For Undergraduates Interested in Teaching

Thinking about becoming a middle or high school teacher?

Most CSUN students earn the teaching credential after they鈥檝e earned their bachelor鈥檚 degree. But decisions you make now can streamline your path to the credential.

How can I get a head start on admissions requirements to the Credential Program?

Set yourself up to meet the Subject Matter Requirement for admission to the teacher-credential program one of two ways:

  1. Enroll in one of CSUN鈥檚 Subject Matter Programs. Subject Matter Programs offer a bachelor鈥檚 degree with courses tailored for aspiring teachers. These programs also help you get Early Field Experience hours鈥攁nother admission requirement of the teacher-credential program.

Subject Matter Program

Degree Options
  • Art
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Social Science
  • Social Science
  • Spanish

OR

  1. Enroll in a degree-major program with the same name as the subject you hope to teach. See for degree majors that meet the Subject Matter Requirement.

Then apply for CSUN鈥檚 Single Subject Credential Program in your final undergraduate semester, to begin the Credential Program the semester after you earn your bachelor鈥檚 degree. Read about our Credential Program and flexible pathways here.

Must I wait until after I earn my bachelor鈥檚 degree to begin the Credential Program?

No! Here are three ways to get an early start on the Credential Program:

  1. If you are enrolled in a Subject Matter Program 91传媒, you may apply to the Credential Program early, to get started on credential courses in your senior year.
  2. Any CSUN undergraduate may apply for 鈥淚ntent to Apply鈥� (ITA) status in the Credential Program for their senior year. ITA allows seniors to take 1-2 credential courses before obtaining regular admission.
  3. If you鈥檙e interested in teaching English, mathematics, or social science, consider our Programs. These programs combine the Subject Matter Program/BA in English, mathematics, or history with the teaching credential in English, mathematics, or social science. FYI enables entering first-year students to earn both the BA and single-subject teaching credential in 4 years. JYI is designed for transfer and continuing CSUN students to earn both the BA and single-subject teaching credential in 2 years.