Sonoma State University

CSET Support and Subject Matter Competency

CSET and Subject Matter Competency Support 

 

Anyone applying to a teaching credential program in California must demonstrate that they are competent in their subject matter.

 

Steps to demonstrating subject matter competency

 

Step 1. What single subject teaching credential are you pursuing?

  • Foundational Level Mathematics 
  • Mathematics
  • Foundational Level General Science
  • Science: Biological Science
  • Science: Chemistry
  • Science: Geosciences
  • Science: Physics

 

Step 2. Do you have a degree title from an accredited university that matches the credential identified in Step 1? If so, then you automatically have met the subject matter competency requirement.  If not, continue to Step 3. 

Credential

Degrees that Meet the Subject Matter Competency Requirement (B.A., B.S., M.A. M.S., or Ph.D.)

Foundational Level Mathematics or Mathematics

Mathematics; Statistics (computer science does NOT count)

 

Foundational Level General Science

Engineering (any type). Contact Dr. Ed Lyon ([email protected])  to determine if your degree and/or coursework meets the requirement

Science: Biological Science

Biology; Biochemistry; Neurobiology (Environmental Science does NOT count)

Science: Chemistry

Chemistry; Chemical Engineering; Biochemistry

Science: Geoscience

 

Geology; Earth Science; Geoscience (Astronomy; Environmental Science do NOT count)

Science: Physics

Mechanical Engineering; Structural Engineering (Computer Science does NOT count)

Step 3. What is the best remaining option for you? 

  • CSET option: Pass the appropriate CSET Exam(s) by the time you submit your application to the Single Subject Teaching Credential Program.  List of CSET Exams
  • Coursework evaluation option: It is possible to have a university review your transcript and determine if your coursework fully aligns with the CSET content. 
  • CSET and coursework evaluation combination option: For example, you may have passed the Science Subject I (General Science) and have a university evaluate coursework for the second subtest. 

 

Step 4. What CSET or course evaluation resources and support will you pursue? 

CSET and Course Evaluation Resources and Support

 

STEP Center’s Foundational Level Mathematics and General Science Preparation Institutes

The STEP Center offers free intensive hands-on and minds-on workshops that provide you with the preparation you need to successfully pass the Foundational Level Mathematics Subtests (I and II) or the Foundational Level General Science Subtest (I). See info here for details, schedule, and application. 

One-on-one CSET Tutoring​​

For current Sonoma State students, the Learning and Academic Resources Center (LARC) has tutors trained in content-specific CSET prep. 

 

Online CSET Prep Workshops through CSU Northridge

 

Coursework Evaluation for Foundational Level General Science, Biological Science, Geosciences,  Chemistry, or Physics

Contact Dr. Ed Lyon ([email protected])  to request an evaluation. Only available to individuals who apply to the Sonoma State Single Subject Credential program by the priority deadline (end of February). 

 

Adding Additional STEM Credentials to an Existing Credential

I currently have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. 

To also be qualified to teach…

…I need to complete 

Middle School Science or High School General Science (but NOT Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)

EDSS 444: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Science 

+   CSET: Subtest I (215) 

 

OR

 

Coursework for a  Supplementary Authorization in Science (qualifies teaching up to Grade 9)

Computer Science

Coursework for the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Program 

 

 

I currently have a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Foundational Level Math or Math.

To also be qualified to teach…

…I need to complete 

Middle School Science or High School General Science (but NOT Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)

EDSS 444: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Science 

+  CSET: Subtest I (215) 

OR

Coursework for an Introductory Science Supplementary Authorization

Middle School Science,  High School General Science, or High School Chemistry

EDSS 444: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Science

 

Middle School Science,  High School General Science, or High School Earth Science 

EDSS 444: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Science

Middle School Science,  High School General Science, or High School Physics

EDSS 444: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Science

JUST High School Chemistry

Coursework for a Chemistry Supplementary Authorization 

JUST High School  Earth Science

Coursework for a Geosciences Supplementary Authorization 

JUST High School Physics

Coursework for a Physics Supplementary Authorization  

Computer Science

Nothing, Already included in your credential.

 

 

I currently have a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science (Foundational Level General Science, Biological Sciences, Geosciences, Chemistry, or Physics).

To also be qualified to teach…

…I need to complete 

High School Biology

CSET:  Subtest II (217) 

OR 

Coursework for a Biology  Supplementary Authorization

High School Chemistry

Subtest II (218)

OR

Coursework for a Chemistry Supplementary Authorization 

High School Earth Science 

CSET:  Subtest II (219)

OR

Coursework for a Geosciences Supplementary Authorization 

High School Physics

 CSET: Subtest II (220)

OR Coursework for a Physics Supplementary Authorization  

Computer Science

Coursework for the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Program

 

You must provide Official transcripts showing the completion of either 20 semester units (or 10 upper-division semester units) of non-remedial course work in the subject (with a grade of “C” or higher), completed at a regionally accredited community college, college, or university.

  • The “Introductory” subjects require at least one course in each of the specified areas listed—the balance of the 10 or 20 units may be in any course within the subject category.