Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP)*

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

The required GPA is 2.75 in the last 60 units or 2.67 overall.

Admission Exception: Students with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units may be considered for “special admission.”

• Special Admittance Criteria - The Department of Teacher Education is allowed to admit 10% of the pool of applicants for any given term who do not meet admittance requirements. The criteria for special admittance are at the sole discretion of the Department of Teacher Education. Candidates who are below the minimum GPA according to the criteria must submit a letter noting the exception and requesting special consideration. Admission for such candidates will be determined based on the following:

  1. Date of application

  2. Successful program interview

  3. Special skills that would benefit the candidate as a teacher

  4. Quality of recommendations

  5. Quality of application letter of intent

  6. Experience working with youth

  7. Writing Sample

  8. Fully Satisfied Subject Matter Competency (SMC)

Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance

Tuberculosis Clearance or TB Risk Assessment Clearance - Students must show proof of a negative screening for tuberculosis within the last 4 years.

Valid CTC Clearance Documentation

The CTC clearance is processed through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).  All Applicants must be cleared to be admitted into any credential program and before they can work in a school setting with students.  It is highly recommended that applicants apply for this clearance at least 90 days prior to our program application deadline.  

NOTE: If you already possess a valid sub permit, teaching credential, or other document issued from CCTC, you do NOT have to get a new Certificate of Clearance.  We will accept existing documentation.  For additional guidance please see Certificate of Clearance (CL-900).

1. Request for Livescan Services Form 41-LS.pdf - This form is used for fingerprints. It is recommended that you get your fingerprints done first to obtain your Certificate of Clearance, as explained in the instructions.  Background checks are conducted by the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

2. Certificate of Clearance Instructions Form 41-LSa - This form will give you instructions on how to apply for the Certificate of Clearance.  You may also view instructions in this video by clicking the link: Applying for a Fingerprint Clearance Document Online.  Both of these steps must be completed before this process is complete and cleared.  When “cleared” a candidate will receive an email from the Commission verifying the “Certificate of Clearance” has been granted, which includes a document number as well as both an issuance and expiration date.

Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)

Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) must be met for admission into the credential program. From the options below, please select ONE option that meets Basic Skills Requirement in your application using the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) Form: 

1. B.A./B.S. Degree from a regionally accredited higher institution of education or foreign degree equivalent evaluation.  If your B.A./B.S. degree is in progress, please indicate term of completion in the BSR form.

   1. Foreign degrees will need to be verified by an approved CCTC agency to prove foreign degree is equivalent to the United States B.A./B.S.  (Foreign Transcript Evaluation)

2.  Approved coursework - Use this option ONLY if your B.A./B.S. Degree is NOT from a regionally accepted higher institution of education or foreign degree equivalent.

   1. Combination of exams & coursework is also acceptable.

      1. 3 classes total: one in each area for reading, writing & math

         1. Classes must be 3 semester units or 4 quarter units

         2. Must be degree applicable

         3. Must have a letter grade of B- or higher (or “CR” if taken as credit/no credit)

3.  CBEST Exam (pass all 3 sections) - www.ctcexams.nesinc.com

4. CSET Writing Skills Exam (This option is only for students who complete the Multiple Subject Program and pass the CSETs for Multiple Subject) www.ctcexams.nesinc.com

5. CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP- English and Math taken in Spring of 11th grade with a “College Ready” or “Exempt” score).

6. CSU Placement Examinations- English Placement Test (EPT) with a score of 151 and Entry Level Math (ELM) with a score of 50.

7. College Board (AP)- English score of 3 and Math score of 3.

8. ACT Examination- English score of 22 and Math score of 23. 

9. College Board SAT Examination - English score of 500 and Math score of 550.

10. Pass a (BSR) from another state- Search the list of exams from other states accepted by CCTC.*Please see the Credentials Services webpage for more information on this requirement or contact them at credentials@csustan.edu.

Early Field Experience (EFE) Hours

Not required for Stan State Liberal Studies Majors applying to the Education Specialist or Multiple Subject Credential Programs.

All candidates must demonstrate, with a written and signed document, that they have completed some form of targeted early field experience in TK-12 U.S. classrooms within the last five years. These experiential hours may be from required observations completed in courses, volunteering in a classroom, or from employment as an instructional aide, tutor, substitute teacher or regular teacher, or other equivalent experience completed within five years of starting the credential program.

• MSCP (non-LIBS) applicants must complete and submit 45 hours of early field experience in a TK-6 U.S. classroom setting within the last 5 years.

Statement of Intent

Not required for Stan State Liberal Studies Majors applying to the Education Specialist or Multiple Credential Programs.

Your writing skills as well as the content of your essay will be evaluated as part of the selection process. Maximum of 2 pages.

For Multiple Subject (non-LIBS) credential applicants, using acceptable essay form, describe the following:

1. Your background in terms of coursework and activities that are directly relevant to teaching.

2. The aptitudes and skills you have which you feel will help you in your selected profession.

3. The strength of your commitment to your indicated profession.

4. What you believe you need to learn in the program to prepare you for teaching.

5. Your attitudes and experiences with individuals from diverse backgrounds that will assist you in the classroom.

Recommendations - Two are Required

For regular MSCP applicants, your references MUST complete an online form through Cal State Apply. Please see the Cal State Apply Walkthrough for more information.

Subject Matter Competency (SMC)

Subject Matter Competency (SMC) is a requirement that must be met prior to clinical practice (i.e., student teaching/interning/residency). While candidates may be accepted into the program prior to demonstrating Subject Matter Competency (SMC),  it is highly recommended to complete this requirement prior to being admitted and starting  the program. For questions about SMC, refer to the CTC’s website, Subject Matter Requirements  or contact Credential Services, DBH 303, (209) 667-3534, or credentials@csustan.edu.

From the five options below, please include ONE option for Subject Matter Competency in your application:

1. Approved Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP) for SSCP or ESCP ONLY

   1. Subject Matter Preparation Verification* - This form is used to verify completion of one of Stan State’s Subject Matter Preparation programs. Please have the advisor in the subject area complete and sign the form before including it in your application. 

   2. Non-Stan State students: A letter verifying Subject Matter Competency from another university - Must be signed by a CTC-approved signor. 

2.  CSET Score Report:  You may register for your CSETs here: Visit CSET Registration website.

   • MSCP applicants will take the Multiple Subject CSET: (consists of 3 subtests) Subtest I (test code 101), Subtest II (test code 214) & Subtest III (test code 225). 

     • Passage of all CSETs is required to be eligible for clinical practice.

   • SSCP applicants will take the CSET exams for an approved Single Subject content area: Agriculture, Art, Business, English, Health Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Theater.

     • Passage of all CSETs in content area is required to be eligible for clinical practice.

   • ESCP applicants may take either Multiple Subject CSET or CSET exams for an approved Single Subject content area:  Agriculture, Art, Business, English, Health Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Theater.

     • Passage of all CSETs is required to be eligible for clinical practice.

3.  Subject Matter Requirement (SMR):

   1. Completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the credential being sought. Please contact Credential Services at credentials@csustan.edu for additional information.

4.  Combination of Methods:
   1. A combination of the methods described in #2-3 that meets or exceeds the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission.
5.  Possess a bachelor’s degree that matches the content area of the credential.

   1. SMC Using Academic Major Form - This form may be used by students who are applying to the Multiple, Single, or Education Specialist programs whose academic major is the same as the content area for their credential. 

      1. MSCP = Liberal Studies degree

      2. SSCP = Math degree for Math credential, English degree for English Credential, P.E. degree for P.E. credential, etc. Major must be an exact match to subject content.

      3. ESCP = may be Liberal Studies or one of the approved Single Subject majors:  Agriculture, Art, Business, English, Health Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Theater.

English Composition

All CSU graduates will have met this requirement as part of their BA/BS degree. This requirement can be met by one of the following options:

• Complete an upper-division writing course listed as a “WP” in the catalog, or having passed equivalent test or completed an equivalent course at another university, or
• Obtain a score of 41 or higher on the writing section of the CBEST. Score transcripts for the CBEST must be submitted to the Credential Services Office if the CBEST score is used to meet this requirement, or
• Completion of an upper division composition course with a grade of C or better.

American Government/U.S. Constitution

All CSU graduates will have met this requirement as part of their BA/BS degree. PSCI 1201 , American Government or equivalent (may be lower division). Equivalent courses at local community colleges are as follows: Modesto Junior College (MJC) - POLSC 101, 102, or 110, HIST 101; Delta College - HIST 17A, 27, or 30A, POLSC 1; Merced College - HIST 17A, POSC 1; Columbia College - PLSC 10.

Second Language

Must complete ONE option. Below are a few options to fulfill this requirement. Please reference the Teacher Education Handbook for additional options for fulfilling this requirement.

1. Completion of a language other than English including American Sign Language at the college level with a passing grade (3 units).
2. Completion of one year of a language other than English at the high school level with a passing grade. If using this option send official HS transcript to Credential Services.
3. Having been born in a non-English speaking country to parents whose first language was not English as verified by a birth certificate, passport, entry visas, US citizenship document or other documents.
4. Other life experiences that demonstrate second language acquisition.
5. EDUC 4460 meets this requirement for Spanish Bilingual students only.

Human Development

Complete one of the following for the program you are applying to.

• For students applying to the Multiple Subject or Education Specialist or Concurrent Credential Program: PSYC/CDEV 3140, Human Development I: Childhood  or equivalent (may be lower division).
• For students applying to the Single Subject or Education Specialist or Concurrent Credential Program: PSYC/CDEV 3240 - Human Development II: Adolescence  or equivalent (may be lower division).

Clinical Practice

Clinical practice is completed as part of the credential program and is a requirement for all credential candidates regardless of pathway. To begin clinical practice, students must have satisfactorily completed all program requirements with no grade lower than a “B,” have a minimum GPA of 3.0 within those courses, have met Basic Skills Requirements, have met Subject Matter Competency, and have completed all admission and co-requisite requirements. Courses where a C- or below was earned will need to be retaken prior to proceeding with clinical practice.

Candidates interested in beginning clinical practice are required to submit a Placement Application with Field Services. The Placement Application and due dates will be announced each semester via email and posted on the Clinical Practice webpage. All candidates including students who are interested in being employed as a Teacher of Record under an Intern Credential, are also required to submit a placement application.

Candidates who do not submit a Placement Application with Field Services will not proceed with clinical practice, regardless of pathway.

Clinical Practice Courses

EDMS 4180 - Classroom Management and Professional Practice (3 units)  

EDMS 4190 - Student Teaching Practicum I (4 units)  

EDMS 4191 - Clinical Practice Practicum II (5 units) 

If you are a Stan State Intern and Teacher-of-Record during clinical practice, you will be required to take an additional class, the intern seminar - offered through CaPE. See our Intern Pathway website for further information about this option.

Program Pathways

1. Student Teaching
2. Intern
3. Residency

For more information, please visit the Clinical Practice website.

California Teacher Performance Assessments (CalTPAs)

Teacher candidates must complete and pass two cycles of the CalTPAs. The coursework within the Credential Program prepares students for the CalTPAs. For more info about Cal TPA, please visit CCTC website. Following is the link to the webinar for teacher candidate support. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/caltpa-program-and-teacher-candidate-support. 

CPR Certification

By end of program, students must complete CPR Certification that includes Infant/Child/Adult (It must meet American Red Cross or American Heart Association criteria).

A. Traditional Pathway

Bilingual Authorization (BILA) Option

The Bilingual Authorization (BILA) prepares holders to teach in bilingual, dual immersion, and  English-only classrooms. The bilingual authorization is available in the following languages: Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, Khmer, Portuguese, Punjabi, and Vietnamese. Candidates for the bilingual authorization must be able to speak, read, and write in the target language. Credential candidates wishing to earn the bilingual authorization for languages other than Spanish should take the CSET LOTE exams in the target language and culture. See the MSCP Bilingual Authorization flyer on the web page at www.csustan.edu/teacher-education/bilingual-program or obtain a copy of the flyer in the Teacher Education Department, DBH 330.

Students planning to obtain a credential with a Bilingual Authorization are encouraged to enroll in the Bilingual/Cross-cultural concentration in the Liberal Studies program as undergraduates prior to entering the credential program. Students with other majors are also accepted into the Bilingual Authorization program, provided they can speak, read, and write the language of authorization.

Concurrent Enrollment in Multiple Subject and Education Specialist (Special Ed) Credentialed Programs

There is an option to receive dual credentials with concurrent enrollment in Multiple Subject and Educational Specialist: Mild to Moderate Disabilities.  See concurrent enrollment information sheet for complete details on the Special Education webpage

Internship Option

The internship option permits students in the Multiple Subject Credential Program to obtain employment as a teacher in collaborating school districts while completing the requirements for the Preliminary Credential. Interns must still complete all the courses and tests in the credential program. 

All interns must sign up for student teaching practicum courses; a placement will not be assigned as you will complete your fieldwork clinical experience in your own classroom supported by the Intern Credential prior to receiving the SB 2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential once all programmatic requirements have been met. A university supervisor will be assigned to you and determine if you receive credit for your clinical practice experience.

To qualify for an internship, students must meet the following requirements:

• B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), Multiple Subject Examination, or Subject Matter Waiver
• College coursework or an examination on U.S. Constitution
• Have completed the appropriate Child Development course (CDEV 3140  ) or equivalent
• Employment with a school district that is a partner with Stanislaus State in the intern program
• Tuberculosis (TB) clearance
• Certificate of Clearance (fingerprint clearance)
• Complete CPR Certification that includes Infant/Child/Adult (It must meet American Red Cross or American Heart Association criteria)

1. Prerequisite courses: Complete 120 hours of post-baccalaureate studies to include: 

• EDMS 4110 - Reading Methods English Instruction
    (5 units) OR EDMS 4111 - Reading Methods Bilingual (5 units) (*Bilingual candidates only)  and

2. Complete one of these courses:

• EDMS 4150 - Methods in Multilingual Education
    (3 units) OR
• ENGL 4800 ENGL 4800 - Second Language Acquisition (3 units)  OR   
• LIBS 4800 Language Development and Acquisition for Educators (3 units)    OR 
• EDUC 4400 - Foundations for Bilingual Education Policy & Practice  (3 units) (*Bilingual candidates only). 

See the Intern Pathway webpage for specific procedures and requirements.