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Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

About the Program

A Multiple Subject Credential authorizes a person to teach all students including English language learners in a self-contained classroom (grades K-12 but generally grades K-6). Persons who obtain a Multiple Subject Credential with Bilingual Authorization emphasis are authorized to teach ethnically and linguistically diverse students in a self-contained classroom (grades K-12 but generally grades K-6) using both English and the student's primary language for instruction.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Multiple Subject Credential program to educate future teachers for California's schools.  Program coursework is structured to promote reflective practice as credential candidates strive to understand the relationship of educational theory to the development of the individual learner, issues of cultural diversity, the needs of local communities, and the demands of modern society.

Application to the Multiple Subject Credential Program

To apply to the Multiple Subject Credential Program, candidates must provide the following items:

Advising Form

All applicants are required to obtain and submit an form from the Program Advisor verifying attendance of an information session. For a list of available dates and times, please refer to the Information Sessions webpage. (Upload your advising form under the header “OTHER”on Cal State Apply.)

Transcripts

Unofficial: All applicants are required to upload UNOFFICAL transcripts from every college or university attended.
Exception: If you are a CSUSB graduate, upload a note indicating you received your degree at CSUSB.


Official: Applicants are also required to submit (1) OFFICIAL transcript from every college or university attended, with the exception of California State University, San Bernardino graduates. However, if applicant attended another institution after CSUSB, official transcripts from the institution(s) will also be required.

Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)

Basic skills may be demonstrated through one of the following seven options:

  1. Passage of the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
  2. Passage of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects Subtests #101, #214, #103 or #225 and Writing Skills Test #142.
  3. Passage of the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examination.
  4. Achieve qualifying score on the SAT or ACT.
  5. College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations.
  6. Passage of the Basic Skills Examination from Another State.
  7. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework. (You must upload verification from a CSUSB Credential Analyst confirming you have met this requirement).8.Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Examination. (You must upload verification from a CSUSB Credential Analyst confirming you have met this requirement).
Subject Matter Competency (SMC)

Subject matter proficiency may be demonstrated through one of the following five options:

  1. Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission.
  2. Passage of a subject matter examination (the California Subject Examination for Teachers or CSET).
  3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. 
  4. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a major in Liberal Studies or Elementary Education.
  5. Through a combination of the methods described in numbers 1, 2, and 3 (above) in whole or in part, in each of the domains of the subject matter requirements for the multiple subject credential pursuant to Section 44282.
Certificate of Clearance (CoC)

All applicants are required to submit verification from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (C.T.C.) of the issuance of a valid California Certificate of Clearance, credential or permit.

Field Experience

All applicants are required to submit documentation of at least 45 hours of field experience in a K-12 classroom.

Personal Statement

All applicants are required to submit a personal statement (at least 600 – 700 words) on the following topics:

  • Why do you want to become an elementary school teacher?
  • What in your background prepares you to be a teacher?
  • Please be sure to address the following:
    • Briefly introduce yourself and your educational background.
    • Describe your motivation and interest for teaching elementary school pupils.
    • Discuss your personal background/experience in working with children in a classroom setting
    • Describe personal attributes (strengths/special skills/talents/abilities) you have that will enhance you working with children
    • Discuss any other experiences that you personally consider important to help you become an effective elementary school teacher.
Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

All applicants are required to submit verification of tuberculosis test results.

Recommendations

All applicants are required to enter the names and email addresses of a minimum of two recommenders (not a family member) who are able to evaluate and address the applicant’s scholastic performance and suitability for teaching. These recommendations are required to be submitted by the program deadline date. NOTE: Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

GPA

All applicants must have a cumulative G.P.A. of a 2.67, or a 2.75 in their last 90 quarter or 60 semester units.

You can find detailed application instructions and forms on our Credential Program Admissions website. Please scroll down to the heading, Credential Application Processing and click on Multiple Subject Programs.

Important Application Deadlines

2023-2024 Application Deadlines & Consideration Periods
Spring 2024 Fall 2024
Early Consideration Deadline: August 7, 2023 Early Consideration Deadline: Monday, February 5, 2024
Priority Consideration Deadline: September 11, 2023 Priority Consideration Deadline: Monday, March 4, 2024
Late Consideration/Final Deadline: October 9, 2023 Late Consideration/Final Deadline: Monday, April 1, 2024

Information SessionsApply Now

Interested in the Internship Pathway? Click here to learn more.
Are you Bilingual and are Interested in Adding a Bilingual Authorization? Click here to learn more.

Multiple Subject Program Plans