The state of California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year preliminary single subject credential is the first issued after you meet basic requirements.
Why Get a Single Subject Preliminary Credential?
A Single Subject Credential authorizes educators to teach a specific subject in most middle school and high school departments.
However, a teacher authorized for single-subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level: preschool, grades K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.
The knowledge that comes with this credential pushes you as an educator to be an inspirational leader for the next generation.
Why Get Your Credential at CSUN?
A Large Program
CSUN has one of the largest public university, education credentialing programs in the state of California.
As a result of our size, we can offer specialized instruction in the teaching of over a dozen specific subjects, rather than the generalized methods at many institutions.
Relevant Courses
Subject-specific courses teach the most up-to-date, research-based teaching methods.
Support for Student Teaching
Student teaching is supported by university supervisors with years of experience teaching the subject in secondary schools. Our student-teaching experience is accompanied by a subject-specific seminar led by an experienced educator. Enrollment in this seminar is reserved for same-subject student teachers.
We've also taken the time to understand the needs and lifestyles of our diverse students, resulting in:
- Flexible schedules allowing you to attend full or part time
- Entrance dates in the fall or spring semester
- Courses offered in the late afternoon and evenings
What You'll Learn
From coursework, field experiences and seminars, you'll be empowered with the skills and knowledge needed to inspire your students in diverse classroom settings.
As a result of our size, CSUN is able to offer specialized instruction in the teaching of over a dozen specific subjects including:
- Art
- Dance
- English
- Health Science
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Science
- World Language
Students take a subject-specific methods course with other aspiring teachers of the subject, where they learn the most up-to-date, research-based teaching methods.
In the dual single subject/education specialist teaching option, you'll be equipped to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Through this program, you'll earn preliminary credentials in both Single Subject and Education Specialist.
The CSUN traditional program offers full- and part-time schedules for anyone interested deepening their expertise.
The ACT Preparation Program is an intensive program accelerated to two weeks for eligible post-baccalaureate candidates.
The SSUIP is for individuals who are teaching full-time in a public school.
The Four-Year Integrated and Junior-Year Integrated programs are for those in an integrated, undergraduate program.
Careers & Outcomes
The single subject credential program prepares and certifies you to teach a specific subject in California K-12 classrooms.
Graduates of the CSUN credential program are in high demand in Los Angeles area schools and districts. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the second largest district in the nation. They hire more credentialed teachers from CSUN than any other university.
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a credential student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Single Subject Preliminary Credential Program:
- Apply to both the university and the specific credential program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a credential program at CSUN.
Credential Pathways
CSUN offers flexibility with five different pathways to earning your single subject credential:
- Traditional - Designed for college graduates, the traditional program allows you to complete coursework at your own pace and offers two supervised student teaching experiences
- Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) preparation program (ACT) - Also designed for college graduates, ACT offers you a one year, full time experience with additional support activities for a cohort of students
- Single-Subject University Internship Program (SSUIP) - For college graduates beginning full time secondary teaching in an area public school, the SSUIP offers additional support workshops and supervision in your own classroom
- Four-Year Integrated (FYI) Program - Designed for English and mathematics undergraduates, FYI allows you to simultaneously earn your bachelor's degree and your teaching credential
- Junior-Year Integrated (JYI) Program - Same as FYI, but starting your junior year
- Dual Preliminary Credential Program - A post-B.A. preservice professional program offered through the departments of Secondary Education and Special Education in which candidates earn a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in mild/moderate and extensive support needs and a Preliminary Single Subject Credential.