Sonoma State University
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Single Subject Credential

Admissions Deadlines Application Checklist 

 Pre-Admission Disclosure  Basic Skills & Subject Matter

 CSSE Department Faculty Projects Advising & Teaching Pathways

Teacher Candidate Handbook  Professional Growth for Current Teachers

Program Overview 

Welcome to the Sonoma State Single Subject Credential Program! Through our two-semester, in person program, you will earn a preliminary single subject teaching credential in one the following subject areas:

  • Art
  • English
  • Foundational Level Math
  • Foundational Level Science
  • Math
  • Music
  • PE
  • Science: Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics)
  • Social Science
  • World Language (Spanish, French)

The credential qualifies you to teach the designed subject area in a K-12 single subject setting (typically in a middle or high school). You can also add a Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) to better prepare you to teach in English/Academic Language Development, mainstream, or sheltered classroom settings. 

Why Choose Sonoma State’s Single Subject Credential Program?  

  • We are fully accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
  • Program instructors and supervisors work closely with each other and with mentor teachers to support teacher candidates
  • For some, it is possible to receive more than $40,000 in Scholarships and Stipends if you commit to teaching in high need schools. This includes the Golden State Grant Program, the North Bay STEM Teacher Residency Program and North Bay Bilingual Residency Program. 
  • We model teaching practices in support of diverse learners and guide teacher candidates in rehearsing and reflecting on these teaching practices 
  • Our faculty have expertise in critical and cutting edge areas: digital literacies, integration of content with biliteracy, translanguaging, equity-focused STEM teaching and learning, and supporting educators of color. 

We hope you join us!

Program Structure

  • Phase I (Fall):

    • Academic coursework (14 units): Combination of face-to-face and hybrid courses. Mostly taught Monday-Thursday after 4 pm.     
    • Clinical practice (4 units): 100 hours (~6-8 hours/week) of observation/participation in a mentor’s classroom 

  • Phase II (Spring):

    •  Academic coursework (8 units): Combination of face-to-face and hybrid courses. Mostly taught Monday-Thursday after 4 pm.   
    • Clinical Practice (12 units): 340 hour student teaching experience. Candidates (1) teach or co-teach two of their mentor’s classes, (2) assist in two additional classes, and (3) spend four of the weeks fully immersed at the school site for entire school days. 
    • edTPA: Complete the edTPA performance assessment with support through coursework, mentorship, and a university supervisor.

View more details below. Course descriptions can be found in the Single Subject Credential Program Teacher Candidate Handbook.