Preliminary Credential Program Application Subject Matter Competency
Multiple Subject
Single Subject
Education Specialist
Candidates must demonstrate that they possess subject matter competency that aligns with the credential they are obtaining. SMC must be met prior to starting the program. There are five options in which a candidate can choose to meet SMC.
Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through completion of CSET Exams
Candidates who elect to satisfy this requirement through passage of applicable CSET exams, should register for the appropriate CSET exams and request for scores to be reported to SSU. CSET test dates, test registration procedures, deadlines, and test score reporting dates are available online. Once exams are passed, candidates must submit the PDF score report confirming proof of passage.
Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through completion of Subject Matter Waiver Program
Candidates who elect to satisfy this requirement through completion of a SM waiver program would have enrolled in a waiver program during their undergraduate studies. Upon completion of their degree, candidates are provided with a letter signed by the advisor of the program and the credential analyst which certifies they have met this requirement.
Candidates who are in the final semester of their SM waiver program will submit a letter signed by the undergraduate program advisor during the application process which states that they are currently completing a waiver program. Upon completion, the candidate must ensure that the letter verifying completion of the program is submitted to the School of Education, Credentials Office.
Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through BA Degree
Candidates can elect to meet SMC through completion of an academic major in the subject they will teach. Candidates will submit an official transcript showing their degree award details.
Multiple Subject (MS): Major must be in Liberal Studies, Liberal Studies: Urban Education, Liberal Studies: Elementary Education, Liberal Arts, or Elementary Education.
Single Subject (SS): Major must be in one of the subjects named in Ed Code section 44257(a).
Ed Specialist (ES): Major must align with one of the acceptable majors for MS or SS credential.
Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through coursework
Candidates can elect to meet SMC through a transcript evaluation. CTC has posted the Domains of Subject Matter which must be met through coursework. Candidates must have their coursework evaluated through an institution that currently provides these evaluations. SSU currently offers course evaluations for Multiple Subject and Single Subject: Social Science subject area and only for SSU Alumni who have applied to SSU's Credential Program.
If you are interested in requesting a course evaluation for the Multiple Subject Credential Program, please complete the coursework evaluation request for subject matter competency (SMC). Applicants to the Special Education Credential Program, please complete the course evaluation request for SMC coursework evaluation. Please note that requesting a coursework evaluation does not guarantee that your coursework will be approved to meet SMC. Additionally, if a review is completed before program admission, an official notice will not be provided until they are officially matriculated.
Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through coursework and exams
Candidates who elect this option would first have coursework evaluated, and then satisfy the remaining domains by completing CSET exams
Contact the Credentials & Graduate Admissions Office if you have questions.