Program Overview

Introduction to the Multiple Subject Credential Program

The Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP) at California State University, Long Beach, is designed for individuals who wish to teach elementary school students. The program is rooted in equity-driven, culturally responsive teaching and is guided by passionate faculty and teacher-scholars devoted to educational justice.

Program Overview

The MSCP program is a 40-unit program that prepares students to teach in self-contained classrooms, typically in elementary school settings. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years, depending on the student's background and course load.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the MSCP program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 semester units or 2.67 overall
• Complete the Basic Skills Requirement
• Verify a valid Certificate of Clearance
• Verify TB clearance
• Submit two letters of recommendation
• Submit a personal essay
• Submit unofficial copies of all transcripts
• Complete a Self-Assessment of Dispositions for Teaching

Program Courses

The MSCP program consists of the following courses:

• EDEL 442: Teaching and Learning Language Arts, K-8
• EDEL 452: Teaching and Learning Reading, K-8
• EDEL 462: Teaching and Learning Mathematics, K-8
• EDEL 472: Teaching and Learning History-Social Science, K-8
• SCED 475: Teaching and Learning Science, K-8
• EDEL 482: Student Teaching in Diverse Classrooms

Student Teaching

Student teaching is a critical component of the MSCP program. Students must complete a 16-unit student teaching assignment, which consists of two 8-week assignments in different grade levels. Students are placed in schools within the CSULB service area and are supervised by a university supervisor and a master teacher.

Bilingual Authorization

The MSCP program offers a Bilingual Authorization (BILA) option for students who wish to teach in bilingual classrooms. To be eligible for the BILA option, students must:

• Complete additional coursework in bilingual education
• Pass the BILA CSET exam
• Demonstrate language proficiency in the target language

UTEACH Pathway

The UTEACH pathway is a unique option for students who wish to combine pedagogy and practice in a personalized credential program. The UTEACH pathway is a year-long program that includes:

• Personalized attention from university faculty and school-based personnel
• Coursework linked to real teaching in a real classroom
• Methods courses held off-campus
• A year-long student teaching residency-like program

Internship Pathway

The Internship Pathway is designed for students who have been offered a full-time teaching position and wish to complete their credential program while working as a teacher. To be eligible for the Internship Pathway, students must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree
• Have completed the prerequisite courses
• Have been offered a full-time teaching position
• Complete the internship application and receive approval from the program coordinator

Program Policies

The MSCP program has several policies in place to ensure student success, including:

• A minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 in pedagogy courses
• A requirement to complete all coursework within seven years
• A residency requirement of at least 24 semester units
• A policy for student teaching withdrawal and re-entry

Adding a Multiple Subject Credential to an Existing Single Subject Credential

Candidates who hold a valid CA Single Subject Teaching Credential and wish to add a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential must:

• Verify elementary subject matter competence
• Complete a course in methodology directly related to teaching in a self-contained classroom
• Complete coursework in developing English language skills for beginning readers
• Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) or Foundations of Reading Exam
• Submit a completed application packet and processing fee to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)