Single-Subject Credential Program - Specialization in Science Teaching

In California there are two kinds of Single-Subject Credentials:

1. Preliminary - issued for a maximum of five years, and;

2. Clear - issued after a teacher has completed a teacher preparation program, received a five-year preliminary credential and additional education training.

Requirements for earning a single-subject credential are here.

The Single-Subject Credential - Specialization in Science Teaching is designed for the student who already has a bachelor's degree in science or a related field and wants to become a California certified middle or high school science teacher. This program prepares pre-service teachers to consider how people learn and strategies to engage students in thinking about science ideas.

Students interested in the Single-Subject Credential Program - Specialization in Science Teaching should RSVP to attend an Applicant Orientation Session and meet with your Subject Area Advisor. Attending an Applicant Orientation Session creates an opportunity for you to receive an overview of this program from our advisors, get your questions answered, and meet some of your potential classmates. For questions please contact Science Education Interim Program Director, Dr. Elly Walsh at elizabeth.walsh@sjsu.edu. 

• How to Apply to the Single-Subject Credential Program

  • There are 3 main steps to the application process. You can click the below links to go to each specific step.

    Step 1

    Schedule a meeting with the Science Education Interim Program Director, Dr. Elly Walsh at elizabeth.walsh@sjsu.edu.

    1. Subject Matter Competency (SMC) Evaluation

    - For your interview with the Science Education Director, you will need to provide copies (unofficial) of all college transcripts.

    A. Degree in Science (GPA > 2.75)

    If you hold a degree in a major science or science engineering field with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher, your science degree establishes competency for teaching science. You need only to provide copies of all college transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted for review) to verify your degree completion.

    The following list of majors has been approved as meeting subject area competency in science:

    - A major in biology, biochemistry, or biological engineering establishes competency in Life Science.

    - A major in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering establishes competency in Chemistry.

    - A major in physics, mechanical or structural engineering establishes competency in Physics.

    - A major in geology or earth science establishes competency for Geoscience.

    - A major in any type of engineering or any degree major offered by a science department establishes competency for the Foundational-Level Science credential.

    B. Non-Science Degrees (GPA > 2.75)

    If you hold a degree in a non-science area, your transcripts are still reviewed, but you must also complete and pass two CSET exams to establish science competency. You must show evidence of passing Subtest 1 (215) - General Science and one test that falls under Subtest 2 in any of the following specialized areas:

    - Life Science (test code 217)

    - Chemistry (test code 218)

    - Earth and Space Sciences (test code 219)

    - Physics (test code 220)

    Please visit the CSET website for more information on the CSET exams.

    2. An Interview

    The interview assesses your disposition towards the teaching profession and also screens for English oral language proficiency. If your English oral language proficiency is not at the mid-level advanced as defined by the ACTFL you may be called in for further screening.

    Step 2

    Submit your application through Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations (GAPE)

    Step 3

    Submit your application to Teacher Education

• Bilingual Authorization

  • Bilingual Authorization: Bilingual Single-Subject Candidates who wish to be able to teach in their Subject Area through the language of Spanish can also apply to earn a Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) during their Single-Subject Credential Program. Learn more about the Critical Bilingual Authorization Program.

• Application Deadlines

  • Application Deadlines:

    Please visit the GAPE website for admissions deadlines for the Single-Subject Credential Program in the College of Education.

    Additional Admissions Requirements to the Credential Program:

    - SSCP

    - MSCP