Teacher Preparation Programs & Teaching Credentials: Basic Information on Undergraduate Preparation

Students interested in pursuing a career in education at the elementary or secondary school level may complete a variety of baccalaureate degrees that will make them eligible to work in private schools or that will allow them to apply for a credential that will make them eligible to work in a public school. Cal State L.A. has been approved by the State of California to prepare students for the following credentials: Multiple Subject Teaching Credential; Single Subject Teaching Credential; Educational Specialist Credential; Administrative Services Credential; Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential; Health Services Credential; and, Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

For students interested in obtaining a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Single Subject Teaching Credential, or Education Specialist (Special Education) Credential appropriate degree programs are listed below. Interested students should consult advisers in both the appropriate academic department and the Charter College of Education.

The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes holders to teach in preschool and kindergarten, grades 1-12, and adult education classes in self-contained classrooms in which all subjects are taught. University internship credential programs are also offered in cooperation with many surrounding school districts.

The Single Subject teaching credentials authorize holders to teach in preschool and kindergarten, grades 1-12, and adult education classes in departmentalized classrooms.

The Educational Specialist Credential authorizes holders to work with students with special needs in preschool and kindergarten, grades 1-12, and adult education. 

Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Options for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Students who wish to complete an elementary subject matter preparation program for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may choose one of four programs that have been approved as Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Programs on this campus. They must complete all general education, major, and other graduation requirements for the degree in addition to the credential requirements. Consult a faculty adviser in your major department for further information.

Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation programs for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or the Education Specialist Credential are available in the following undergraduate degrees:

• Child Development, B.A.
• Liberal Studies, B.A.
• Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies, B.A.
• Urban Learning, B.A.

Subject Matter Preparation for the Single Subject Credential

Candidates for the California Single Subject teaching credential must verify subject matter competence in their designated teaching field by one of the following methods:

1. completing an approved academic program of course work (or its equivalent) in the selected subject-matter area, or
2. passing the required examination(s) for the subject matter area in which the credential is sought.*

*This option is not available for Physical Education. Please consult the School of Kinesiology and Nutritional Science.
Each of the following degree programs (within the exception of Kinesiology as noted above) has been approved by the CCTC for waiver of the subject area examination for the credential indicated.

Education Specialist Credential Programs

The approved program at California State University, Los Angeles includes the following programs:

• Internship Credentials in Special Education
• Level I or Preliminary Credentials
• Level II or Professional Specialist Credentials
• Programs that combine a Specialist with a Multiple or Single Subject Credential
• Specialist Program combined with a Master of Arts degree in Special Education

The Education Specialist Credential Programs are also approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to include English Learner Authorization. The following is a list of Education Specialist Credential program areas. The student must also read the advisement material of the Division of Special Education and Counseling and must consult with a faculty adviser.

• Early Childhood Special Education: Preparation to work with infants and young children birth-pre-K with disabilities or at-risk, and their families.
• Mild/Moderate Disabilities: Preparation to teach students K-12 with mild/moderate learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional/behavioral disabilities within the full range of placement options.
• Moderate/Severe Disabilities: Preparation to teach students K-12 with moderate/severe disabilities, mental retardation, emotional/behavioral disabilities and multiple disabilities within the full range of placement options.
• Physical and Health Impairments: Preparation to teach students birth - 22 years with orthopedic disabilities and other serious health impairments, traumatic brain injury, and multiple disabilities within the full range of placement options.
• Visual Impairments and Blindness: Preparation to teach students birth-22 years who are blind or who have low vision, including students with additional disabilities within the full range of placement options.

Note: Candidates are responsible for examinations required by the State of California and may consult the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website at www.ctc.ca.gov or consult with an advisor for current policies.

Other Specialist Program Areas

• Adapted Physical Education Credential: The Adapted Physical Education Specialist Credential meets the subject matter requirements and entitles the holder to teach adapted physical education in California to individuals between the ages of 3 and 21 years who have exceptional needs.
• Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential: The Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential with authorizations in Audiology, Language, Speech and Hearing (Special Class Authorization Option), and Orientation and Mobility for the Blind and Visually Impaired training prepares individuals to work with children and adults who have disabilities that necessitate this type of training.
• Health Services Credential: School Nurse: This program qualifies nursing professionals for employment as school nurses in California public schools.
• Reading/Language Arts Credential: The Reading/Language Arts Credential is designed for teachers who wish to become reading and language arts specialists in public or private schools and clinics in California.

Supplementary Authorizations

The holder of a multiple subject or a single subject teaching credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing may have one or more of the subjects commonly taught in departmentalized classes added to the credential as a supplementary authorization by verifying  completion of the requirements specified in Title 5, California Code of Regulations, 80057.5, or 80089, 80089.1, and 80089.2. Supplementary authorizations cannot be issued in any subject that falls within the statutory single subject category of an applicant’s single subject teaching credential.

Contact the Office for Student Services in the Charter College of Education (KH D2078) for information concerning the specific requirements for subjects approved for supplementary authorization and the procedure to apply to the Commission.

Information about additional credential programs appears on the Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Studies: General Information  page.