Sonoma State University

Pathways for First-Time First Year Students

Guide for First-Time First-Year Students Interested in Teaching

We are delighted that you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching! We are here to provide as much support as possible to make sure you understand the process by which a teacher becomes credentialed in the State of California.

This six-step guide is intended to provide the basic information you need to know as a potential teaching credential candidate. Please do not hesitate to contact the Credentials & Graduate Admissions Office at 707-664-2832 or credentials.office@sonoma.edu with any questions or concerns.

Step 1: Decide what type of a teaching credential you would like to pursue.

Options are:

Single Subject Credential (to teach a single subject, usually at High School and/or Middle School)

Multiple Subject Credential (to teach in a self contained classroom, usually Elementary School)

Special Education Credential (to teach as a Special Education teacher in Elementary School and/or High School/Middle School)

Step 2: Research undergraduate majors and Subject Matter Competence.

Subject Matter Competence: The State of California requires that anyone pursuing a credential meet “subject matter competence”. This means that you have to prove to the state that you know the subject area that you will be teaching. Depending on the type of credential you want to pursue, you can meet subject matter competence through any of the following methods:

  1. Successful completion of coursework, as verified by a Commission -approved program of professional preparation that addresses each of the Commission-adopted domains of the applicable subject matter requirements.
  2. Successful completion of an academic major in the subject they will teach.
    1. For Single Subject credentials, the major must be in one of the subjects names in Education Code section 44257(a) or by completing an approved subject matter preparation program through your bachelor’s degree. SSU's current approved programs are: English, Math, and Music.
    2. For Multiple Subject credentials, completion of a baccalaureate degree or higher in one of the following academic degree majors meets the subject matter competency requirement:
      1. Liberal Studies
      2. Liberal Arts
    3. For Education Specialist credentials, the major must directly align with one of the acceptable majors for the Multiple Subject credential or Single Subject credential.

Step 3: Take prerequisites, and U.S. Constitution.

Prerequisites: Some credential programs require pre-requisite courses. Check the appropriate program information sheet for the list of pre-requisites you need to take. You DO NOT need to be admitted into a credential program to take the pre-requisite courses. Prerequisites are offered Fall, Spring and usually summer session. You should try to fit the pre-requisites in during your junior or senior year.

U.S. Constitution: Anyone pursuing a credential in California must also take a U.S. Constitution course or exam. Courses that meet this requirement are usually Political Science 1, Government 1 or a series of U.S. History classes. If you think you have already taken a course that meets the requirements, check with the credentials office to verify. If you need information about approved courses and/or where to take an exam, contact the credentials office.

Step 4: Seek and document experience working with children and/or adolescents.

Field Experience: It is important to explore teaching and work with children and/or adolescents in order to make an informed decision about pursuing a career in teaching. A candidate shall have completed a documented field experience of at least 45 hours working with a group of students within the age group of the credential you are seeking. This requirement MUST be completed at the time you apply to the credential program.

Step 5: Research financial aid/scholarship opportunities.

Visit the SSU Scholarship Office to find out about scholarships available for students pursuing a career in teaching. Visit the Financial Aid Office for information about the TEACH Grant program; a program designed for future teachers. 

Step 6: Apply to the College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies and to the University.

Apply to the program during your last semester as an undergraduate student. Make sure to complete our application for credential programs AND the University graduate application. Both are required for admission into a credential program*. Check our Admissions page and CalState Apply for the latest application information.

*If you are in a blended or integrated credential program, the need to apply to the University will depend on when you plan to complete your bachelor’s degree. Check with the Credentials & Graduate Admissions Office for more information.