The Concurrent Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) Credential program is a dual credential program that combines special education (K-12) and elementary education (grades K-6) preparation in order to prepare future teachers to meet the diverse needs of students.
The Concurrent Preliminary Single Subject Credential and Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) Credential program is a dual credential program that combines special education (K-12) and secondary education (grades 7-12) preparation in order to prepare future teachers to meet the diverse needs of students.
Graduates of the concurrent program are highly sought after by California schools because they are well-prepared to teach at-risk and special needs students, whether in a general education classroom or in specialist educational settings.
Preliminary Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential requirements, as well as the requirements for a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential for Mild-Moderate Support Needs, are completed through upper-division prerequisites and one academic year of coursework and student teaching. The Education Specialist credential may be used in a variety of K-12 settings.
Subject matter preparation requirements are governed by state legislative action and approval of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Requirements may change between catalogs. Please consult with your department credential advisor for current information.
Licensure and Credentialing
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements.
The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states' educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state's requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 §CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
All courses taken to fulfill credential course requirements must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.
Must attain a cumulative 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
Courses must be completed within seven years of applying for the credential.
Prerequisites for Admission
All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C- or higher prior to beginning the credential program.
Fundamentals of Teaching Practice for Secondary Teachers
Concurrent Credential Program Courses
Additional Courses
Required for a California State University, Chico recommendation for a credential. Complete at any time, but recommended before starting required credential courses. If courses from another university are used to satisfy prerequisites or other course requirements, an equivalency form, course descriptions, syllabi, and transcripts must be provided.
Concurrent Multiple Subject Credential and Education Specialist Credential Program Requirements
Must be accepted into the credential program in order to take these courses. Subject matter competence and basic skills requirement must be verified before applying to the program. Courses must be completed within seven years of applying for the credential. Program starts in the fall semester only.
Concurrent Single Subject Credential and Education Specialist Credential Program Requirements
Must be accepted into the credential program in order to take these courses. Subject matter competence and basic skills requirement must be verified before applying to the program. Courses must be completed within seven years of applying for the credential. Program starts in the fall semester only.
Credential programs at Chico State are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Course requirements are accurate at the time of catalog publication but are subject to change based on changes to state credentialing legislation. Check with the School of Education for the most current information on credential course requirements.
Admission Requirements
All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C- or higher before taking in-program California State University, Chico credential courses.
The CSU Chancellor’s Office sets a GPA requirement each year. Please email Chico State credential services for the most current information regarding the GPA requirement.
Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) is required for admission to the credential program. Find the list of options for meeting SMR on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
Certificate of Clearance (fingerprint clearance) must be on file before acceptance to the credential program. Find more information and the application procedure on the CTC website.
Credential candidates must be admitted to the University before beginning a program. Apply to Chico State as a graduate student through Cal State Apply.
A baccalaureate or higher degree, except in professional education, from a regionally accredited college or university is required to obtain a credential recommendation.
Additional documentation and requirements are necessary for a complete application to the credential program. Begin the Chico State Credential Program Application to learn more.
All prerequisite courses are offered every semester. Apply to the credential program during the semester you will finish the prerequisite courses. Applications are due March 1 for fall semester; October 1 for spring semester. The credential application and application workshops information can be found on the School of Education website. Bilingual Authorization, Concurrent, Paraprofessional, and some Single Subject (art, music, and world languages/Spanish) credential programs are fall start only; all other programs have a spring and fall start date.
