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Application Requirements
The following list of Pre-requisites must be completed and submitted in order to be considered for admission to the Single Subject or Intern Credential Programs
Note: When submitting application materials to SH 301 please keep a copy of everything for your own records.
A file may be started any time. Not all materials must be submitted at one time.
Subject Matter Competency and SMC Report
- Make an appointment with a Subject Area Advisor and have your transcripts evaluated to determine if you meet subject matter competency requirements.
- If you do not have Subject Matter Competency you have the option of either taking the additional required coursework or earning passing scores on the required CSET exam in your subject area. Subject-matter competency is a pre-requisite for being admitted to the Single Subject Credential Program. A major in a subject area may not meet subject matter preparation requirements.
- The original Subject Matter Competency Report form signed by a subject area advisor is required for admission to the credential program, even if you meet the subject matter competency requirement with CSET.
- In addition to the subject matter competency review, the advisor will administer a required writing test (see next pre-requisite).
Writing Test
- Must pass a writing test which will be administered by the Subject Area Advisor (see pre-requisite above). You will be given a prompt and will have 30 minutes to write on the prompt.
CBEST
- The CBEST is a general knowledge test required of all teachers in California and consists of three parts: math, reading comprehension, and writing.
- You must submit official passing scores on all three parts before being admitted into the Credential Program.
Transcripts
- Obtain two official (sealed) transcripts from the colleges and universities you have attended- One is for the Graduate Studies University application and one set is for the Department of Secondary Education application. Ask that the transcripts be sent directly to you. Do not open the official copies; submit one set with your application materials to Secondary Education. If you graduated from SJSU, you will need only one set of official transcripts from each institution.
- Individuals who completed college or university coursework at an institution outside the United States must obtain a complete evaluation for foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents. This evaluation will determine if the coursework is equivalent to a Bachelors degree. The following is a list of approved evaluation agencies [pdf].
Three Letters of Recommendation
Letters should:
- be current
- be from people who have known you in an educational or professional relationship
- speak to your ability to work with people, your work ethic, your intellectual capabilities, or other characteristics pertinent to teaching
- be submitted or mailed to the Secondary Education office (SH 301)
- not be from personal friends or family (they will not be accepted)
Technology Test or EDTE 214 course or equivalent
- For information regarding the course, or information and dates of the exam, contact the department of Elementary Education (located in SH 305) at 408-924-3771.
U.S. Constitution Requirement
- This requirement may be met by taking a course or passing an exam.
- If you have received a BA/BS degree from a CSU campus then you have satisfied this requirement.
- If you have taken a course and you are uncertain if it meets this requirement, obtain a course description or a course syllabus that states the course covered the U.S. Constitution. This will be verified once you have submitted your transcripts to SH 301.
- For information on the US Constitution Course or exam[pdf] .
Pre-Professional Experience
- Complete a minimum of 45 observation hours of "Pre-Professional Experience" in a public middle or high school in California and submit a signed Pre Professional Experience form [doc] to verify your experience. "Pre-Professional Experience" is simply observing a classroom setting. You may contact any California public Jr. High or High School and let them know that you're applying to the SJSU Single Subject Credential Program and need to complete your 45 observation hours of "Pre-Professional Experience."
Certificate of Clearance
- California state law requires that you obtain a Certificate of Clearance before you begin student teaching. An emergency permit or a substitute permit, current or expired, may be submitted in lieu of a Certificate of Clearance.
To obtain a Certificate of Clearance
Secondary Education Applicant Information Form
Printer Friendly Checklist and forms [pdf]
Interview
- Once candidates have a complete file, they will be contacted at a certain date to set up an interview with the Program Coordinator.
Application to Graduate Studies and Research
- Once you have been accepted into the Single Subject Credential Program or the Single Subject Intern Program by the department of Secondary Education, we will have you apply to the university at CSUMentor.edu. There will be a $55.00 application fee.
Advising Meeting
- Once accepted to the Program, they will meet again with the Program Coordinator to develop a Program Plan for completing the credential requirements.
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