Program Overview

Introduction to the Preliminary Single Subject Credential Program

The state of California has a two-tier credential structure, with a five-year preliminary credential being the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements. A clear credential is issued when all credential requirements and a state-approved Induction Program have been completed.

Program Overview

A Single-Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools. However, a teacher authorized for single-subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in their authorized fields at any grade level: preschool, grades K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

Specialized Training

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) offers specialized training for secondary teachers, with one of the largest public-university education-credentialing programs in the state of California. This size enables the university to offer specialized instruction in the teaching of a wide range of specific subjects. 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.

Student Teaching and Support

Student teaching is supported by university supervisors with numerous years of experience teaching the subject in secondary schools. Accompanying the student-teaching experience is a subject-specific seminar, led by an experienced subject-matter educator, with enrollment restricted to same-subject student teachers.

Pathways to Earning a Single-Subject Credential

CSUN offers flexibility with six different "pathways" for earning a single-subject credential:

• Traditional: For college graduates, the traditional program allows completion of coursework at their own pace and provides two supervised student-teaching experiences.
  • This program is designed for individuals who have already completed their bachelor's degree.
• Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Education Program (ACT): For college graduates, ACT offers a one-year, full-time experience, with additional support activities for a cohort of students.
  • This program is ideal for those seeking an intensive, collaborative learning environment.
• Single-Subject University Internship Program (SSUIP): For college graduates who will begin full-time secondary teaching in an area public school, the SSUIP offers additional support workshops and supervision in their own classroom.
  • This program is designed for individuals who are already employed as teachers and wish to earn their credential while working.
• Four-Year Integrated Program (FYI): For undergraduates, FYI allows simultaneous earning of a bachelor's degree in English, mathematics, or history and a teaching credential.
  • This program is available for students pursuing degrees in specific subjects.
• Junior-Year Integrated Program (JYI): For undergraduates, JYI allows entry at the junior year and simultaneous earning of a bachelor's degree in English, mathematics, or history and a teaching credential.
  • Similar to FYI, but with entry at the junior year, this program offers an alternative for students who decide on a teaching career later in their undergraduate studies.
• Dual Single-Subject/Education Specialist Credential Program: For college graduates, the Dual program allows earning of both the Single-Subject and Education-Specialist Credentials in two years.
  • This program is designed for individuals who wish to teach students with special needs and also pursue a single-subject teaching credential.