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The Multiple Subject Credential Program

This program leads to a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential for teaching at the elementary school setting. Candidates may begin in fall or spring and participate in supervised teaching practica throughout northeastern California.

Candidates are able to complete programs leading to credentials through a variety of delivery options. All candidates follow the education block system. Assigned faculty advisors assist candidates with program planning.

Subject matter preparation requirements are governed by state legislative action and approval of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Requirements may change between catalogs. Please consult with your departmental credential advisor for current information.

Admission Requirements

  1. Subject-matter competence is required for program admission. Applicants can satisfy subject-matter competence by:
    • Completing a CTC-approved elementary subject-matter preparation program at CSU, Chico (verified by the subject-matter adviser in that department), or
    • Completing a CTC-approved elementary subject-matter preparation program at another university (must provide an official, signed subject-matter verification from that university), or
    • Passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for Multiple Subjects. Note: CSET results are only valid for ten years; results must be current through the entire credential program and the credential recommendation process. When completing the exams be sure to have your results sent to CSU, Chico.
  2. Certificate of Clearance (fingerprint clearance) must be on file before beginning teaching practicum I.
  3. A baccalaureate or higher degree, except in professional education, from a regionally accredited college or university is required in order to obtain a credential recommendation.
  4. Passing status for the Basic Skills Requirement is necessary for admission to the credential program. Basic Skills covers reading, writing, and mathematics at the high-school level.
  5. Credential candidates must be admitted to the University before beginning a program. Apply to Chico State as a graduate student through Cal State Apply.
  6. Candidates must reside within the CSU, Chico services areas in order to complete the credential program.
  7. All prerequisite courses must be completed before taking in-program credential courses.
  8. Additional documentation and requirements are necessary for a complete application to the credential program.
  9. Apply to the credential program during the semester you will finish the prerequisite courses. Applications due February 15 for fall semester, September 15 for spring semester. All prerequisite courses are offered every semester.
  10. Your GPA must be 2.75 for your last 60 semester units or 2.67 overall. If your GPA does not meet either of these minimums, inquire at the School of Education office about the GPA appeal process.

Grading Requirements

All courses taken to fulfill credential 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).

Course Requirements for the Multiple Subject Credential

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this credential. If courses from another university are used to satisfy prerequisite or additional course requirements, an equivalency form, course descriptions, syllabi, and transcripts must be provided. Courses must be completed within seven years of applying for the credential.

Prerequisites for Admission to the Credential Program

Must be completed before progressing to in-program courses. Apply to the credential program during the semester you will finish prerequisites courses (applications due February 15 for fall semester (March 1 for Fall 2020 applications), September 15 for spring semester). Grades earned for all prerequisites must be C- or higher.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
EDTE 255 Introduction to Democratic Perspectives in K-12 Teaching   3.0 FS  
Prospective teachers acquire planned, structured observations and experiences in K-12 classrooms. Placements are made in selected schools and classrooms that demonstrate exemplary practice as described in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and represent California's diverse student population. Dialog/discussion sessions assist prospective teachers in making connections between subject matter courses, personal, social and emotional growth, and life in the K-12 schools. Prospective teachers are encouraged to begin introductory school experiences as early as possible in the subject matter program. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (015812)
EDTE 302 Access and Equity in Education   3.0 FS  
Prospective teachers examine socio-political issues of education relative to current demographics of California schools, integration of multicultural education, and promotion of social justice. Candidates identify, analyze, and minimize personal and institutional bias and explore the complexities of living and teaching in a pluralistic, multicultural society. Candidates identify barriers English Learners experience in becoming full participants in the school program and strategies for assisting students in overcoming these barriers. 3 hours lecture. (002977)
EDTE 530 Fundamentals of Teaching Practice for Secondary Teachers   3.0 FS  
Teaching is an intellectual challenge that involves planning, facilitating, and reflecting on the process of student learning. Teacher candidates develop strategies necessary to create safe and structured learning environments and explore relationships among curriculum, instruction, assessment, and classroom climate to meet the needs of a diverse student population within a democratic society. This is a Single Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. 3 hours seminar. ABC/no credit grading. (002935)
ENGL 471 Intensive Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition   3.0 FS  
An intensive introduction to the theory and practice of second language acquisition and teaching. 3 hours lecture. (020485)

Additional Courses - Required for a CSU, Chico Recommendation for a Credential

Complete at any time, but recommended before starting credential courses.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CMST 131 Speech Communication Fundamentals   3.0 FS  GE
Effective oral communication. Introduction to human communication theory. Practice in gathering, organizing, and presenting material in speeches to persuade, inform, and interest. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (002206)
EDTE 451 Health Education for Secondary School Teachers   3.0 FS  
Addresses major health issues affecting the adolescent, including, but not limited to, health promotion and disease prevention, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and sexuality. Fulfills the state health education requirement for a preliminary teaching credential. 3 hours discussion. (004394)
POLS 155 American Government: National, State, and Local   3.0 SMF  GE
An investigation of Who gets What, When, and How in national, state, and local politics. Also includes principles of American governmental institutions, federal systems, congress, president, and courts. Fulfills California state graduation and credential requirements for the American Constitution. (Satisfies requirement in California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 40404.) 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007475)
PSYC 414 Psychology of Teaching   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: A course in developmental psychology, faculty permission.
Applications of principles of the psychology of human learning and development and counseling to educational practice. Prospective teachers analyze their motivations, personal value systems, role conceptualizations, and self-attitudes in relation to demands of the teaching profession. Concepts of emotional, social, and cognitive development as well as of childhood learning and motivation are applied to development of learning experiences for elementary school children. Enrollment is restricted to second-semester juniors, seniors, and graduates. 3 hours seminar. (007900)
SPED 343 Overview of Special Education   3.0 FS  
This is a survey course recommended for students interested in all types of exceptional learners and a prerequisite to professional preparation programs in the Department of Professional Studies in Education. Content includes (1) an overview of the characteristics, identification, and educational needs of special populations, (2) social, familial, biological, historical, cultural, economic, political, and legal contexts in which special education occurs, and (3) characteristics of effective programs. Includes a service learning experience. 3 hours lecture. (003010)

Credential Program Courses

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. Program starts in the fall and spring semesters.

First Semester Courses

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
EDTE 523A Curriculum Theory and Practice: Math   3.0 FS  
This course examines the principles and practices for elementary school instruction in mathematics within the context of democratic classroom practice. It includes application of national and state standards to planning curriculum and assessment, as well as selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, resources, materials, and electronic teaching technologies to meet the educational needs of diverse student populations. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (002921)
EDTE 523B Curriculum Theory and Practice: Science   2.0 FS  
This course examines the principles and practices of elementary school instruction in science within in the context of democratic classroom practice. It includes application of national and state standards to planning curriculum and assessment, as well as selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, resources, materials, and electronic teaching technologies to meet the educational needs of diverse student populations. 2 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (020714)
EDTE 524A Curriculum Theory and Practice: Social Studies   2.0 FS  
This course examines the principles and practices for elementary school instruction in social studies within the context of democratic classroom practice. It includes application of national and state standards to planning curriculum and assessment, as well as selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, resources, materials, and electronic teaching technologies to meet the educational needs of diverse student populations. 2 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (002922)
EDTE 525 Teaching Practicum I   6.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Admission to the Department of Education Multiple Subject Program and completion of Block One courses.
This first of two teaching practica provides a developmental sequence of carefully planned substantive, supervised field experiences in the K-8 classroom, including opportunities to observe and apply democratic practices. Teacher candidate placements are determined through a collaborative effort of the University and colleagues in cooperating K-8 schools. This is a Multiple Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. 18 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (020010)
EDTE 660A Teaching English Learners I   1.0 FS  
Prerequisite: Conditional admission to Professional Preparation Program.
This course prepares candidates to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach in a diverse classroom setting. The candidates develop a conceptual framework for the learning and teaching of English Learners. Prospective K-12 teachers study pedagogical theories, principles, and practices for English Language acquisition and development. The effects of prior knowledge and culture on reading and writing are explored. Reading and writing strategies to promote students¿ access to and achievement in the academic content standards are addressed. Candidates utilize assessment information to diagnose students¿ language abilities and to design lessons that foster receptive and productive language processes. This course embeds the latest education research with practical application in a school setting. 1 hour lecture. (021099)
EDTE 663 Literacy Development and Assessment   4.0 FA  
Prerequisite: Admission to RTR program.
 This course is also offered as SPED 663.
This course provides substantive, research-based instruction that builds the theoretical and practical knowledge base. This course enables candidates to deliver a comprehensive program of systematic instruction in reading, writing, and related language arts that is aligned with the California English Language Arts Academic Content Standards, the California Reading/Language Arts Framework, and the English Language Development Standards. Candidates learn to explicitly teach basic decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills and strategies to all students, including those with varied reading and language levels and background experiences and knowledge. Candidates work closely with classroom teachers, supervisors, and instructors to study and apply basic principles and practices of reading language arts instruction in carefully selected field experience sites. Candidates develop knowledge about factors influencing reading development, instructional strategies, beginning reading skills, content area reading, organizational practices, in-depth assessment practices, and materials. Candidates learn about teaching the language arts in rural educational settings, with an emphasis on incorporating strategies, approaches, and materials to support ¿at-risk¿ learners, English Learners, and special populations. Technology is used throughout the course as a tool of instruction and in candidate assignments. 4 hours lecture. (021007)
EDUC 501A Assessment of Teaching Performance: Cycle 1   1.0 FS  
This course addresses technical aspects of the teacher performance assessment CalTPA Cycle 1. Candidates learn how teaching performance assessments are evaluated. Scoring tools such as rubrics are explored. Technological topics include formatting and uploading responses, scanning documents for submission, and understanding online evaluations systems. 1 hour lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020382)

Second Semester Courses

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
EDTE 524B Curriculum Theory and Practice: Arts   2.0 FS  
This course examines the principles and practices of elementary school instruction in the arts (dance, music, visual art, and theatre) within the context of democratic classroom practice. It includes application of national and state standards to planning curriculum and assessment, as well as selection and implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, resources, materials, and electronic teaching technologies to meet the educational needs of diverse student populations. 2 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (020715)
EDTE 528 Synthesis of Teaching Theory and Practice   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Capstone course to be taken in the final semester of the program.
To meet the needs of students in a democratic society, teachers must be change agents in their schools and communities. This capstone course deepens candidates' knowledge and application of theories and practices necessary to execute the Plan-Teach-Assess-Reflect cycle of teaching in diverse classrooms. Candidates analyze research-based teaching practices as applied in classroom contexts, examine student learning outcomes, document their growth as teachers and set goals for their development as professional educators. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. ABC/no credit grading. (002923)
EDTE 529 Teaching Practicum II   6.0 -9.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Practicum I (EDTE 525).
This second course in teaching practica continues the sequence of carefully planned substantive, supervised field experiences in the K-8 classroom. Teacher candidate placements are determined through a collaborative effort of the University and colleagues in cooperating K-8 schools. This is a Multiple Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. Credit/no credit grading. (002924)
EDTE 660B Teaching English Learners II   1.0 FS  
Prerequisite: EDTE 660A.
This course prepares candidates to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach in a diverse classroom setting. The candidates develop a conceptual framework for the learning and teaching of English Learners. Prospective K-12 teachers study pedagogical theories, principles, and practices for English Language acquisition and development. The effects of prior knowledge and culture on reading and writing are explored. Reading and writing strategies to promote students¿ access to and achievement in the academic content standards are addressed. Candidates will utilize assessment information to diagnose students¿ language abilities and to design lessons that foster receptive and productive language processes. This course embeds the latest education research with practical application in a school setting. This course builds on concepts learned in EDTE 660A. 1 hour lecture. (021098)
EDUC 501B Assessment of Teaching Performance: Cycle 2   1.0 FS  
This course addresses technical aspects of the teacher performance assessment CalTPA Cycle 2. Candidates learn how teaching performance assessments are evaluated. Scoring tools such as rubrics are explored. Technological topics include formatting and uploading responses, scanning documents for submission, and understanding online evaluations systems. 1 hour lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021974)

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 tax payer 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).

Catalog Cycle:21