UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2025-2026

Program: Single Subject Preliminary Credential

Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program Option

Program Description

Candidates who complete a Single Subject Credential program are specialists in the teaching of a subject area such as English, mathematics, physical education or science, and they are able to work with students in diverse classroom settings. For information regarding admission, requirements and subject programs approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and subject matter examinations, see the Credential section of this Catalog. For detailed information on each approved subject program, see the department that offers the program (e.g., Art, English, Mathematics, Kinesiology) in this Catalog. Descriptions of Secondary Education credential program courses appear later in this section. For other professional education courses, see listings of the department offering the course (e.g., Educational Psychology and Counseling, Health Science). All Single Subject programs, including Bilingual Authorization, as described below, have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meet the requirements of Senate Bill 2042, including an English Learner authorization. All accepted candidates enroll in one of these programs:

  1. Traditional Program
  2. Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program (ACT)
  3. Single Subject University Intern Program (SSUIP)
  4. Four-Year Integrated (FYI) Teacher Credential Program (in English History-Social Science, or Mathematics)
  5. Junior-Year Entry Integrated (JYI) Teacher Credential Program (in English, History-Social Science, or Mathematics)
  6. Bilingual Authorization Credential Program
  7. Dual Single Subject/Education Specialist Teaching Credential (Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs)

Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program

An intensive program for a cohort of eligible postbaccalaureate candidates. Separate application required. Cohorts begin each Fall semester.

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU, and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from the respective department or program. See Notice to Students: Licensure and Certification for more information.

Program Requirements

A. Required Prior to Admission

  1. Admissions interview.
  2. Valid fingerprint clearance and negative tuberculosis clearance.
  3. Verification of subject matter competency.
  4. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.67 or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 units.
  5. 45 hours of early field experience.
  6. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
  7. CPR Certification—infant, child, adult.
  8. A statement of objectives.
  9. Two letters of recommendation.

Consult the Credential Office for complete admission requirements.

B. Required Prior to the Second Program Semester

Verification of meeting the basic skills requirement submitted by the student-teaching clearing date of August 1 for fall and January 2 for spring semester.

C. Required in the Fall Semester (21 units)

ELPS 541A Getting Started–Introduction to Teaching in Urban Schools (1)
EPC 420 Educational Psychology of Adolescence (3)
SED 511 Fundamentals of Secondary Education in Multiethnic Secondary Schools (3)
SED 514 Computers in Instruction (3)
SED 525xx Methods of Teaching Single Subjects in the Secondary School (3) (e.g., Art, English, etc.)
SED 554 Early Field Experience for the Single Subject Credential (4) 
SED 554S Early Field Experience Seminar for the Single Subject Credential (2) 
SPED 541B Getting Started–Introduction to Teaching in Urban Schools (2)

D. Required During Spring Semester (16 units)

ELPS 542A Meeting the Needs of All Students in Urban Schools (2)
HSCI 466ADO Health Issues of the Adolescent (1)
SED 521 Content Area Literacy and Learning in Multiethnic Secondary Schools (3)
SED 529 Teaching English Learners in Multiethnic Secondary Schools (3)
SED 555 Student Teaching for the Single Subject Credential (4)
SED 555S Field Experience Seminar for the Single Subject Credential (2)
SPED 542B Meeting the Needs of All Students in Urban Schools (1)

E. Other Program Requirements

  1. Teaching Performance Assessment (completed in SED 555S).
  2. Individual Development Plan (IDP) (completed in SED 555S).
  3. Overall GPA of 2.75 since admission to the credential program with a GPA of 3.0 in all credential-program courses.
  4. Grades of “C” or better in all credential-program courses.
  5. Knowledge of the U.S. Constitution (course or exam).
  6. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

Total Units Required for the Credential: 37

Contact

Department of Secondary Education
Chair: Julie Gainsburg
Education (ED) 1208
(818) 677-2580

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Single Subject Preliminary Credential will be able to:

  1. Engage and support all students in learning.
  2. Create and maintain effective environments for student learning.
  3. Understand and organize subject matter for student learning.
  4. Plan instruction and design learning experiences for all students.
  5. Assess student learning.
  6. Develop as a professional educator.
  7. Provide effective literacy instruction.