Are you interested in becoming a teacher?
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All states require public school teachers to be licensed, which typically requires
a bachelor’s degree and completion of an approved teacher education program
(U.S. Depart. of Labor, <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm.>). Multiple Subjects
Credential is primarily for those who plan to teach at the elementary school level (elementary school).
The Single Subject Credential is primarily for those who intend to teach at the secondary level (middle
and high school). More information on the different teaching credentials can be found at
<http://edweb.sdsu.edu/STE/ >
The requirements for teacher certification and licensing are determined by state departments of
education. For additional information, contact your state department of education
< http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html?src=ln>
If interested in teaching, here is a brief overview of steps that need to be taken…
Admission Standards and Qualifications for teaching credentials programs at SDSU:
*Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
You must have a bachelor’s degree before you can start the teaching credential program. All SDSU
undergraduate students must apply for graduation to receive their bachelor’s degree.
*Take the CBEST Test (both single and multiple subjects candidates must take the test)
CBEST is the California Basic Educational Skills. It is recommended that you register to take this test early
in your undergraduate career. Note: if you are applying to the multiple subjects program, you may take
the writing skills portion of the CSET test instead of the CBEST. CBEST website: <www.cbest.nesic.com/>
What do I have to know for the test? No prior knowledge outside of what you have learned in high
school is needed.
--In addition, the CSET test (The California Subject Examination for Teachers: Multiple Subject) is
required for all multiple subjects candidates. Single subject candidates who have not completed a
subject matter competency program (e.g., “Mathematics major in preparation for the Single subject
teaching credential”) or its equivalent at SDSU or approved university must also pass the CSET test. CSET
website: <www.cset.nesinc.com/ >
*GPA
The teaching credential program at SDSU requires a min. 2.67 overall GPA or 2.75 GPA in your last 60
units
*Prerequisite courses
These courses must be completed prior to starting the credential program:
ED 451
HHS 280
SPED 450
MATH 210 (multiple
subject only)

Courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (within the past seven yrs.)

Students are encouraged to complete these courses in their undergraduate career (these courses can be
in progress at the time of your application)
*Early Field Experience (EFE)
Thirty hours of paid or volunteer fieldwork is required. The EFE guide is available online at:
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/STE/teachprospectuve.html or you can also purchase it at the SDSU
bookstore.
*Certificates of Clearance/Live Scan
Students cannot start the program without obtaining the certificate of clearance. For more information,
call the Office of Student Services at (619) 594-6320.
*Attend a Group Advising Session!!!
Attend a teaching credential group advising session. These sessions cover all aspects of the application
process. You are strongly recommended to attend a session to assure that you will be in compliance
with all necessary requirements to be admitted to the program. Dates available at:
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/STE/teachprospective.html
Individual Advising: (no appointment necessary)
Monday-Thursday: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Bonnie Telfer -Office: EBA 259
Phone (619) 594-3295
Email: btelfer@mail.sdsu.edu
*Get involved in Student Organizations

College of Education Student Council

Student CA Teacher Association (SCTA)

Child & Family Development Student Organization

Kappa Delta Pi

BECLA
*Applying to the Credential Program
You are highly encouraged to attend advising before applying!!
Step 1: Apply to the university using online
graduate application for admission to a
graduate level program. Select “Credential
Only” for program objective.
www.csmentor.edu/
Step 2: Apply to the School of Teacher
Education. Download the application at:
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/ste/application_mater
ials.htm
Fall applications are due early March
Spring applications are due early October
*For more information on the admission requirements, please contact:
College of Education
Office of Student Services
Education and Business Administration (EBA), Room 259
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1100
Phone: (619) 594-6320
Fax: (619) 594-1657
Email: coeadvising@mail.sdsu.edu
Website: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/ceac/
The college of Education also offers programs in:

Bilingual Teaching Credential

Special Education Credential

Administrative Credential

And many more!
For a list of programs leading to California Teaching Credentials at SDSU visit:
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/credentials.php#other
The demand for qualified bilingual (English-Spanish) and special education teachers is high in California.
The department of Policy Studies in Language and Cross-Cultural Education (PLC)offers credentials in
the following areas: Bilingual Teacher Education, Multiple Subject Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language and
Academic Development (BCLAD) emphasis: Spanish, Single Subject Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language and
Academic Development (BCLAD) emphasis: Spanish.
ALAS Bilingual BCLAD & Special Education Credential
ALAS, Acquisition of Language and Academic Skills, is a bilingual special education teacher preparation.
Teachers are trained to teach K-8 English Language learners with special needs. It is a dual credential
program offered by the Department of Policy Studies in Language and Cross Cultural Education in the
College of Education.
For additional information on admission requirements and prerequisites visit:
Department of Policy Studies in Language and Cross Cultural Education
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/PLC/policy_studies_programs.htm
Education and Business Administration (EBA), Room 248
Phone: (619) 594-5155
-Please be aware that admission criteria and qualifications may vary by institution and state-