Application Checklist  

Pre-Admission Disclosure  

 Basic Skills Bill AB 130

SS Program Advisor 

Program Structure

Welcome to the Single Subject Credential Program at Sonoma State University, housed in the Department of Curriculum Studies and Secondary Education (CSSE). 

We prepare candidates to teach in one of the following subject areas in a K-12 single subject setting (primarily geared toward middle and high schools): 

• Art
• English
• Math
• Music
• PE
• Science
• Social Studies
• World Language (Spanish or French)

The Single Subject Credential Program is fully accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. When candidates complete the program, they are recommended for a California Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential in the designated subject area.

Aligned with the Sonoma State School of Education’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values, the program helps single subject candidates: 

• demonstrate knowledge about learners, learning, schools, and teaching that promote equity, inclusivity, and access for all.
• recognize social inequities and  work with youth, communities, and other professionals to advocate for social justice. 
• continuously reflect on and grow in their role as advocates for social justice.
• collaborate with others (e.g., students, mentors,  school and community members) to strengthen their knowledge, dispositions, and practices.
• demonstrate research-based and theoretically sound competencies and practices  in their discipline.

We encourage aspiring teacher candidates to reach out to School of Education faculty and staff, as well as subject matter advisors across Sonoma State, to learn more about the program and details on how to apply. 

Our in person, two-semester program (Fall and Spring) allows you to have close connections with your peers and support from program instructors and school site mentor teachers. The program also ensures that coursework connects deeply with clinical practice. In the program, you may be eligible to earn a preliminary credential while hired by the school district as an intern, add a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish to teach content in bilingual classrooms, or extend the program to two years. 

More details about program policies and procedures can be found in the Single Subject Credential Program Teacher Candidate Handbook.  

Before and during the program, there are many scholarships and financial opportunities to fund your tuition and living expenses. For some subject areas, it is possible to receive up to $40,000 if you commit to teaching in high need schools. This includes the North Bay STEM Teacher Residency Program and North Bay Bilingual Residency Program. 

Finally, for currently credentialed teachers, we offer content method, computer science, and  CSET support courses (math and science) to broaden teaching  qualifications.  We also offer professional learning programs that relate to  biliteracy integration, Maker Education and opportunities to pursue a M.A. in Education in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning.

We hope you join us!

- Dr. Ed Lyon, Curriculum Studies and Secondary Education Department Chair

CSSE Department Faculty and projects

Advising and Teaching Pathways

Financially Supporting the Credential Program

Single Subject Credential Program Teacher Candidate Handbook

Adding Credentials/Authorizations and Professional Learning for Current Teachers