Education Specialist Credential Program: Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs

Admission Requirements for the Education Specialist Credential Program (ESCP)

The following admission requirements must be met for admission into the credential program and to be eligible for class registration. Failure to fulfill these requirements will delay your class registration.

Early Start LIBS majors applying for ESCP only, must contact Credential Services at credentials@csustan.edu or (209) 667-3534 or DBH 303 for additional guidance.

NOTE: Newly admitted credential students do not receive a registration appointment in the first semester of the program and must register during open registration. Excludes Early Start Students.

Application and Fees

Applying for admission to the Stanislaus State Graduate School and to the Credential Program  are both done through the CalState Apply online application process requiring two separate fees. The Credential application including supporting documents is incorporated into the 4th quadrant of CalState Apply online application. For further assistance please contact the Department of Teacher Education, DBH 330, (209) 667-3357, or email at teachered@csustan.edu or visit the website at Teacher Education for further information. Please see the application for specific dates and directions.   

1.  Application to the University requires official transcripts and  a $70 application fee, payable at the time of application submission - Apply to the Graduate School as a post-baccalaureate student online through www.CalState.edu/Apply. Continuing CSU undergraduate students should apply to Graduate School during their senior year. Official transcripts are not required, only the $70 application fee. 
2. Application to the Credential Program (4th quadrant of CalState Apply) requires a separate $30 application fee.

       a. For Stanislaus State students: Choose one of the three options:

               i. Pay through your student portal. Click “make a payment/view e-bill” and select “Credential Application” in the pop-up window. A service fee will apply.

               ii. Send a cashier’s check or money order (payable to CSU Stanislaus) to Credential Services, DBH 303, Turlock, California 95382.

               iii. Pay at the Cashier’s office (MSR 100) with code PS-1409 by cash, check, or money order only.

        b. For non-Stanislaus State students: Choose one of the two options:

               i. Send a cashier’s check or money order (payable to CSU Stanislaus) to Credential Services, DBH 303, Turlock, California 95382.

               ii. Pay at the Cashier’s office (MSR 100) with code PS-1409 by cash, check, or money order only. Important Note: Payment cannot be processed without a Stan State student ID.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

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

Admission Exception: Students with a minimum of 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 Teaching 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 - 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)

1. 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 located in Credentials Services Application & Forms website. 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).

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 Program.

All candidates must demonstrate, with a written and signed document, that they have completed some form of targeted early field experience in K-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.

• SSCP applicants must complete and submit 20 hours of early field experience in a 7-12 U.S. classroom setting within the last 5 years. 

• ESCP (non-LIBS) applicants must complete and submit 20 hours of early field experience in a K-12 U.S. classroom setting within the last 5 years. 

• 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 Education Specialist (non-LIBS) credential applicants, using acceptable essay form, describe the following:

1. Your background in terms of coursework and early field experiences that are directly relevant to teaching in a Single Subject setting for SSCP or Education Specialist setting for ESCP.
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 ESCP applicants, your references MUST complete an online form through Cal State Apply. Please see the Cal State Apply Walkthrough for more information.  

Co-Requisite Requirements

Credential candidates are encouraged to complete the following co-requisite requirements prior to admittance to the credential program, however, they may be taken concurrently during the first semester in program.

• EDSE 4310 - Introduction to Special Education Programs 3 unit(s) with a “B” grade or better.
• CDEV 3140 - Human Development I: Childhood 3 unit(s)

• or

• CDEV 3240 - Human Development II: Adolescence 3 unit(s)

Subject Matter Competency (SMC)

Subject Matter Competency (SMC) is a requirement that must be met prior to the start of 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 select ONE option for Subject Matter Competency (SMC) 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.
•  May take either Multiple Subject CSET or  CSET exams for an approved ESCP applicants 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.

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:

1. 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

2. 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 at DBH 303 or credentials@csustan.edu.

3. 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 Experience

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 - Educational Experiences of the Latinx Diaspora , meets this requirement for Spanish Bilingual students only.

Human Development

Complete one of the following for the program you are applying to. The Human Development course may be taken prior to admittance to the credential program; however, it may also be taken concurrently during the first semester in program.

• 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).

Introduction to Special Education Programs

EDSE 4310 - Introduction to Special Education Programs 3  units, must be passed with a “B” grade or better. This requirement may be completed prior to admittance to the credential program or concurrently during the first semester in program.

Course Sequence:

Once admitted into the program, a minimum 3.0 GPA is required.

Total Units for the Education Specialist Credential Program: 44 Units

(6 corequisites + 38 program units)

Concurrent Enrollment in Multiple and Single Subject Credential Programs

There is an option to receive dual credentials: a M/M Support Needs or ESN credential in addition to a Multiple Subject’s credential. (See Course Road Map). Additionally, a concurrent option can be implemented with a Single Subject’s credential. Please contact the SSCP or ESCP Coordinators to review course road map options, which are dependent upon the Single-Subject’s credential.  See information sheets regarding the options on our Education Specialist website at Special Education Forms and Documents | California State University Stanislaus.