Master of Arts in Teaching (Single Subject)
Program Description
The MA in Teaching (Single Subject) blends a teacher preparation program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to provide instruction in approved subject areas in a departmentalized classroom. Almost all junior and senior high school teachers hold the single subject credential.
Single Subject Teaching Credentials can be obtained in the areas of Art, Biology, Chemistry, English/Language Arts, French, Geoscience, General Science, German, Health Science, Home Economics, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, History/Social Science, and Spanish. This credential embeds the English Learner Authorization (ELA), which prepares candidates to work with second language learners. The teacher preparation coursework focuses on preparing effective teachers for urban classrooms. Becoming an effective teacher for an urban setting, including a foundation in social justice and equity, is the focus of all activities, tasks, and learning.
The candidates complete a program that requires full-time student status, with field experience and student teaching requirements in Sacramento Area districts as well as full-time coursework requirements. Upon completion of the Single Subject Teaching Credential coursework, program candidates may complete an additional sequence of five Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) courses if they want to complete the MAT after finishing the credential. Throughout the MAT program, candidates will learn how to critically examine the sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts related to the broad fields of educational research and schooling. Candidates will be expected to apply such analytical skills to develop and implement standards-based curriculum in diverse settings using best instructional and inclusive practices that positively impact the learning of all students including English Learners and students with disabilities. Candidates will also create an original Teacher Action Research Inquiry Project using practice-based methods in a diverse educational setting. The materials and associated activities presented in the MAT coursework are highly integrated to support students with successful completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree at the end of the program.
Career Pathways Certificate
Within the Single Subject (Secondary) Teaching Credential program coursework, candidates have the option to pursue a Career Pathways Certificate and can indicate upon admission into the program their desire to pursue the certificate. The Career Pathways Certificate prepares candidates to teach in Career Pathways; these are specialized programs in high schools designed to prepare middle and high school secondary students for both college and career in themed small learning communities connected to the 15 Major California Industries. Numerous high schools in the Sacramento Region offer Career Pathways.
Candidates admitted into the MA in Teaching with Single Subject Teaching Credential program will take the same courses as other candidates, but will enroll in the Career Pathways Linked Learning sections with designated L indicators (EDSS 365L). In addition, they will complete an additional two-unit work-based learning field experience course. At the end of the credential coursework, candidates will be recommended for a Single Subject teaching credential and will receive the Career Pathways Certificate.
The program is offered in a hybrid format: a blend of in-person courses and a limited number of online courses.
Master of Arts in Teaching (Single Subject)
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) establishes admissions requirements for all preliminary teaching credential programs and the CSU Chancellor's Office further specifies admissions requirements. The requirements listed below may be subject to change, based on actions of these two governing bodies. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Academic and Program Services Office in Eureka Hall 401, (916) 278-6639, an advisor in the Student Success Center, or the MAT with Credential program website for the most current admissions requirements.
Program Admission Requirements
- A Baccalaureate degree is required for admission to the MAT degree program.
- Minimum of 45 hours of experience related to working with children or youth in a K-12 classroom or equivalent is recommended.
- Submit two references: one from a person who has observed the applicant’s academic competence (current or former instructor) and the other from a person who has observed the applicant working with children or youth. NOTE: References from family members will not be accepted.
- Submit a graduate writing sample.
- Satisfy writing proficiency by meeting the Basic Skills Requirement.
- Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement. For more detailed information, visit the CTC website. Example of ways to satisfy Basic Skills Competence include:
- Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
- Pass the CSET Multiple Subjects plus Writing Skills examination
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) or the CSU Placement Examinations
- Achieve qualifying score on the SAT or ACT (see the CTC website)
- Score a 3 or above on specific AP examinations (see the CTC website)
- Earn a grade of "B-" or better in specific college or university courses as detailed on the CTC website.
- Applicants can “Mix and Match” options, as detailed on the CTC website.
- Satisfy the Subject Matter Competence requirement. For more detailed information, visit the CTC website. Examples of ways to demonstrate subject matter competence: take and pass all subtests of any Single Subject CSET examination, complete a subject matter program, or complete an approved undergraduate major as detailed on the CTC website.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 overall or 2.75 in last 60 semester or 90 quarter units as evidenced from official transcripts from every college/university attended.
- Complete Credential Prerequisite Courses : EDUC 170, EDUC 100A, EDUC 100B, PUBH 136. List of equivalent coursework is located on the Teaching Credentials website.
- Certificate of Clearance (COC) security clearance issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing: evidence of submitting the COC application and fingerprints must be submitted at application.
- Participate in a Mandatory Interview.
Detailed descriptions of all admissions requirements are contained in the program’s application instructions, which are available on the Teaching Credentials Application website.
Applications Required
CSU Graduate School Application for the University
Sacramento State graduating seniors, Sacramento State students completing a master’s degree or second bachelor’s degree, and applicants not currently attending Sacramento State MUST apply for admission to graduate school through the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) by completing and submitting the CSU application on-line: Cal State Apply.
Supplemental Application
A separate Supplemental Application is only required for current undergraduate Sacramento State students who are applying to take first semester program coursework while still classified as an undergraduate. The application link is posted on the Teaching Credential website in October of the year prior to admission.
Additional Information
Certificate of Clearance (COC/Fingerprint Clearance)
All applicants must submit verification of having been issued a security clearance by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) before they will be allowed to officially start the credential program.
EXCEPTION – it is not necessary to apply for the Certificate of Clearance if you can verify you hold a valid California certificate or credential such as an emergency permit for substitute teaching, Pre-intern certificate, PPS credential, Child Development Associate or Supervisor Permit, Adult Vocational Education credential or a valid Multiple or Single Subject credential.
NOTE: If you answered “YES” to any of the Personal and Professional Fitness questions on the Certificate of Clearance application, you will need to obtain the official arrest record and court paperwork regarding each incident. Refer to the CTC website for instructions, forms, and where to submit all additional paperwork. If you have arrests and/or convictions on your record, once you submit the additional documentation to CTC, the processing of your clearance application can take SIX MONTHS or longer. This means you may not be eligible to start the program if your clearance is not issued before the program begins. If you have any questions, contact the CTC directly via email.
Verification of Bachelor's Degree
All applicants must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university in the United States in order to be eligible for a credential. Proof can be obtained through official transcripts and listed as “Degree(s) Awarded” with the date the degree was awarded. To find out if your college/university is regionally accredited by one of the accrediting agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), visit the CTC website.
Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees, and other relevant documents prior to applying for a teaching credential program. This evaluation is required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). It is recommended that credential program applicants have their documents evaluated by WES, since both the University Office of Graduate Studies and the Commission will accept the WES evaluation. Applicants should select the WES INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIAL ADVANTAGE PACKAGE (ICAP) Course by Course Evaluation. For additional information on foreign transcript evaluations please visit the CTC website and the Office of Graduate Studies website.
Verification of completing the United States Constitution Requirement
California Education Code, Section 44335, requires all candidates for Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist credentials to demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution by completing a college-level course with a “C” or equivalent grade or better, or pass a college-level examination in the subject, or verify AP exam credit for American History or American Government/Politics. While this is not a program admission requirement, this requirement must be completed before the credential can be granted at the end of the credential program. Most CSU graduates have met this requirement. More information can be found by contacting pre-credential advisors in the College of Education Student Success Center.
Minimum Units and Grade Requirement for the MAT Degree
Units required for the MAT degree: 30
Minimum Cumulative GPA for the MAT degree: 3.0
Additional Information for All Admitted Program Candidates: Credential Coursework
Continued Enrollment: Continued enrollment in the MA in Teaching with Single Subject Teaching Credential Program is contingent upon candidates maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in all professional education courses. If incomplete grades or grades of "D", "F", and "NC" (No Credit) are received in professional education courses, the candidate must withdraw from the program unless a specific exception has been approved by the Credential Appeals Committee. Any student on academic probation is subject to automatic disqualification unless approved by the Credential Appeals Committee to continue.
Grade Requirement for the Credential: Any grade below C- in a required credential course must be retaken in order to meet credential requirements.
Delays: Candidates who have to delay progress in the MA in Teaching with Single Subject Teaching Credential Program will file a "Program Delay Petition" in the Teaching Credentials Office. A student returning after a delay may be accommodated on a space available basis. Candidates must return and complete the program within the seven-year limit for graduate programs.
Appeal Process: A student who has been formally admitted to the program has the right to appeal to the Credential Appeals Committee about any policy affecting program continuation, except for those policies set by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or state education code. Appeals petitions and assistance are available in the Teaching Credentials Office.
Licensure
Admission into programs leading to licensure does not guarantee that students will obtain a license. Licensure 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 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. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure requirements.
Additional Information for All Admitted Program Candidates: MAT Degree
Grade Requirement for the Master’s Degree: Courses required for the Master's Degree require a grade of B or better except for the following exception: up to 6 units or 2 courses (whichever is less) may count for the Master's degree with a grade of C or better. If a student receives below a C in any course required for the Master’s degree beyond the exception outlined above, the course must be successfully repeated with a grade of B or better in order to satisfy the requirements of the degree program (grades of C- or better will satisfy the requirements for the teaching credential).
Delays: Candidates who have to delay progress in the MA in Teaching with Single Subject Teaching Credential Program will file a "Program Delay Petition" in the Teaching Credentials Office. A student returning after a delay may be accommodated on a space available basis. Candidates must return and complete the program within the seven-year limit for graduate programs.
Advancement to Candidacy Procedures: Each student working toward a Master of Arts in Teaching degree must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy for the degree. The purpose of this application is to provide certification to the Office of Graduate Studies that the student will complete the necessary requirements and coursework for the Master’s degree. The student must be advanced to candidacy the semester prior to enrolling in EDSS 500.
This procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:
- Completed 15 units in the graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and
- Met the Graduate Writing Requirement through completion of the Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course, EDSS 241, with a B grade or better.
Advancement to Candidacy forms are available online through the Office of Graduate Studies. The student should complete the form in consultation with the MAT Program Coordinator. The form must be submitted online with the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.
Continuous Enrollment in the Master's Degree: Enrollment in EDSS 500 for the culminating experience is for one semester. The expectation is that students will complete the culminating experience during EDSS 500. Up to three semesters of continuous enrollment (EDSS 599) are allowed if the Culminating Experience advisor deems a reasonable amount of progress has been made and assigns a grade of "RP" for EDSS 500. If students fail to make adequate progress while enrolled in EDSS 500 and there are no mitigating circumstances (e.g., illness), a grade of "no credit" is given, and the student must re-enroll in EDSS 500.
Bilingual Authorization (BA)
The BA is a specialized authorization that authorizes the credential holder to provide instruction in the primary language to candidates with limited English proficiency. This option is available concurrently for all program candidates with oral and written fluency as well as cultural/historical knowledge of the target group (currently approved languages include Spanish or Hmong; other languages are in the process of being approved). Candidates can complete additional requirements to add the Bilingual Authorization in Spanish or Hmong. For additional information on the BA option, contact the College of Education Equity Coordinator for an advising appointment to review your transcripts.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Teaching Courses (17 Units) | ||
| EDSS/EDMS 241 | Action Research in Multicultural Settings 1 | 5 |
| EDSS/EDMS 242 | Critical Perspectives in Classroom Inquiry | 3 |
| EDSS/EDMS 243 | Data Collection for Action Research in Multicultural Settings | 3 |
| EDSS/EDMS 244 | Sociocultural & Sociopolitical Contexts of Data Analysis | 3 |
| EDSS/EDMS 500 | Classroom Inquiry Project: Culminating Experience | 3 |
| Single Subject Concentration Courses (13 Units) | ||
| EDSS 264 | Critical Multiculturalism for Racial/Social Justice Education-Secondary | 3 |
| or EDSS 264L | Critical Multiculturalism for Racial/Social Justice Education-Secondary (Linked Learning) | |
| EDSS 265 | Advanced Fundamentals of Teaching | 2 |
| or EDSS 265L | Advanced Fundamentals of Teaching- Linked Learning | |
| EDSS 266 | Advanced Single Subject Seminar | 2 |
| or EDSS 266L | Advanced Single Subject Seminar, L | |
| EDSS 279A | Method and Materials for Teaching Secondary English Learners, A | 1.5 |
| EDSS 279B | Methods and Materials for Teaching Secondary English Learners, B | 1.5 |
| EDSP 293 | Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
| Total Units | 30 | |
| 1 | Taken during summer after credential coursework complete |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Single Subject Credential Courses (32 Units) | ||
| EDSS 365 | Fundamentals of Teaching | 3 |
| or EDSS 365L | Fundamentals of Teaching- Linked Learning | |
| EDSS 366 | Single Subject Seminar | 3 |
| or EDSS 366L | Single Subject Seminar, L | |
| EDSS 384A | Instruction and Assessment of Academic Literacy, A 1 | 1.5 |
| EDSS 373A | Educational Technology Lab I | 1 |
| EDSS 474A | Field Experiences in Secondary Schools | 6 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Overview of Secondary Art Education | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Foreign Languages in the Secondary School | ||
| Methods in English Education, A Methods in English Education, B | ||
| Methods in Mathematics Education, A Methods in Mathematics Education, B | ||
| Methods in History/Social Science Education, A Methods in History/Social Science Education, B | ||
| Methods in Science Education, A Methods in Science Education, B | ||
| Methods of Teaching Elementary Physical Education | ||
| EDSS 364 | Advanced Critical Multiculturalism for Racial/Social Justice Education- Secondary | 2 |
| or EDSS 364L | Advanced Critical Multiculturalism for Racial/Social Justice Education- Secondary Linked Learning | |
| EDSS 373B | Educational Technology Lab II | 1 |
| or EDSS 373L | Educational Technology Lab II- Linked Learning | |
| EDSS 384B | Instruction and Assessment of Academic Literacy, B | 1.5 |
| EDSS 474B | Student Teaching in Secondary Schools | 8 |
| or EDSS 474C | Intern Teaching in Secondary Schools | |
| EDSS 440 | Work-Based Learning Field Experience | 2 |
| Total Units | 32 | |
| 1 | First 8 Weeks of Semester |
Career Pathways Certificate
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EDSS 264L | Critical Multiculturalism for Racial/Social Justice Education-Secondary (Linked Learning) | 3 |
| EDSS 364L | Advanced Critical Multiculturalism for Racial/Social Justice Education- Secondary Linked Learning | 2 |
| EDSS 365L | Fundamentals of Teaching- Linked Learning | 3 |
| EDSS 265L | Advanced Fundamentals of Teaching- Linked Learning | 2 |
| EDSS 373L | Educational Technology Lab II- Linked Learning | 1 |
| EDSS 366L | Single Subject Seminar, L | 3 |
| EDSS 266L | Advanced Single Subject Seminar, L | 2 |
| EDSS 440 | Work-Based Learning Field Experience | 2 |
| Total Units | 18 | |