Stand-alone Credential Programs

The stand-alone credential pathway typically requires five years and involves:

  • earning a bachelor's degree (including general education and major coursework) and completing credential prerequisites; this generally takes four years
  • completing a credential program that includes credential coursework and student teaching; this can be completed in two to three semesters
 

Program Highlights

  • Strong partnerships with local public schools: San Diego State University has long been the primary provider of new teachers to San Diego area school districts. We work closely with these districts to "grow" excellent new teachers for the region. Our public school partners understand and embrace the challenge of developing the next generation of teachers.

  • Our famous “Cohort Model”: Each cohort is guided closely by one or two faculty members  ("team leaders"). The cohort and the team leaders provide a natural system of social and emotional support for each student. Cohort members share what they learn with one another, creating an additional layer of learning opportunities and professional growth.

  • Crucial multicultural teaching focus: Our teacher education reflects the dynamic San Diego region where people of many cultures, nationalities, and languages share communities and schools. Students learn how to appreciate cultural diversity while supporting student academic learning. Courses and field experiences in the public schools focus on the strengths and attributes of diverse communities, families, and individuals.

  • Powerful research-practice connection: Our teacher education program brings together best practices from the public schools with the most important knowledge developed by educational researchers and theorists. Our students learn from both researchers and practitioners, from our internationally-renowned education faculty and the top teachers in local schools.

  • Two-semester and three-semester program options: You can complete the credential program in either two semesters or three semesters. The three semester option is designed to serve students who need to work part-time or have substantial family obligations.

  • Affordable tuition: The tuition for California residents is much lower than the price tag for private universities. For current information visit SDSU Tuition and Fees.

Credential Areas

Elementary School Teaching

  • Multiple Subjects (K–6)
  • Multiple Subjects (K–6) - Bilingual

Middle/High School Teaching

  • Single Subject - Bilingual
  • Single Subject (English)
  • Single Subject (Mathematics)
  • Single Subject (Science)
  • Single Subject (Social Science)
  • Single Subject (Art)
  • Single Subject (Music)
  • Single Subject (Physical Education)
  • Single Subject (Theater)

Special Education

  • Early Childhood Specialization
  • Mild to Moderate Support Needs Specialization
  • Extensive Support Needs Specialization

Who is the credential pathway for?

  • Those who already hold a bachelor's degree (or higher)
  • Those who are in their last two years of undergraduate studies
  • Those who may have realized later in their higher education career that teaching is their calling

Next Steps

Meet with an Advisor

Visit College of Education Credential Program Advising to find a credential advisor in your subject area.

How to Apply

Visit College of Education Admissions to learn about prerequisite courses, exams and deadlines for the CSU and program applications.

General Questions

For general questions about teaching pathways, contact [email protected].

NOTICE TO STUDENTS

Professional Licensure and Certification

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student to meet California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue  licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C). I

Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Office for Student Success ([email protected]).

Certification Exam Pass Rates

View information about SDSU's teacher certification exam pass rates for the California, Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), and the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA).