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 seven years of the date of admission to the program.
The department has five Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP) Pathways:
- Traditional Multiple Subject Credential Program (post-baccalaureate)
- UTEACH Multiple Subject Credential Program
- Multiple Subject Internship Program (post-baccalaureate)
- Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
- Bilingual Authorization in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, and Vietnamese (available for each pathway)
For program information and advisement, contact the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (EED-67; 562/985- 1105) or visit the website: www.csulb.edu/tpac
Preliminary Credential
Successful completion of any pathway in the Multiple Subject Credential Program leads to the Preliminary Credential, which is valid for five years. Requirements for the Preliminary Credential are:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution within the U.S. or equivalent.
- Satisfy the U. S. Constitution requirement (POSC 100 or POSC 391 or equivalent course from another institution or exam).
- Complete the Basic Skills Requirement.
- Hold a Certificate of Clearance (CTC fingerprint clearance).
- Demonstrate Level I computer technology competence (embedded in program coursework).
- Demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET: Multiple Subjects), through completion of a CTC approved subject matter preparation program, a degree in Liberal Studies or through a combination of coursework and examinations.
- 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.”
- Successfully complete student teaching.
- Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) exam.
- Pass the California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA).
- 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 coursework 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 application. Subject matter competence must be demonstrated at the time of application to the program. See the website at www.csulb.edu/mscp for more information.
- Phase Two - Students complete corequisite courses and five subject specific pedagogy courses.
- Phase Three - Students complete student teaching.
Admission to the University
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 is available in the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (EED-67). Prospective candidates may obtain a program application from the website at www.csulb.edu/mscp. Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend a program information meeting (see schedule at www.csulb.edu/mscp). Candidates are required to comply with all program policies and procedures detailed on the website at www.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.