Multiple Subject Credential Program
(code 200)
A teacher with a Multiple Subject Credential is authorized to teach grades pre-K through 12 in self-contained classrooms. The Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP) prepares students to be credentialed in the State of California for elementary instruction. The program allows for daytime field experiences in elementary classrooms and includes methodology courses and student teaching. The program can be completed in three semesters, depending upon when prerequisites and corequisites are taken, when the student begins the program, and whether a part-time or full-time schedule is followed. Program requirements must be met within five years of the date of admission to the program.
The department has four Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP) tracks:
- Multiple Subject Credential Program
(post-baccalaureate)
- Multiple Subject Internship Program
(post-baccalaureate)
- Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
- Bilingual Authorization in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, and Vietnamese (available for each track)
For program information and advisement, contact the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (EED-67; 562/985-1105) or visit the website: www.ced.csulb.edu/tpac
Preliminary Credential
Successful completion of any track in the Multiple Subject Credential Program leads to the Preliminary Credential, which is valid for five years. Requirements for the Preliminary Credential are:
1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Satisfy the U. S. Constitution requirement (POSC 100 or POSC 391 or equivalent course from another institution or exam).
3. Pass California Basic Educational Skills Test (a test of basic reading, writing and math) or CTC-approved alternative exam.
4. Hold a Certificate of Clearance (CTC fingerprint clearance).
5. Demonstrate Level I computer technology competence (embedded in program course work).
6. Demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET: Multiple Subjects).
7. Complete professional preparation courses (in the MSCP) with a grade point average of 3.0 in all subject specific pedagogy (methods) courses with no grade lower than "C."
8. Successfully complete student teaching.
9. Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) exam.
10. Pass the California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA).
11. For Bilingual Authorization candidates only: Demonstrate competence in specialized pedagogy, knowledge of the target culture, and proficiency in the target language. The culture knowledge and target language proficiency requirements may be met through course work or state-approved exams.
Clear Credential
The Preliminary Credential is valid for five years from the date of issuance and is not renewable. During the first five years of teaching, teachers earn the clear credential through their district-sponsored Induction Program.
Multiple Subject Credential Program Structure
The MSCP is a 40-unit program separated into three successive phases. Students must complete each phase before advancing to the next one.
- Phase One - Students complete program prerequisites (and may take any or all corequisites) and submit applications. Subject matter competence must be demonstrated at the time of application to the program by submission of a passing score on all three sections of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET: Multiple Subjects).
- Phase Two - Students complete corequisite courses and five subject specific pedagogy courses.
- Phase Three - Students complete student teaching.
Admission to the University
Admission to the university and the MSCP are two separate processes. Applications to the university are made on-line through CSU Mentor (www.csumentor.edu). Graduating seniors, transfer students, and returning students should apply for post-baccalaureate admission to the university with the objective of entering the credential program (identify the program objective as Multiple Subject Credential). Admission to the university does not constitute admission to the program.
Admission to the Program
Matriculated students may be admitted to the program based on their current undergraduate or graduate status. Pre-program advisement and brochure materials are available in the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (EED-67). Prospective candidates may obtain a program application from the website at www.ced.csulb.edu/mscp. Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend a program information meeting (see schedule at www.ced.csulb.edu/mscp). Candidates are required to comply with all program policies and procedures detailed in the MSCP Handbook, which is available online at www.ced.csulb.edu/mscp.
Candidates in the Multiple Subject (post-baccalaureate), Intern, or ITEP tracks who wish to add a Bilingual Authorization to their credential must meet with the appropriate language advisor to discuss requirements for the language authorizations in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, or Vietnamese.
Candidates for the post-credential Bilingual Authorization must possess a valid SB 2042 teaching credential OR a valid Ryan teaching credential with CLAD authorization OR the equivalent. They should consult the Bilingual Authorization advisor to plan their course of study.
Program Admission Requirements
1. Complete all prerequisite courses in one of the four MSCP tracks, with a minimum grade of "B" in EDEL 380 and no grade lower than "C" in any other prerequisite or corequisite course.
2. Attain a grade point average of at least 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate course work or a grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester or 90-quarter units attempted.
3. Complete and pass an interview with a department faculty member.
4. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation.
5. Submit EDEL 380 Final Fieldwork Evaluation or Approved EDEL 380 Waiver Petition, or a third letter of recommendation.
6. Submit a typed personal statement describing why you have chosen teaching as a career, what you hope to accomplish as a teacher, and how you view the role of the teacher.
7. Submit a negative tuberculosis skin test taken within the last 4 years or chest X-ray taken within the last eight (8) years. Tuberculosis clearance must be valid through student teaching.
8. Submit one photocopy of all university and/or college transcripts.
9. Submit proof of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement. For information regarding CBEST visit www.cbest.nesinc.com. (CBEST attempt or other CTC Approved alternative)
10. Submit proof of having demonstrated subject matter competence by passing all three subtests of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET: Multiple Subjects)
11. Attach a copy of a current Certificate of Clearance or a photocopy of a current California emergency/substitute teaching permit.
12. Demonstrate ability to communicate orally in English at the level required of public school teachers by demonstration of English production skills in the course EDEL 380 (EDEL 200 for ITEP candidates) and through an oral interview with department faculty. Bilingual Authorization candidates complete a bilingual interview in English and the target language.
13. Demonstrate character and personality traits that satisfy the standards of the teaching profession and suitable aptitude for teaching in public schools through the application documentation, the personal interview, and performance in the course EDEL 380. Candidates must continue to demonstrate appropriate character and personality traits through completion of the program.
14. Submit the application packet, including documentation, by April 1st to begin pedagogy courses in summer, June 1st to begin pedagogy courses in fall, OR by November 1st to begin pedagogy courses in winter or spring terms. Applications will be accepted after the deadling on a space availability basis.
Student Teaching
The final phase of the MSCP is student teaching. For some candidates, student teaching is a full-time five days per week experience for the length of the university semester. Candidates in alternative programs may have different student teaching schedules. All student teachers have one placement in a K-3 classroom where they gain experience with early literacy instruction utilizing a balanced and comprehensive approach to reading. The other placement is in an intermediate classroom (grades 3-6) or in a middle school classroom (grades 6-8). One student teaching placement must be in a public school. There are several ways to complete student teaching: one regular semester, two semesters, two consecutive summers, one entire summer, or one summer and part of one regular semester. Candidates should be aware that there is limited availability in the summer and all requests may not be accommodated. A separate application is required to advance to student teaching. Applications for student teaching must be submitted in person to the Office of Clinical Practice one semester prior to the first assignment. Application packets are available at www.ced.csulb.edu/fpo. Deadlines for submitting applications to student teach are:
- April 1 - for Summer/Fall Student Teaching
- November 1 - for Spring Student Teaching
Students should note that these deadlines are firm. Late applications are not accepted.
Advancement to Student Teaching Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements to advance to student teaching:
1. Completion of all program prerequisite, corequisite and subject specific pedagogy requirements in Phases 1 and 2 of one of the MSCP tracks. Students must complete all five subject specific pedagogy (methods) courses with a 3.0 grade point average and no grade lower than "C." A grade of "D" or "F" in a program course will result in being placed on academic probation. In addition, EDEL 413 and 431 must be completed with a "C" grade or better. The overall grade point average must continue to meet the program admission standard.
2. Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or CTC-approved alternative.
3. A negative tuberculosis skin test or chest x-ray valid through completion of student teaching.
4. Proof of identity and character clearance (current Certificate of Clearance).
5. Bilingual Authorization candidates must meet additional bilingual authorization pedagogy and culture of emphasis requirements (see Track 4, below).
6. Submission of a student teaching application by the appropriate deadline.
