Teaching Credential

To become a chemistry teacher in a secondary school (middle/or high school) setting, one must obtain a teaching credential in addition to the completion of a bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry. A teacher’s purpose is to teach students basic scientific and chemistry concepts by utilizing diverse methods, such as, critical thinking skills, laboratory practice, and inspiring others to discover the world. CSUCI established a Secondary Education – Single Subject Teacher Credential Program which allows STEM majors to focus on a science concentration. In addition, there are other approved universities’ credential programs listed under the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Application Process
CSUCI Application
Prerequisite Courses For CSUCI Single Subject Credential Program
- EDSS 415 - Adolescent Development for Secondary Educators
- EDSS 424 - Creating and Managing Effective Secondary School Learning Environments
- EDUC 412 - Equity, Diversity, and Foundations of Schooling
- ENGL 475 - Language In Social Context
- SPED 345 - Individuals with Disabilities in Society
For other universities’ programs, please contact the school of interest to verify the prerequisite courses for that program.
Examinations
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST):
- This exam consists of basic skills (Math, Reading, and Writing) required to teach students in K-12 school systems.
- For more information and to register for the CBEST, please follow the CBEST California Educator Credentialing Assessments
California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET):
- To teach a specific subject in a secondary school, such as, chemistry, this exam will test on two parts, general science and the concentration: chemistry. Additional concentration tests in Life Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, and Physics may be taken to add versatility for future careers.
- For more information and to register for the CSET, please follow the CSET California Educator Credentialing Assessments
Clearances
Health:
Certificate of Clearance (CTC):
For more information:
Academia Documentation
Official Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
Writing Statement
Additional Information
Life As A Student in Training
Credential Program (Traditional Pathway)
- Average duration: 2-3 semesters
- Total Number of Student Teaching Hours: 600
Foundational
- Range of 4-5 courses that will give background information on the basis of education and structure in classrooms.
- The courses involve minimal amount of student teaching.*
- These courses can be taken before or after admission depending on the teaching credential program.
Methods (First Semester)
- Consists of 5 courses introducing different teaching strategies, including part-time student teaching.*
Clinical Practice (Second Semester)
- Apply knowledge introduced in teaching courses to full-time student teaching, plus enrollment in 4-5 courses.*
*Note: Each teaching credential program is diverse in the arrangement of courses per semester and hours of student teaching per week.
Student Teaching Internship (Alternative Pathway)
This is another route to fulfill the teaching credential requirement instead of student teaching. The main difference is the traditional route does not involve pay, but the alternative route means the internship allows you to be paid for student teaching.
- Contact your desired program to verify if the internship program is offered as an option.
- An example of additional requirements needed for this program are listed in CSUN's Internship Program
Additional Information:
- CSUCI Science Credential 3 Semester Roadmap (PDF, 44.8 KB)
- CSUCI Science Credential 4 Semester Roadmap (PDF, 46.7KB)
- National University Single Subject Credential Roadmap (Intern Pathway) (PDF, 844 KB)
- CSUCI Teacher Candidate Financial Resources
Experience
Additional teaching experience through any format is highly recommended in polishing skills for a future career in education with science.
The following positions are encouraged:
- Connect with local K-12 schools in your region and offer assistance in science classrooms.
- Teach a lesson, construct an experiment, or volunteer to aid the teacher.
- Apply as a substitute teacher at school districts in your area if not planning on going straight to a credential program after graduation.
- Common basic requirements include the completion of the CBEST, a bachelor’s degree, and CTC clearance.
Created by: Katherine Eakin, Sarah Ashley, and Shawna Brown