Single Subject FAQs
Who should enroll in the CSUMB Single Subject Teacher Credential Program?
Is the Single Subject Program Full-Time or Part-time
What if my degree is from another country?Can substitute teaching be used in place of having a teaching contract?
If I have taught in the past can any of this experience be used to waive the student teaching once I am in the program?
How long is the program and how much does it cost?
What is the difference between student teaching and an internship position?
Do I find my own internship position?
What if I am an undergraduate now? Do I still have to apply to CSUMB to enter a credential program?
What if I am already a Graduate Student at CSUMB? Do I still need to reapply to the University?
Can I take prerequisite classes without formally applying to the University?
If I took prerequisite courses (e.g., U.S. Constitution, Foreign Language) several years ago, are they still valid?
Does CSUMB offer a combined Master's and Credential program?
If my GPA is lower than required, should I still apply?
Do I have to teach the same subject that I received my degree in?
Who should enroll in the CSUMB Single Subject Teacher Credential Program?
The Single Subject Credential Program at CSUMB is primarily designed for individuals who are interested in teaching in linguistically and culturally diverse departmentalized and/or subject specific classrooms (6-12). Those who satisfy all program requirements successfully will be recommended to the state for the Single Subject ELA (English Learner Authorization) credential. This credential meets the California state requirement that all newly credentialed teachers be qualified to teach students from non-English backgrounds that are limited in English proficiency. The ELA (formerly CLAD) allows the holder to teach in settings where instruction is provided primarily in English. BCLAD option authorizes the holder to teach in bilingual settings in the language of emphasis (e.g., Spanish) and in English, and is available through passage of a series of tests. At this time CSUMB does not offer the BCLAD emphasis through coursework..
For a person specifically interested in teaching middle school (grades 6-8), either a Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential might be appropriate. The Multiple Subject credential authorizes one to teach in self-contained classrooms in a middle school setting; the authorization to teach in a self contained classroom may be added later by passing the Multiple Subject CSET and then completing one semester of an elementary reading methods course, one semester of another elementary methods course, and passing the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). Information about the Multiple Subject CSET exams can be found at www.cset.nesinc.com.
Is the single subject program full-time or part-time?
The Traditional credential program is full time (two consecutive semesters) or students can choose the part-time 12 month option (one summer session and two semesters). If necessary, the Program Coordinator will assist an individual with planning a part time program. Note that many courses are offered only once a year.
Both the Traditional (co-teaching) and Intern Programs qualify you for the same credential: the Preliminary Single Subject Credential with an ELA emphasis. NOTE: You will be able to apply for the Professional Clear Single Subject Credential after having completed two years of full time teaching and the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program (usually two years). The school district will recommend you for the Professional Clear Credential.
What if my degree is from another country?
You need to call the Credentials Office at (831) 582-3638. The Credentials Analyst can provide you with a list of independent companies that assess foreign degrees. You should also contact the Admissions Department in Building 47 to make sure you are meeting the University's requirements for admission of students from other countries.
For those interested in the Internship Program, can substitute teaching be used in place of having a teaching contract?
No. As a substitute teacher you may be continuously moved through different classrooms and schools thus making it impossible for continuity of grade-level and subject area supervision.
If I have taught in the past can any of this experience be used to waive the student teaching once I am in the program?
No. Only the experience obtained as you go through a credentialing program can be used for your student teaching placement. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that your student experience be completed under the supervision of an authorized credentialing program. If you have completed a recent student teaching experience in another credentialing program, you may receive credit for that experience. If you believe that you have completed the student teaching requirement at another institution and would like credit toward this requirement, you will need to include a letter requesting special consideration with your application materials. The program coordinator will review this and notify you of a decision.
How long is the program and how much does it cost?
The basic program is two to three semesters in length. The cost of the program is the same tuition that all CSUMB teacher education students pay per term. This also depends on whether this is your first credential or a subsequent one. Please note that tuition and fees do not cover books. Tuition and fees are established by the California State University and CSUMB. The program has no control over these costs and cannot make adjustments to the tuition and fees you will pay. For more information about tuition and fees go here.
What is the difference between co-teaching and an internship position?
A student co-teaching position is an unpaid position and you work with a master teacher in his/her classroom. An intern position is a paid position with your own classroom with specific districts that have intern agreements with CSU Monterey Bay. An intern teacher is the teacher of record in his or her classroom. That means they have full legal responsibility and will be held legally accountable for everything that transpires in the classroom.
Do I find my own internship position?
Yes.
What if I am an undergraduate now? Do I still have to apply to CSUMB to enter a credential program?
Yes. The graduate programs are different than the undergraduate programs and you need to apply for admission to both CSUMB and to the CSUMB Single Subject Program, even if you are currently an undergraduate at CSUMB.
What if I am already a Graduate Student at CSUMB? Do I still need to reapply to the University?
Yes. If you are a current graduate student of the University you will need to fill out a Change of Objective Form in lieu of a Graduate University Application. The Change of Objective Form can either be obtained through the Institute for Field-Based Education or the Admissions Office. The completed form must be submitted to the Institute for Field-Based Education (not to Admissions) with your application packet by the appropriate department deadline.
Can I take prerequisite classes without formally applying to the University?
You may take prerequisite classes through CSUMB's "Open University" policy. This type of enrollment does not require that you formally apply to the university. Please be aware that all "Open University" students are taken on a space-available basis only. Every institute has different enrollment procedures for "Open University" students. It is the students' responsibility to contact each department for their procedures.
If I took prerequisite courses (e.g., U.S. Constitution, Foreign Language) several years ago, are they still valid?
Your coursework does not expire; however, you need to ensure that any course is an equivalent to the prerequisites for the Single Subject Program. The Credentials Office can verify if the course you took is an equivalent. If the course taken is not on the list of equivalencies, you will need to provide the Credentials Office with either a syllabus or college catalog description from the same year of attendance. A transcript showing record of the course will also eventually be required if the course is deemed equivalent. If your coursework is over 10 years old, you may be required to prove competency in this area by passing an exam or re-taking the course.
Does CSUMB offer a combined Master's and Credential program?
For questions concerning the Masters of Arts in Education degree, contact the Program Coordinator, Professor Lou Denti, at 831-582-5034
If my GPA is lower than required, should I still apply?
If your GPA does not meet the GPA requirement, you must file a GPA Petition. Under state guidelines, we can allow a very very small number of our applicants to enter the professional program with lower than the required GPA. You need to be aware, however, that the limited space in some of our subject areas means that we often cannot accept students with a GPA lower than the required 2.67.
If your GPA is lower than 2.67, you are required to fill out and submit a GPA Petition. GPA Petition forms are available when you come to your interview.
Do I have to teach the same subject that I received my degree in?
No. You may choose to teach a particular subject as long as you can prove your competency to teach by passing the appropriate CSET exams (all required sections) or presenting a letter signed by a registered credentials analyst that you have passed an Approved Program (also known as a “waiver” program).. Note that you DO need to student or intern teach in the subject that will be on your credential.
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