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Science Credential Program

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Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences, and Foundational Level General Science

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The mission of the Science Education Program is to prepare students who are competent in subject matter content to teach science at the middle school and high school levels. Furthermore, we provide guidance and support for both beginning and experienced teachers in the study and use of educational practices developed for the teaching of science, as well as helping these teachers develop original ideas as they relate to their areas of specialization. For more information about the Science credential program see the sections below or contact the Subject Area Coordinator for the Science Teacher Credential Program Dr. Antoinette Linton.

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Focus of secondary education:

Candidates who are admitted into the program will receive a post-baccalaureate education that includes:

  • Development of a curriculum perspective that ensures 6-12 grade science students’ access to cultural and cognitive tools that promote active intellectual engagement, foster critical thinking and discourse in the era of The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
  • Design of epistemic practices for inquiry, expository text, engineering design, and argumentation.
  • Interpret and translate science education research into teaching practice.
  • Engage in the technical aspects of planning, teaching, and evaluating student academic and social data.
  • Articulation of a teaching philosophy.
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Application Requirements

  • Dr. Antoinette Linton (Single Subject Science Credential)
  • View the Single Subject Credential Program Overview
  • Apply to the University
  • Apply to the Single Subject Credential Program
  • Deadlines: February 15 for the Fall Semester, September 15 for the Spring Semester.
  • Demonstrate subject matter competency by passing the appropriate California Subject Examination for Teachers subtests (CSET) or a degree in the subject, AND PASS the Oral Competency portion of the interview requirement.
  • Demonstrate basic skills proficiency by passing one of the following: 1)CBEST; 2) Multiple Subjects CSET plus Writing Exam; or 3) CSU Early Assessment Program or CSU English and Math Placement Exams
  • COMPLETE required prerequisite coursework and admissions requirements

Preferred Applicants

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree in science (B.S.)
  • Meet U.S. Constitution Requirement
  • Are CPR Red Cross Certified
  • Demonstrate Subject Matter Competency by taking the required CSET Subtests for general science #215 and the subject matter concentration CSET
    • Biology #217
    • Chemistry #218
    • Geoscience #219
    • Physics #220
  • Have completed the prequisite coursework
    • EDSC 310: The teaching Experience: Participation (3)
    • EDSC 320: Adolescent Development (3)(GE)
    • EDSC 330: Developing Literacy in Secondary Schools (3)
    • EDSC 340: Diversity in Secondary Schools (3)

Application Procedure

  • A complete online application must be received by electronic submission in order to receive consideration.
  • Choose the single subject area of interest. Then submit the following materials for the initial interview:
    • Three letters of recommendation (1 from a professor supervisor in the field of science you are applying for, and two other disposition references
    • CBEST scores
    • CSET scores (215 for FLGS and one other one for concentration)
    • Official Transcripts with the degree posted
    • Letter of interest explaining why you want to become a science teacher
    • CPR and first aid
    • Certificate of Clearance and Background Check

Please direct any questions related to the single-subject credential in science to Dr. Antoinette Linton, Subject Area Coordinator.

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Application Due Dates

The single-subject credential program for science has two cohorts per year: Spring and Fall

  • The Spring application deadline is September 15th
  • The fall application deadline is February 15th
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the CSET Exams?

The CSET Science exams are content tests that establish whether you meet the minimum standards with respect to knowledge of science for teaching. You must pass two different subtests. Subtest I covers general science content while Subtest II covers the candidate's area of concentration. A credential in this subject matter area authorizes teaching general and integrated science, as well as the area of concentration. The Life Sciences CSET is for Biological Sciences, the Physics CSET is for Physical Sciences, and the Earth and Space Sciences CSET is for Geosciences. For more information about the CSET, see the following links.

Note: Students with a Major in a Science Subject are no longer required to take the CSET Exams for that subject.

What opportunities for financial aid exist?

Other Organizations

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If you need to complete a testing requirement, please fill out this Google form so we can track who needs to take the CBEST or CSET.

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