In Advising & Resources

For Undergraduates Interested in Teaching

Thinking about becoming a middle or high school teacher?

Most CSUN students earn the teaching credential after they’ve earned their bachelor’s degree. But decisions you make now can streamline your path to the credential.

How can I get a head start on admissions requirements to the Credential Program?

Set yourself up to meet the Subject Matter Requirement for admission to the teacher-credential program one of two ways:

Enroll in one of CSUN’s Subject Matter Programs. Subject Matter Programs offer a bachelor’s degree with courses tailored for aspiring teachers. These programs also help you get Early Field Experience hours—another admission requirement of the teacher-credential program.

Subject Matter Program	Degree Options
Art English Mathematics Music Physical Education Social Science Social Science Spanish	Art BA: Art Education Concentration Area English BA: Subject Matter Program Option Mathematics BA: Secondary Teaching Option Music BA: Pre-Teaching Option Kinesiology BS: Physical Education Option Chicana/o Studies BA: Social Science Subject Matter Waiver Option History BA: Social Science Subject Matter Program Spanish BA: Language & Culture Option

Enroll in a degree-major program with the same name as the subject you hope to teach. See this list for degree majors that meet the Subject Matter Requirement.

Then apply for CSUN’s Single Subject Credential Program in your final undergraduate semester, to begin the Credential Program the semester after you earn your bachelor’s degree. Read about our Credential Program and flexible pathways here.

Must I wait until after I earn my bachelor’s degree to begin the Credential Program?

No! Here are three ways to get an early start on the Credential Program:

If you are enrolled in a Subject Matter Program at CSUN, you may apply to the Credential Program early, to get started on credential courses in your senior year.
Any CSUN undergraduate may apply for “Intent to Apply” (ITA) status in the Credential Program for their senior year. ITA allows seniors to take 1-2 credential courses before obtaining regular admission.
If you’re interested in teaching English, mathematics, or social science, consider our “Four Year Integrated” (FYI) and “Junior Year Integrated” (JYI) Programs. These programs combine the Subject Matter Program/BA in English, mathematics, or history with the teaching credential in English, mathematics, or social science. FYI enables entering first-year students to earn both the BA and single-subject teaching credential in 4 years. JYI is designed for transfer and continuing CSUN students to earn both the BA and single-subject teaching credential in 2 years.