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.
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:
➊ Strong partnerships with local public schoolsSan 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. |
➋ 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. |
➌ Crucial multicultural teaching focusOur 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. |
➍ Powerful research-practice connectionOur 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. |
➎ Two-semester and three-semester program optionsYou 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. |
➏ Affordable tuitionThe 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:
Single Subject Cohorts
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).
- 3 Semester Block (3SB)
- Cajon Valley Cohort (Hybrid Model)
- Chula Vista
- San Diego Unified School District Partnership
- La Mesa/Spring Valley
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.