The College of Education-Student Services Center holds information/ advising sessions twice a month. Please refer to the advising schedule. This is the first step in learning about the programs and the details you need right now. No reservations are required. Packets of program information can be mailed to your street address or emailed to your email address. Please call 760/750-4277 or contact us at coessc@csusm.edu  to request program information. Note the application filing periods listed below.  College of Education applications are available during the filing period for the program in which you are interested at http://lynx.csusm.edu/coe/admissions/.

How do I apply to the Teacher Education program?
You must complete BOTH a University application and a College of Education application as specified below.

How should I complete the university application if I am ready to apply for the credential program?

 Please complete  the University Graduate application at http://www.csumentor.edu .

If applying to a Credential Program (on-line application at www.csumentor.edu)

1. Select 'Credential Only' from the Major/Program Objective drop down menu.
2. Select 'None' from the Degree Objective drop down menu.
3. Select relevant credential objective from the Credential Objective Name drop down menu.

If applying to enroll in the prerequisite courses (on-line application at www.csumentor.edu)

1. Select 'Undeclared' from the Major/Program Objective drop down menu.
2. Select '0' from the Degree Objective drop down menu.

**HELP LINE PHONE NUMBERs FOR STUDENTS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ON-LINE ADMISSION APPLICATION**:
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES:  (800) 468-6927 or email: support@csumentor.edu
 

What needs to be included in the College of Education application packet?

• $25 application fee made payable to CSUSM
• College of Education Application. Available at http://lynx.csusm.edu/coe/admissions/ during the application filing period for the program in which you are interested.
• Field Experience Recommendation Form. Available at http://lynx.csusm.edu/coe/academics/FormsPolicies.asp.
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Copy of TB clearance
• Copy of test scores, Single Subject Preparation Program Waiver Letter, or, proof of registration for examination.
• Proof of application for Certificate of Clearance.  For instructions on this process, go to http://lynx.csusm.edu/coe/ssc/current_topics.asp

How many university/ college transcripts should I order?
One set. Arrange to have official transcripts mailed DIRECTLY to the office of Admissions from each college or university attended including an official transcript with your degree posted and date awarded. If you do not yet have a transcript with your degree posted, please submit an official transcript for your work completed to date and then provide an official transcript with your degree posted and date awarded as soon as possible. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for teacher certification. Matriculated students already have transcripts on file. It is not necessary to submit transcripts from CSUSM.

Must I also apply for admission to the university?
YES! Before you can be considered for admissions to any credential program you must apply to the university unless you are already enrolled as a Postbaccalaureate student. If you are an undergraduate at CSUSM you still must complete the Graduate Application. Apply online at www.csumentor.edu. You need to submit this application as early as possible during the semester BEFORE you wish to begin your credential program or prerequisites at CSUSM.

If I am applying for the San Diego City Schools Special Education Intern program do I complete a separate district application?
Yes,  in addition to the university and college of education applications you will need to complete the San Diego City Schools Intern application at: http://prod031.sandi.net/personnel/intern.html

Which programs begin Summer semester and when is the application filing period?

• Concurrent Multiple Subject/Special Education Program (Full-Time)
• Single Subject Credential Program (Part-Time)
• Special Education Intern Programs (Part-Time)
• Special Education Programs for individuals with a basic credential (Part-Time)
• Master of Arts in Education
• Application filing period: mid January through the end of February or mid March, depending on program.  Please review the application filing periods at http://lynx.csusm.edu/coe/admissions/apps.asp

Which programs begin Fall semester and when is the application filing period?

• Multiple Subject Credential Program (Part-Time/Full-Time ) 
• Middle Level Credential Program (Full-Time)
• Single Subject Credential Program (Full-Time)
• Special Education Intern Programs (Part-Time)
• Special Education Programs for individuals with a basic credential (Part-Time)
• Application filing period: mid January through mid March

Which programs begin Spring semester and when is the application filing period?

• The Multiple Subject Credential Program (Part-Time/Full-Time)
• Special Education Intern Programs (Part-Time)
• Special Education Programs for individuals with a basic credential (Part-Time)
• Master of Arts in Education
• Application filing period: mid August through mid October

Does CSU San Marcos offer a combined Credential/Master’s Program?

No, CSU San Marcos does not offer a combination program for a basic teaching credential. A major requirement for admission into the Master’s program is that a candidate must hold a valid basic teaching credential and have 1-3 years of teaching experience (dependent on MA option) prior to being accepted into the program.

Does CSU San Marcos offer Advanced Credential Programs?

Yes, CSU San Marcos does offer some advanced credential options within the Master’s Program. We currently make available the opportunity to receive a Preliminary Administrative Services Credentials, a Reading Certificate and/or a Reading and Language Arts Specialist Credential, and a Level I and Level II Special Education Credential. The coursework required for the Advanced Credential may also count towards a Master of Arts in Education.

Where do I submit my completed application for a teacher education program?
The on-line application can be submitted electronically.  The paper application can be submitted by mail to:
Cal State San Marcos, College of Education Student Services, San Marcos, CA, 92096-0001 or in person to: University Hall 217 during the appropriate application filing period.

Which programs are available for individuals without a basic credential?
The multiple subject, middle level, single subject, concurrent multiple subject/special education, concurrent intern and the concurrent single subject/special education programs. The BCLAD: Spanish Emphasis is available with all basic credential programs.

Which programs are available for individuals with a basic credential? 
The Master of Arts in Education, the Reading Certificate and Credential, Special Education programs for individuals with a basic credential, Administrative Services Credentials, and the CLAD certificate (Note: In January 2008, the CLAD Certificate will no longer be available and the CTEL Certificate will begin).

Can I take equivalent courses to CSUSM's prerequisite courses at another university or community college?
The College of Student Services Center maintains a list of courses from other California universities or community colleges determined by faculty to be equivalents.  Please contact us to find out if the class you have taken or are considering taking is on the list. If the course is not on our official list of equivalents or if you took a course out of state you can submit a Request for Exemption form along with a course description, syllabus and transcript to the Student Services Center, and a faculty member will review it. For information on the Request for Exemption go to http://lynx.csusm.edu/coe/ssc/FAQCourseWaivers.asp .

Are there exams I must take before applying for the credential program?
You need to take the following exams before applying and pass these exams before student teaching

• All applicants need the CBEST.  For more information go to www.cbest.nesinc.com 
• All multiple subject, middle level and  concurrent/multiple subject applicants need to show subject matter competency through passing the CSET Multiple Subject exam. For more information go to www.cset.nesinc.com
• All single subject applicants need to show subject matter competency through passing the CSET Single Subject exam or completion of a state-approved single subject matter program. For more information on the CSET exam go to www.cset.nesinc.com .

What if I already took and passed the MSAT or PRAXIS/SSAT exams?
MSAT scores are acceptable for certification if passed within five (5) years of the individual test date. The last date to pass one part of MSAT was January 11, 2003. The date to pass the entire MSAT examination was June, 2003.  The same 5 year policy applies to the PRAXIS/SSAT examinations for Single Subject applicants.

What is the required grade point average for admission to the Teacher Education program?
Grade-Point Average: A student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.67 to be accepted into credential programs offered at Cal State San Marcos. If you do not have the required 2.67 GPA, conditional admission will be considered on a limited basis.

Where do I sign up for an interview?
Once you pass the initial paper screening you will be notified by letter as to the procedure to sign-up  for an interview.

How do I get a 30 Day Substitute Teaching Permit?
If you plan to substitute teach in San Diego County, please contact the San Diego County Department of Education http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/hrt/cred.asp

If you plan to substitute teach in Riverside County, go to the Riverside County Office of Education website at http://www.rcoe.k12.ca.us/ for more information.

f you plan to substitute teach in Orange County, go to the Orange County Office of Education website at http://www.ocde.k12.ca.us/ for more information.

The 30 Day Substitute Teaching Permit is valid for year, no more than 30 days may be spent in the same classroom.

When should and how do I apply for a Certificate of Clearance?
As soon as possible unless you already hold a valid Emergency Permit or basic teaching credential. To find out how to apply, review the instructions at
http://lynx.csusm.edu/coe/ssc/current_topics.asp
NOTE: You will not be placed in a student teaching experience until you have verification of fingerprint clearance.

How and when do I know what my schedule is going to be?

The College of Education admits students using the cohort model. When you are admitted to a credential program, you are assigned to a cohort and you take all your course work with that cohort. After admission, you will be notified of registration procedures and an orientation meeting, where you will be given your cohort assignment and registration information for your first semester. For each subsequent semester you are in the credential program, you can access the class schedule on the Cal State San Marcos College of Education website and register for the course work for your cohort. Your cohort number will remain the same throughout your credential program.

Can I work during the credential program?
It is highly suggested that work hours are very limited during full-time credential programs. The full-time programs require enrollment in approximately 17-19 post baccalaureate units each semester. The programs are very demanding of your time and your professional career is dependent on your success. Please check with Financial Aid at http://www.csusm.edu/finaid/  for scholarship opportunities and loan eligibility information. If you are working full-time, please consider a part-time or evening program. The  part-time or evening program classes are offered in the evenings and on the weekends for your convenience. Please keep in mind, however, student teaching must be completed during the day.