Earning a Teaching Credential
Students intending to teach music in the California public schools must demonstrate subject-matter competence prior to admission to the Single-Subject Credential program. This may be done either (a) by completing the coursework for the Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP) or (b) by passing subject-matter tests specified by the State of California and administered by the Educational Testing Service. In either case, an interview and competence examination administered by the Music Department must be passed prior to enrolling in the Single-Subject Credential Program in Music (which includes student teaching)

The following courses are prerequisite to admission to the Credential program for students who choose to complete SMPP coursework in lieu of taking the subject matter examination. These courses are intended to be taken concurrently with degree work.

Instrumental Emphasis (25 units)
Music Education 394I (3); 395I (2); 404 (3); Music 283 (1); 353 (2); EdSec 310 (3), 320 (3), 330 (3), 340 (3); Jazz experience: 2 units from Music 265A, 265B, 312, 361L, 361S, 469. Not required but highly recommended: MU 444 (2).

Choral Emphasis (24 units)
Music Education 394V (3), 395V (2), 404 (3); Music 333 (3), Music 380A (1); EdSec 310 (3), 320 (3), 330 (3), 340 (3).

General Music Emphasis (23 units)
Music Education 394V (3), 395V (2), 404 (3), Music 380A (1), 468 (2); EdSec 310 (3), 320 (3), 330 (3), 340 (3).

Prior to admission to the Single Subject Credential Program in Music, the student must have completed all SMPP requirements, including the bachelor’s degree, with the recital (Music 398) completed. Students typically apply for the credential program during their last semester of course work for the SMPP.

Applicants for the Single Subject Credential Program in Music must also demonstrate functional ability in keyboard and voice. Vocal competence may be shown either by successful audition or completion of Music 283 (voice class) with a minimum grade of “B.” Piano competence may be shown by either successful audition or completion of Music 282B with a minimum grade of “B.”

A minimum GPA is required for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program in Music. The precise requirement will vary slightly from year to year; it is currently 2.67 overall, 2.75 last 60 units.

Students are required to apply for the credential program (through the Secondary Education Department) in February of the calendar year in which they plan to student teach. The College of Education provides monthly Overviews, which outline the application process and procedures. The prospective student must pass the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) as well as an assessment interview with the Music Education faculty. In the interview the applicant is expected to demonstrate musical and interpersonal skills essential to music teaching, as well as an overall synthesis of learning.

Once accepted into the Single Subject Credential in Music, students must complete the following 30 units to earn the preliminary Single Subject Credential:

Fall Semester-Externship (15 units)
MusEd 442 (3 units)
MusEd 449E (3 units)
EdSec 410 (3 units)
EdSec 440F (2 units)
EdSec 440S (4 units)

Spring Semester-Student Teaching (15 units)
MusEd 449I (10 units)
MusEd 449S (3 units)
EdSec 460 (2 units)

To Learn More

For more information on the credential process, see the College of Education website.

Or Contact: Dr. Dennis Siebenaler at
(657) 278-3510 or
> E-mail

Write:
California State University, Fullerton
Department of Music
P.O. Box 6850
Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
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