Science Credential Program

Fall 2023 Advising Information 

Science Advisors are available for advising throughout the semester. In addition to regularly scheduled office hours we host monthly information session. We look forward to meeting you and helping you negotiate the credentialing process.

Contact for Student Teaching:

Dr. Terry Shanahan

Mondays, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
https://csulb.zoom.us/j/83664908956

 

Contact for Program advisement: Kristin Straits (kristin.straits@csulb.edu, 562-985-5949 

Thank you for your interest in our program. We are confident that if you come to CSULB for your science credential you will leave well prepared to teach in our schools. We want you to become involved in the life of our department and the science teaching community at large. We have a dedicated faculty who will help you on your journey to become an outstanding science teacher. Welcome!

A science teaching credential enables you to teach middle school and high school science. The credential has two major parts - content and pedagogy (or science & teaching). In order to demonstrate that you know "what to teach" (the content or subject matter competency) you must complete prescribed courses in your field or pass state approved tests. California schools often teach integrated science so the credential requires you to demonstrate breadth and depth in the content area. As you look at the list of required courses, you will see that you are required to complete introductory level courses in each science field (breadth) and upper division courses in your own field (depth). The professional education courses will help you learn how to teach. In these courses you will learn about methodology, classroom management and reading in the science classroom. You will also learn about today's schools and how you can most effectively impact the diversity of students you will find there.

Click here to learn more about the Department of Science Education.

The Single Subject Office holds regularly scheduled Informational Meetings.

We offer many forms of support to help you succeed.

Other important dates to note:

  • Student Teaching Application Deadlines - Student teaching applications are due March 15th for fall student teaching and October 1st for spring student teaching. Student teaching in science is not done during the summer.
    Petitioning Committee Meetings - held monthly, petitions are due 1 week before the meeting convenes.