Attention:

If you have missed the February 1st deadline, you will still have the opportunity to apply until April 1st. Please click on the How to Apply button below for more details.

New! Theater Teaching Credential Program

Students at San Diego State University will now have the opportunity to obtain a single-subject teaching credential in theater

 

California Preliminary Teacher Credential

Multiple Subject: The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most elementary schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

Single Subject: The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

Attend an Info Session

Students who are considering this credential can attend informational group advising sessions offered by the Office for Student Success (OSS). Sessions will include general information regarding the requirements for applying to our preliminary credential programs in a presentation format. You can also watch a pre-recorded Virtual Info Session which includes general info regarding application requirements for our credential programs.

classroom

What Makes SDSU Unique?

Annually, US News and World Report ranks the education programs at San Diego State University among the best in California and the very best of the 23 California State University campuses. Here are six reasons why:

Strong partnerships with local public schools

San Diego State University has long been the primary provider of new teachers to San Diego area school districts. We work closely with these districts to "grow" excellent new teachers for the region. Our public school partners understand and embrace the challenge of developing the next generation of teachers.

Our famous “Cohort Model”

Each cohort is guided closely by one or two faculty members  ("team leaders"). The cohort and the team leaders provide a natural system of social and emotional support for each student. Cohort members share what they learn with one another, creating an additional layer of learning opportunities and professional growth.

Learn more about our various cohorts and team leaders.

Crucial multicultural teaching focus

Our teacher education reflects the dynamic San Diego region where people of many cultures, nationalities, and languages share communities and schools. Students learn how to appreciate cultural diversity while supporting student academic learning. Courses and field experiences in the public schools focus on the strengths and attributes of diverse communities, families, and individuals.

Powerful research-practice connection

Our teacher education program brings together best practices from the public schools with the most important knowledge developed by educational researchers and theorists. Our students learn from both researchers and practitioners, from our internationally-renowned education faculty and the top teachers in local schools.

Two-semester and three-semester program options

You can complete the credential program in either two semesters or three semesters. The three semester option is designed to serve students who need to work part-time or have substantial family obligations.

Affordable tuition

The tuition for California residents is much lower than the price tag for private universities.
For current information visit SDSU Tuition and Fees.

Cohorts

Learn more about our various cohorts each with a unique focus or emphasis:

Credential Courses

Multiple Subject Credential Program

Students in the Multiple Subjects Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program.

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education  3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers  1
 Math 210  Structure and Concepts of Elementary Mathematics  3
SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations  2
 Total  

 9

 

Required Courses
 Course #  Course Title  Units
 TE 923  Psychological Foundations of Education  3
 TE 902  Classroom Management Skills  1 or 2
 TE 910A  Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School  3
 TE 910B  Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School  3
 TE 910C  Teaching Science in the Elementary School  3
 TE 930  Teaching Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School  6
 TE 960  Basic Student Teaching Seminar  2
 TE 961  Advanced Student Teaching Seminar  2
 TE 965  Basic Student Teaching in Elementary Schools  8
 TE 966  Advanced Student Teaching in Elementary Schools 11
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment  3
 DLE 915A  Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE  3
 Total     48-49
Multiple Subject Cohorts

Most cohorts are based at local elementary schools where we have established partnerships with schools and teachers. In these cohorts, student teachers take their university coursework on-site at the elementary school and student teach at that school or in neighboring schools. Each student completes student teaching in two different grade levels; one assignment is at the primary level (grades K-3) and another is at the intermediate level (grades 4-6).


Single Subject English Curriculum

Students in the Single Subject English Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program.

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education   3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers   1
 SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations   2
 Total     6

 

Required Courses
 Course #  Course Title
 Units
 TE 922 Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 903 Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar   2
 TE 924D Advanced Methods in Teaching English Language Arts  1-2
 TE 914  Teaching and Learning in English   3
 TE 933  Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools   3
 TE 954  Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 963  Secondary School Student Teaching I   6 
 TE 964  Secondary School Student Teaching II  12
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment   3
 DLE 915B Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE   3
Total    39-40

 

Single Subject Cohorts

Our Credential programs feature a field-based cohort model of preparation. Students are grouped into cohorts of 25-30 for the majority of their courses. In order to unify the research and theory of the San Diego State University faculty with the best practices of local schools, the blocks are organized around our many San Diego area public school partnerships. Courses in the cohorts are often taught at public school sites. Student teaching occurs simultaneous to university instruction, bringing together the very best educational ideas of the University and public school practitioners.

Single Subject Math Curriculum

Students in the Single Subject Mathematics Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program. 

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education  3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers  1
 SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations  2
 Total    6

 

Required Courses
 Course #  Course Title
 Units
 TE 922 Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching  3
 TE 903  Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar  2
 TE 924A  Advanced Methods in Teaching Mathematics  1-2
 TE 914  Teaching and Learning in Mathematics  3
 TE 933  Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools  3
 TE 954  Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching  3
 TE 963  Secondary School Student Teaching I  6 
 TE 964  Secondary School Student Teaching II  12
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment  3
DLE 915B Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE  3
 Total 
   39-40

 

Single Subject Cohorts

Our Credential programs feature a field-based cohort model of preparation. Students are grouped into cohorts of 25-30 for the majority of their courses. In order to unify the research and theory of the San Diego State University faculty with the best practices of local schools, the blocks are organized around our many San Diego area public school partnerships. Courses in the cohorts are often taught at public school sites. Student teaching occurs simultaneous to university instruction, bringing together the very best educational ideas of the University and public school practitioners.

Single Subject Science Curriculum

Students in the Single Subject Science Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program. 

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education   3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers   1
SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations   2
 Total     6

 

Required Courses
 Course #  Course Title
 Units
 TE 922 Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 903  Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar   2
 TE 924C  Advanced Methods in Teaching Science  1-2
 TE 914  Teaching and Learning in Science   3
 TE 933  Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools   3
 TE 954  Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 963  Secondary School Student Teaching I   6 
 TE 964  Secondary School Student Teaching II   12
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment   3
DLE 915B Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE   3
 Total 
   39-40

 

Single Subject Cohorts

Our Credential programs feature a field-based cohort model of preparation. Students are grouped into cohorts of 25-30 for the majority of their courses. In order to unify the research and theory of the San Diego State University faculty with the best practices of local schools, the blocks are organized around our many San Diego area public school partnerships. Courses in the cohorts are often taught at public school sites. Student teaching occurs simultaneous to university instruction, bringing together the very best educational ideas of the University and public school practitioners.

 

Single Subject Social Science Curriculum

Students in the Single Subject Social Science Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program. 

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education   3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers   1
SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations   2
 Total     6

 

Required Courses
 Course #  Course Title
 Units
 TE 922 Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 903  Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar   2
 TE 924B  Advanced Methods in Teaching History/Social Science  1-2
 TE 914  Teaching and Learning in Social Science   3
 TE 933  Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools   3
 TE 954  Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 963  Secondary School Student Teaching I   6 
 TE 964  Secondary School Student Teaching II  12
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment   3
DLE 915B Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE   3
 Total 
    39-40
Single Subject Cohorts

Our Credential programs feature a field-based cohort model of preparation. Students are grouped into cohorts of 25-30 for the majority of their courses. In order to unify the research and theory of the San Diego State University faculty with the best practices of local schools, the blocks are organized around our many San Diego area public school partnerships. Courses in the cohorts are often taught at public school sites. Student teaching occurs simultaneous to university instruction, bringing together the very best educational ideas of the University and public school practitioners.

 Single Subject Art Curriculum

Students in the Single Subject Art Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program. 

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education  3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers  1
  SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations  2
 *ART 385  Art Education History & Practice  3
 *ART 386A  Art Field Experience Elementary/Middle School  1
 *ART 386B  Art Field Experience High School  1
 *ART 387  Art for Elementary School Teacher  3
  Total  

14

 * Courses listed are SDSU undergraduate classes. Graduates from approved art waiver programs at other universities will be considered, but must complete petition for approval. Submit the following form to the department office. 

Request for Adjustment of Credential Requirements

Required Courses 
 Course #  Course Title
 Units
 TE 922 Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching  3
 TE 903  Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar  2
 TE 933  Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools  3
 TE 954  Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching  3
 TE 963  Secondary School Student Teaching I  6 
 TE 964  Secondary School Student Teaching II  12
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment  3
 DLE 915B  Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE  3
Total   35

 

Single Subject Cohorts

Our Credential programs feature a field-based cohort model of preparation. Students are grouped into cohorts of 25-30 for the majority of their courses. In order to unify the research and theory of the San Diego State University faculty with the best practices of local schools, the blocks are organized around our many San Diego area public school partnerships. Courses in the cohorts are often taught at public school sites. Student teaching occurs simultaneous to university instruction, bringing together the very best educational ideas of the University and public school practitioners.

Single Subject Music Curriculum

Students in the Single Subject Music Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program. 

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education   3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers   1
SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations   2
 Total     6

 

Request for Adjustment of Credential Requirements

Required Courses
 Course #  Course Title
 Units
 TE 922 Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 903  Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar   2
 TE 914  Teaching and Learning in Music  3
 TE 924F  Advanced Methods in Teaching Music 1-2
 TE 933  Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools   3
 TE 954  Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching   3
 TE 963  Secondary School Student Teaching I   6 
 TE 964  Secondary School Student Teaching II  12
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment   3
DLE 915B  Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE   3
Total   39-40

 

Single Subject Cohorts

Our Credential programs feature a field-based cohort model of preparation. Students are grouped into cohorts of 25-30 for the majority of their courses. In order to unify the research and theory of the San Diego State University faculty with the best practices of local schools, the blocks are organized around our many San Diego area public school partnerships. Courses in the cohorts are often taught at public school sites. Student teaching occurs simultaneous to university instruction, bringing together the very best educational ideas of the University and public school practitioners.

Singe Subject Theater Credential (New!)

Students at San Diego State University will now have the opportunity to obtain a single-subject teaching credential in theater. 

Learn more about the Single Subject Theater Teaching Credential

Single Subject PE Curriculum

Students in the Single Subject Physical Education Preliminary Credential Program complete the following courses. Prerequisite courses must be complete prior to beginning the program. Often students take these as part of their undergraduate program and/or during the summer prior to the start of the Credential Program.  

Prerequisite Courses
 Course #
 Course Title
 Units
 ED 451  Introduction to Multicultural Education  3
 TE 280  Health Education for Teachers  1
 SPED 450   Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations  2
 Total    6

 

Request for Adjustment of Credential Requirements

 

Required Courses
 Course #  Course Title
 Units
 TE 922 Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Teaching  3
 TE 903  Secondary School Student Teaching Seminar  2
 TE 914 Teaching and Learning in Physical Education 3
 TE 924E Advanced Methods in Teaching Physical Education 1-2
 TE 933  Teaching Reading in the Secondary Schools  3
 TE 954  Humanistic and Social Aspects of Teaching  3
 TE 963  Secondary School Student Teaching I  6 
 TE 964  Secondary School Student Teaching II  12
 ED 970  Teaching Event Assessment  3
 DLE 915B  Teaching in the Content Areas: ELD/SDAIE  3
 Total 
   39-40

 

Single Subject Cohorts

Our Credential programs feature a field-based cohort model of preparation. Students are grouped into cohorts of 25-30 for the majority of their courses. In order to unify the research and theory of the San Diego State University faculty with the best practices of local schools, the blocks are organized around our many San Diego area public school partnerships. Courses in the cohorts are often taught at public school sites. Student teaching occurs simultaneous to university instruction, bringing together the very best educational ideas of the University and public school practitioners.