Program Description

Single Subject Credential Program

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Basic Program and Structure

The Single Subject Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a departmentalized classroom. A departmentalized classroom is one in which the teacher specializes in his/her subject area and teaches that single subject only. Students go to their respective classes in different departments rather than being taught all subjects in one self-contained classroom. Single subjects are taught primarily at the secondary level, but some subjects (e.g. art, music, and physical education) may be taught by a single subject teacher at the elementary level.

Subject Matter Content Areas – Admission by Semester:

Fall Semester

English, Social Science, Art, Foreign Language, Math, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Chemistry, Geological Science, Biological Science

Spring Semester

Candidates may apply for Spring admission provided they agree to complete the program in 3 semesters instead of 2.

California and University Single Subject Credential Requirements

• Basic Skills Requirement - Candidates must provide verification that they have passed the CBEST exam with their application to the credential program. Registration for CBEST can be found at www.cbest.nesinc.com.
• Subject Matter Competency Verification of subject matter competency must be completed and documented prior to beginning Student Teaching. This requirement can be met in ONE of two ways:
  • Subject Matter Waiver: Document attesting that the candidate has completed an approved subject matter preparation program (i.e. Art, English, Spanish, Mathematics, Music, or Kinesiology programs at SSU). Please see your program advisor at the institution where you received your BA for confirmation.
    OR
  • Subject Matter Exam(s): passage of CSET (visit www.cset.nesinc.com for registration information)
    
    Please note: Candidates must provide verification that they have met or are in the process of meeting subject matter by providing a copy of one of the following with their application to the credential program: registration confirmation for subject matter exam(s), waiver program completion letter, verification of enrollment in a waiver program or passing (or partial passing) score report for subject matter exam(s).
    
• BA or BS Degree – Individuals may apply to a Single Subject Credential Program if they have a Bachelor’s degree OR SSU senior status of 90 units toward graduation OR if integrated program prior to award of credential
• Certificate of Clearance (or copy of previous CA credential) – file with application to the credential program. Clearance must be met for full program admission.
• Negative T.B. / Chest X-ray results – file with application to the credential program
• ** Prerequisite Coursework: EDUC 417 & EDSS 418 – complete satisfactorily PRIOR to beginning credential program
• Legal Information Requirement- This requirement must be completed prior to applying to the program.
• Course or exam in U.S. Constitution:
  • American Government or U.S. History – complete prior to award of the credential
• Valid CPR card copy which covers Infant, Child and Adult CPR skills (no online) – complete prior to award of the credential
• Cumulative 3.0 grade point average upon completion of all credential program courses:
  • Individual course passing grade is a “ C” or better – includes prerequisites and program coursework

• Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) – complete during credential program

Prerequisites**

Prerequisites**
course number	units	course title
EDUC 417	3	School and Society
EDSS 418	3	Learning and Development in Adolescents
Co-Requisite*
EDSP 433	3	Teaching Adolescents with Special Needs

*EDSP 433 is a co-requisite class and may be taken concurrently with program courses, but it must be completed before entering Phase II of the program. However, no more than 17 units may be taken during any phase of the program. Students who do not complete EDSP 433 prior to Phase I must take Phase I classes over TWO semesters.

Credential Program Outline

course number	units	course title
Phase 1
EDSS 442	4	Middle / Secondary Teaching in Multicultural Settings
EDSS 443A	2	Observation and Participation in Multicultural Settings
EDSS 443B	3	Seminar: Classroom Management
EDSS 444	4	Teaching in the Content Areas
EDSS 446	4	Language and Literacy Across the Curriculum: Middle and Secondary Schools
Phase 2
EDSS 458	12	Student Teaching in Multicultural Settings
EDSS 459	4	Seminar: Student Teaching in Multicultural Settings
Program: 33 Units (42 including prerequisites)

All candidates completing fieldwork (participant observation or student teaching) in basic teacher education programs are required to carry professional liability insurance. Sonoma State University provides this insurance at no cost to the student.

**These prerequisite courses MUST be satisfactorily completed prior to beginning the program. If you believe you have completed comparable course work, you may petition to substitute these requirements. For more information on the petition process please contact the Credentials Office at credentials.office@sonoma.edu. Please note: Taking these courses does not guarantee admission into the credential program.