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Undergraduate Pathways to the Credential Program
CSUSM offers 1 integrated baccalaurate-credential program, 3 CSET waiver programs, and 1 minor related to the School of Education programs. While any baccalaurate degree is accepted for teacher credential programs, these programs can save students time or money in their pursuit of a teaching credential.
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). It integrates the B.A. in Liberal Studies with the Multiple Subject Credential from the School of Education (SoE). Coursework is selected to address the seven core subject matter areas of the K-8 curriculum, all general education, breadth of study, area of focus, and professional preparation for teaching requirements. Students complete the Liberal Studies degree concurrently with teaching credential classes.
Note: The curriculum for the ITEP option has been approved as a Waiver Program by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This means that students who finish all degree requirements for the ESM and ITEP options, earn a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher, and graduate, will not need to take the Multiple Subject California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSETs) I-III.
B.A. in Liberal Studies: Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program Option (ESM)
The Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Option offers an excellent curricular pathway to students interested in a career in elementary or middle school teaching (grades K-8). Coursework is selected to address the seven core subject matter areas of the K-8 curriculum (Reading, Language & Literature; History & Social Sciences; Mathematics; Science; Visual & Performance Arts; Human Development; and Physical Education), including all general education and breadth of study requirements. In addition, students choose an Area of Focus module that explores one of these subject matter areas in great depth.
The Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) option leads to a Liberal Studies, B.A. degree followed by the multiple subject credential program.
Note: The curriculum for the ESM option has been approved as a Waiver Program by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This means that students who finish all degree requirements for the ESM and ITEP options, earn a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher, and graduate, will not need to take the Multiple Subject California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSETs) I-III. To apply for a B.A. program, please visit Liberal Studies.
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. 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 Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics authorizes
an individual to teach mathematics classes in departmentalized settings. 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.
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. Successful completion
of this option will allow students to waive the California Subject Examination for
Teachers (CSET) in History/Social Science. For certification of this option, students
must maintain a 2.7 GPA or above, both in overall work and in all courses used to
complete the major and option.
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.
It is geared towards developing an understanding of how children and adolescents become
well rounded, thoughtful citizens. It also serves as a preparation for a variety of
related careers. With three required courses serving as the Minor's core, students
also choose four additional courses from an interdisciplinary menu.