undergraduate students the academic background to help them become qualified for a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. The holders of this credential may teach at any K-12 grade level, but departmentalized teaching of mathematics usually occurs in grades seven through twelve. The SSMP program, in addition to preparing you for a credential program, waives the requirement to take CSET: Mathematics I–III if a student achieves a 2.5 overall GPA.

  If you would like to teach History or Social Science, we encourage pursuing a B.A. in History with Single-Subject Preparation for Teaching. This program, in addition to preparing you for a credential program, waives the requirement to take the CSET: Social Science I–III if a student achieves a 2.5 overall GPA.

  The Teaching Credential program you will apply for is the Single Subject program.

• Special Education

  For the Elementary School teaching pathway, a Liberal Studies major is the best choice at CSUSM. The Liberal Studies major, in addition to preparing you for the Multiple Subject Credential (MSC) Program, waives the requirement to take CSET I–III if a student achieves a 2.67 overall GPA.

  The Liberal Studies major offers two pathway options for earning a credential:

  • The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) begins freshman year, and students complete the Liberal Studies degree concurrently with teaching credential classes. Program completion takes four year and may include summer classes.
  • The Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) option leads to a Liberal Studies, B.A. degree followed by the multiple subject credential program. Total completion time takes 5 years.

  The Teaching Credential program you will apply for is the Special Education program.

Step 2: Pass Examinations

1. Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) your second (sophomore) year. There are additional options available to fulfill this requirement. 
2. Demonstrate subject matter competency with the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). 

"What if I haven't taken these exams by the time applications are due? Can I still apply?"

Yes, don't worry! The application asks about the status of your tests and when you plan to take it. For more information, contact Student Services.

Testing Information  Test Preparation Resources

• CSET I-III Waiver

  The 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. This means that students who earn the Waiver do not have to take the Multiple Subject California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSETs) I-III.

  In order to earn the Waiver students must finish all degree requirements for either of these two LBST Options with an overall GPA of 2.67 or higher, and graduate. Current students as well as alumni with 2004 and later catalog rights (ESM and ICP Options) are eligible to apply for the Waiver. 

  Note: Non-CSUSM students and CSUSM students with catalog rights prior to 2004 are not eligible to apply for this Waiver.

  CSET I-III Waiver Request

  Show All

  • How to Request an Elementary Subject Matter CSET I-III Waiver Evaluation

    Eligibility: To be considered for a CSET I-III waiver evaluation, students must complete all degree requirements for the CSUSM Liberal Studies ESM Option B.A. or the ITEP Option B.A. (or the ICP Option B.A) and earn an overall GPA of 2.67 or higher in their coursework.

    Recommended Time Frame for Request if you have already graduated: If you have graduated with 2004 or later catalog rights and meet eligibility requirements, submit your evaluation request at any time.

    Recommended Time Frame for Request if you are a current student: If you are a currently matriculated CSUSM Liberal Studies B.A. student, submit your evaluation request upon completion of your next to the last semester of your B.A. (For example, if you plan to finish all degree requirements in Spring 2020, submit your application for evaluation by the end of Fall 2019.)

    If a request is submitted too early and too many required courses are still pending/incomplete the request will be withdrawn and the student will need to submit another request at a later time.

    Following submission of the request form, the student’s overall GPA will be evaluated and if it is 2.67 or higher, the applicant will receive an email from the Liberal Studies Department verifying preliminary eligibility for the waiver.  If the overall GPA is 2.66 or below, the student will receive an email indicating that they are not on track to receive the waiver.  Upon completion of all degree requirements, the GPA for all applicants will be reevaluated and if an overall GPA of 2.67 or higher has been maintained or achieved, the student will receive a waiver verification letter signed by the CSUSM Chair of Liberal Studies and the CSUSM School of Education Credential Analyst.

    Other important information

    • Are you pursuing a teaching credential at another university? Please check with that university to make sure they will accept CSUSM’s CSET I-III waiver.  Per the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, it is required that all credential programs accept our CSET waiver.
    • Additionally, CSUSM's School of Education accepts CSET Waivers earned at any other institution, not just those from CSUSM's Liberal Studies Department.
    • The CBEST exam is still required for application to a credential program, even if you receive a CSET waiver.  
      • For information on how to waive CBEST, visit the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
    • Are You Pursuing Bilingual Authorization?  This authorization is optional and has additional CSET requirements; see a School of Education advisor for more information.
    • Not Pursuing a Credential? If you are not planning to apply to a Multiple Subject or Concurrent Multiple Subject Education Specialist Credential Program, there is no need to apply for a Subject Matter Evaluation or Waiver.
    • NOTE:  Our CSET I-III Waiver is not a single subject matter waiver. 

  
  
• Elementary School (Multiple Subject)

  All Elementary School Teacher Candidates (Multiple Subject Credential) that are not enrolled in a multiple-subject waiver program (BA Liberal Studies ITEP or ESM) must take the CSET: Multiple Subjects.

• Middle School (Single Subject and Multiple Subject with Middle Level Certificate)

  All Middle School Teacher Candidates (Single Subject with Middle Level Certificate) are required to demonstrate subject matter competency for both Single and Multiple Subjects. 

  Students enrolled in a multiple-subject waiver program (BA Liberal Studies ITEP or ESM) or a single-subject waiver program (BS Mathematics SSMP or BA History with Single Subject Preparation) do not need to take the exam that is waived for their program.

• High School and Middle School – Secondary Education (Single Subject)

  All High School Teacher Candidates (Single Subject Credential) that are not enrolled in a single-subject waiver program (BS Mathematics SSMP or BA History with Single Subject Preparation) must take the CSET: Single Subject exam for the subject they wish to teach. 

• Special Education (Special Education Specialist with Teaching Credential)
  All Special Education Teacher Candidates (Special Education Specialist) that are not enrolled in a multiple-subject waiver program (BA Liberal Studies ITEP or ESM) must take the CSET: Multiple Subjects.

Step 3: Take the Prerequisites

The School of Education requires 3 courses before students can begin a Teaching Credential Program. They can be taken at CSUSM if you're a current student, Extended Learning, or local Community Colleges.
These courses are:

1. 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

2. EDUC 364: The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling
3. EDUC 422: Teaching, Learning & Technology

"What if I haven't taken these courses by the time applications are due? Can I still apply?"

Yes, don't worry! The application asks if you have taken the courses and your grade and, if you haven't taken them, what semester you will be taking them. For more information, contact Student Services.

Step 4: Apply for a Teaching Credential Program

CSUSM School of Education, Credential Programs:

• are post-baccalaureate, which means you enter them after your finish your bachelor’s degree, with the exception of the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
• include three basic types of teaching credentials: Single Subject, Multiple Subject and Special Education
• include certification to work with second language learners
• include coursework with classroom participation/observation and clinical practice/student teaching
• offer a BCLAD: Spanish Emphasis for bilingual students

Credential Program Information

Special Education Program Information

Apply Application Instructions

• Multiple Subject (Elementary School)
  • Allows you to teach in self-contained classrooms typically found in Elementary Schools
  • Graduates of the program will hold a Multiple Subject Credential with Authorization to Teach English Learners
  • This program offers different options:
    • Elementary School (ICP or Traditional)
    • BCLAD Emphasis: Spanish
• Middle Level Education (Middle School)
  • Allows you to teach in self-contained and/or departmentalized classrooms
  • Prepares teachers to work with young adolescents in grades 5-9.
  • Graduates of the program may hold a Multiple-Subject Credential and a Single Subject credential with Authorization to Teach English Learners. They will also receive a CSUSM-issued Certificate of Advanced Study in Middle Level Education
• Single Subject (High School and Middle School – Secondary Education)
  • Allows you to teach in departmentalized classrooms, typically found in High Schools
  • Teaching Authorizations offered at CSUSM: English, Mathematics, Foundational Level Mathematics, Science, Foundational Level Science, Physical Education, Social Science, and Spanish
    • Cal State San Marcos offers a Single Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics and History
  • Graduates of the program will hold a Single Subject Credential with Authorization to Teach English Learners
• Education Specialist (Special Education)
  • Allows you to teach in self-contained and/or departmentalized classrooms
  • Graduates of the program will hold Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disability Education Specialist credentials and a Multiple Subject Credential with Authorization to Teach English Learners
  • Candidates have the option for a Master of Arts in Special Education degree
• Application Prerequisites

  1. 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

  2. EDUC 364: The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling

  3. EDUC 422: Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning

  Note: The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) incorporates the prerequisite courses in the program. It is recommended ITEP Students take prerequisite courses at Cal State San Marcos junior year.

  GPA Required: 2.67 overall (Current Minimum)

  Good writing and communication skills are important factors when considering admission.

• Credential Program Corequisites

  Students should consider incorporating these courses in their lower division education plan.

  U.S. CONSTITUTION

  College-level course or exam. CSU graduates automatically meet the U.S. Constitution requirement

  • HIST 130 or HIST 330 or HIST 335 or PSCI 100
  • History 101 or Political Science 101 at Palomar College
  • History 110 or History 145 or Political Science 102 at Mira Costa College

  HEALTH EDUCATION

  A course that includes the following content: nutrition, physiological and sociological effects of abuse of alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and use of tobacco.

  • KINE 306 or PE 203
  • HEALTH 195 at Mesa College
  • HEALTH 101 at Mira Costa College
  • HEALTH 100 at Palomar College

  CPR CERTIFICATION

  Infant, Child, and Adult CPR

  • Must be valid during enrollment in a Teacher Credential Program
• Tuition & Fees

  Tuition and Fees are set by CSUSM, and vary based on state residency and program.

  Credential 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).