Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Multiple Subject (SB 2042) Credential (Elementary Education)


Information Applicable to Both Multiple Subject and Single Subject Credentials

Departmental admission to either the Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential program does not constitute admission to the university. Candidates who are entering the university for the first time, or who have graduated or who are graduating, and are planning to re-enroll for the credential program must file a separate application for admission to the university during the regular university application period.

Advanced Standing in Teacher Education

A student transferring into San Diego State University to complete requirements for either the Preliminary or Professional Clear Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential must complete a minimum of six units of professional education coursework in residence at SDSU in order to be recommended for certification regardless of the extent of education work completed at other institutions.

Evaluation of Credits

After an interval of five years, courses in education are reevaluated and subject to reduction in credit, in light of new requirements and changes in educational procedures. All courses taken either at this university or elsewhere must be approved by an official adviser in order to be credited toward meeting credential requirements or pattern requirements for a degree.

GPA Requirements For Continuation in Multiple Subject/Single Subject Credential Programs

A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained each semester to permit a student to continue in the Multiple Subject and Single Subject credential programs.

Supplementary Authorizations

With completion of additional units in certain curriculum areas, both Single and Multiple Subject teachers can be granted supplementary authorizations to teach in generalized areas in middle and junior high schools (e.g., Introductory English). Single subject teaching credential candidates can also be granted supplementary authorizations to teach in specialized areas K-12 (e.g., psychology). Information on requirements for these supplementary authorizations is available through the College of Education, Office of Student Services.

Multiple Subject - Preliminary Credential

Persons interested in teaching in the traditional elementary school will typically pursue the Multiple Subject (SB 2042) credential which authorizes teaching service in self-contained classrooms in preschools, grades K-12, and in classes organized primarily for adults (classrooms in which one teacher is responsible for all the subjects commonly taught). Recommendation for this credential requires:

  1. A baccalaureate or higher degree.
  2. Completion of an approved program of professional education, including student teaching and coursework in reading methods with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
  3. Basic skills competency as demonstrated through passing scores on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
  4. Demonstrated subject matter competency by passing the Multiple Subjects examination of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Must have scores taken within five years prior to recommendation.
  5. Successful completion of the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT).
  6. Passing scores on the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
  7. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and provisions of the United States Constitution through successful completion of a three-unit collegiate-level course. Courses are listed in the section of this catalog on “ Graduation Requirements ,” IV. American Institutions Requirement.
  8. Knowledge of health education, including substance abuse and nutrition: TE 280  or approved equivalent.
  9. Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs: SPED 450 .
  10. Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy).
  11. Verify current training and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

NOTE: Undergraduate students in the Multiple Subject credential program may register for concurrent post-baccalaureate credit in their final semester prior to obtaining a baccalaureate degree as explained in the section of this catalog on “General Regulations .”

According to SB 2042 legislation, teachers will be able to earn Professional Clear Credentials upon successful completion of a clear credential program or an induction program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. For information about the SDSU clear and induction programs; visit the website at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/ste/apply_clear.aspx.

Admission Standards and Qualifications for the Multiple Subject Credential Program

Candidates for the Multiple Subject Credential Program must satisfy the standards and qualifications listed below and submit an online departmental application to the School of Teacher Education. Contact the School of Teacher Education for application dates or find them at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/ste/apply_credentials_new.aspx.

Applications must verify the following:

  1. CBEST Examination. Students must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission to the Multiple Subject credential program. Registration information and materials for the CBEST are available at http://www.cbest.nesinc.com. Candidates are urged to take this examination as early as possible. Candidates are required to submit a copy of the individual score reports; uploaded to the online application.
  2. Subject Matter Competency. Students must submit passing scores on the California Subject Examination for Teachers- Multiple Subjects (CSET-MS) in order to verify subject matter competency in diversified subjects commonly taught in self-contained classrooms. For the traditional, post-baccalaureate program (see below), test scores must be submitted prior to admission to the program. Test scores submitted for verification of subject matter competency are valid for only five years from the date the first subtest was passed and must be valid at the time of recommendation for the credential. Registration information and registration materials are available at http://www.cset.nesinc.com.
  3. Prerequisite Courses. These courses or approved equivalents must be completed with grades of “C,” “Cr,” or better no more than seven years prior to admission to the Multiple Subject Credential Program. The courses may be in progress at the time of program application. Proof of registration is required to be considered for admission.
    1. ED 451 - Introduction to Multicultural Education  (3)
    2. TE 280 - Health Education for Teachers  (1)
    3. MATH 210 - Number Systems in Elementary Mathematics  (3) In lieu of MATH 210 , candidates may substitute any calculus course taken at the college or university with a grade of credit, “C,” or better.
    4. SPED 450 - Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations  (2)

      Candidates are required to submit unofficial transcripts from SDSU and official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended including any current coursework- in-progress to verify completion of or enrollment in these courses.
  4. Grade Point Average. Candidates must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework or a minimum 2.67 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units attempted. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (with exception of SDSU) to the SDSU Graduate Admissions office for GPA calculations. Official SDSU transcripts are not required as they can be accessed via the SDSU WebPortal at http://www.sdsu.edu/portal.
  5. Letters of Recommendation. Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who know the candidate in different capacities (i.e. employer/supervisor, university professor, classroom teacher) and who can comment directly on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications for a teaching career in a multicultural setting, work or educational experiences, experience teaching or supervising students or other groups of individuals, personal character, and/or potential for success as a teacher. Letters from family or friends will not be considered. These letters will be collected through our online application system. Students will need the name and e-mail address for those who will be providing a recommendation for them.
  6. TB Clearance. Evidence of a negative tuberculosis test (these tests are valid for four years and must be in effect during the time that candidates are enrolled in the credential program). Clearance statements may be secured from Health Services, private physicians or HMOs, or public health agencies.
  7. California Certificate of Clearance. This certificate represents a background clearance and check conducted by the State Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Turnaround time for the clearance can take as long as eight months or as quick as two weeks depending on one’s background. Candidates must be fingerprinted through LiveScan and then submit the application directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The clearance must be granted on the CCTC website prior to admission to the credential program. Possessors of K-12 California credentials or Emergency Teaching Permits may satisfy this requirement with these valid credentials and will need to be kept current throughout the credential program.
  8. Early Field Experience. Candidate must successfully complete an approved course with fieldwork experience OR a minimum of 45 hours of independent observation and participation in a “regular” classroom in public elementary schools. This is documented through the early field experience verification page available for downloading from the School of Teacher Education website at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/ste/apply_credential_step_8.aspx.
  9. Personal Narrative. See department website for current prompts at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/ste/apply_credential_step_9.aspx.
  10. Appeals Process. Candidates who do not meet all the admission requirements may petition the Multiple Subject Admissions and Retention Committee for individual consideration; petition forms must be submitted concurrently with the application.

In addition to the minimum admissions standards identified above, the Multiple Subject Admissions and Retention Committee also may consider qualifications such as previous teaching experience, relevant working experience with children, and second language ability. Due to the number of applicants, application to the program does not ensure admission. The chancellor’s office, Executive Order 1032, establishes standards for admission to teacher credential programs as follows: “The candidate shall have demonstrated personality and character traits that satisfy the standards of the teaching profession. The assessment of the candidates shall be made by the teacher education faculty of the campus, who may also consider information from public school personnel and others. The campus may use tests, observations, and interviews for this assessment.”

NOTE: Appointments for discussion of individual concerns relative to the credential program may be made with the Multiple Subject Credential Program Adviser during the academic year through the School of Teacher Education, 619-594-6320. All candidates are urged to attend one of the regularly scheduled group advising sessions prior to making an individual appointment.

Post-Baccalaureate Multiple Subject Preparation Program

To qualify for admission, candidates must have completed (1) a baccalaureate or higher degree and (2) the Admission Standards and Qualifications for the Multiple Subject Credential Program listed above. Each student completes student teaching in two different grade levels; one assignment is at the primary level (in grades K-3) and another is at the intermediate level (in grades 4-6). All students enrolled in the traditional Multiple Subject Teacher Preparation Program will take the following courses.

Multiple Subject Required Courses


  • TE 902 - Classroom Management Skills Units: 1
  • TE 910A - Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School Units: 3
  • TE 910B - Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School Units: 3
  • TE 910C - Teaching Science in the Elementary School Units: 3
  • TE 923 - Psychological Foundations of Education Units: 3
  • TE 930 - Teaching Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School Units: 6
  • TE 960 - Basic Student Teaching Seminar (Cr/NC) Units: 2
  • TE 961 - Advanced Student Teaching Seminar (Cr/NC) Units: 2
  • TE 965 - Basic Student Teaching in Elementary Schools (Cr/NC) Units: 8
  • TE 966 - Advanced Student Teaching in Elementary Schools (Cr/NC) Units: 8
  • ED 970 - Teaching Event Assessment (Cr/NC) Units: 3
  • DLE 915A - Teaching and Learning in the Content Area: English Language Development/SDAIE Units: 3

Total Units 45