Program Application and Subject Matter Competency

Students who wish to enter the Single Subject Credential Program in Music should have a BM or BA in music from an accredited institution of higher education.  The application is a two-step process.  FIRST STEP: Submit your application to Graduate Admissions through Cal State Apply www.calstate.edu/apply.  A $70 fee is required along with one set of official transcripts.  Apply to the University as early as possible during the semester before you plan to attend.   If you are not accepted before the start of the semester, you may still enroll in classes through Open University.  Contact the SSCP Advisor for music as soon as possible to discuss your candidacy, brad.vanpatten@csulb.edu.  For your initial contact with the advisor, please include a brief statement regarding your degree, the degree-granting institution, date, instrumental or choral/vocal background, and teaching experience.  SECOND STEP: the application to the credential program is completed in EDSS 300N, Introduction to Teaching, offered in music ONLY during the fall semester.

You may satisfy "Subject Matter Competency" one of five ways: (1) through a bachelors or masters degree in music. Your degree major MUST have the word MUSIC in the title; (2) transcript review to meet the Music Subject Matter Domains; (3) complete a CTC-approved Subject Matter Program in Music Education at a California college or university; (4) take and pass all sections of the CSET in music; (5) through a combination of coursework and CSET exams.

Before applying to student teach, all students must demonstrate requisite content knowledge and performance skills in music  history, theory, conducting, instrumental and vocal techniques and methodologies, conducting, and literature appropriate for K-12 students.

In order to be eligible to take credential courses, undergraduate students currently enrolled at CSULB for the purpose of obtaining a BM with an option in instrumental or choral/vocal music must REAPPLY to the University during the semester they will graduate.  Undergraduates may take a total of 12 units or 4 credential courses prior to graduation if they have completed a minimum of 60 units of study.  ADDITIONALLY, students must petition to have these courses count as post-baccalaureate classes PRIOR to graduation.

PLEASE NOTE:  The Single Subject Credential Program is NOT a graduate program.  It is a post-baccalaureate program leading to the Preliminary Single Subject Credential in music.