Become a Teacher

As California experiences a shortage of teachers with backgrounds in math, science, bilingual education, and special education, as well as with identities that better reflect the increasing diversity and multiculturalism of today's K-12 students, there is no greater time than now to become a transformative educator. At SJSU and the Lurie College of Education, we have numerous teacher preparation programs for you to start or continue your journey towards pursuing equity and social justice in education. Based on your current level of education, choose one of the 3 pathways below to learn more about the academic opportunities available.

• Enrolling at SJSU with a bachelor's degree
• Enrolling at SJSU as a first-year undergraduate student
• Enrolling at SJSU as a transfer undergraduate student

If at any time you'd like to learn more about our academic opportunities or need additional support with your application or academic advising, please contact our SJSU Lurie College of Education Student Success Center in Sweeney Hall 106 at 408-924-2700 or [email protected] and our outreach team will happily assist you!

Enroll with a Bachelor's Degree

Our teacher certification programs will successfully prepare you to earn a teaching credential to teach in the areas of elementary education, secondary education, or special education. Initial information about each of those programs is outlined below. 

Academic Opportunities at the K-8 / Elementary Level

Learn about Adriana Priego, who is enrolled in the SJSU Multiple Subject Credential Program and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Program while also earning a Bilingual Authorization.

• Enroll in our Multiple Subject Credential Program

  • Anyone with a bachelor's degree is eligible to apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program - your undergraduate background does not have to be in a teacher prep or education. Initial requirements typically include:

    1. 45 hours of pre-professional experience is highly recommended (observing, volunteering, or working in a K-8 public school classroom with a credentialed teacher). If you need assistance with finding a placement to complete these hours, please contact our Lurie College Student Success Center.
    2. Basic Skills Requirement - Passing CBEST score or equivalent
    3. At least 1 passing CSET score and proof of registration for remaining tests (or proof of SMC equivalency)
    4. 2.50 GPA (2.75 for SAGE)
    5. Certificate of Clearance (US Social Security or US Tax ID number required)
    6. No GRE required

    Some of these requirements have changed slightly in response to COVID-19. Visit our Multiple Subject Credential Program webpage for steps to apply and to attend an upcoming info session.

• Enroll in our Multiple Subject Credential Program with Spanish Bilingual Authorization

  • Anyone with a bachelor's degree is eligible to apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program - your undergraduate background does not have to be in a teacher prep or education. Initial requirements typically include:

    1. 45 hours of pre-professional experience (observing, volunteering, or working in a K-8 public school classroom with a credentialed teacher). If you need assistance with finding a placement to complete these hours, please contact the SJSU Lurie College of Education Student Success Center.
    2. Passing CBEST score
    3. At least 1 passing CSET score and proof of registration for remaining tests (or proof of equivalency)
    4. 2.75 GPA
    5. No GRE required

    Some of these requirements have changed slightly in response to COVID-19. Visit our Multiple Subject Credential Program webpage for steps to apply and to attend an upcoming info session.

    Our Critical Bilingual Authorization Program (CBAP) is also designed for candidates who are bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish and so it has the additional components:

    1. Three of the credential courses are taught in Spanish (assignments are completed in Spanish too!)
    2. Student teaching is in a bilingual classroom
    3. Pass the CSET III: Spanish to be fully authorized to teach in a bilingual classroom
• Enroll in our Multiple Subject Credential Program (with Master of Arts in Teaching)

  • Anyone with a bachelor's degree is eligible to apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program - your undergraduate background does not have to be in a teacher prep or education. Initial requirements typically include:

    1. 45 hours of pre-professional experience is highly recommended (observing, volunteering, or working in a K-8 public school classroom with a credentialed teacher).  If you need assistance with finding a placement to complete these hours, please contact our Lurie College Student Success Center.
    2. Passing CBEST score or equivalent.
    3. At least 1 passing CSET score and proof of registration for remaining tests (or proof of SMC equivalency)
    4. 2.50 GPA (2.75 for SAGE)
    5. Certificate of Clearance (US Social Security or US Tax ID number required)
    6. No GRE required

    Some of these requirements have changed slightly in response to COVID-19. Visit our Multiple Subject Credential Program webpage for steps to apply and to attend an upcoming info session.

• Enroll in our Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy Education MA program

  • The Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy master’s program prepares educators to center the experiences of historically underserved youth at the heart of literacy teaching and learning. With a focus on teaching PK-12 multilingual youth and students who have not been traditionally well-served by public schools, this 30-unit program meets the requirements of California’s Reading and Literacy Leadership Credential.

    For more information, visit our Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy Education website.

Academic Opportunities at the High School / Secondary Level

Learn about Ander Lucia, who is enrolled in the Single Subject Credential Program in the SJSU Lurie College of Education.

• Enroll in our Single Subject Credential Program (with Master of Arts in Teaching)

  • Anyone with a bachelor's degree is eligible to apply to our Single Subject Credential Program - your undergraduate background does not have to be in a teacher prep or education. Initial requirements typically include:

    1. 45 hours of pre-professional experience (observing, volunteering, or working in a K-12 public school classroom with a credentialed teacher).  If you need assistance with finding a placement to complete these hours, please contact our Lurie College Student Success Center.
    2. Passing score on CBEST score
    3. Passing scores on all CSETs or proof of equivalency
    4. 2.75 GPA
    5. No GRE requirement

    Some of these requirements have changed slightly in response to COVID-19. Visit our Single Subject Credential Program webpage for updates and to attend an upcoming info session.

• Enroll in our Single Subject Credential Program with Spanish Bilingual Authorization

  • Bilingual Single Subject Candidates who wish to be able to teach in their Subject Area through the language of Spanish can also apply to earn a Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) during their Single Subject Credential Program.

    Our Critical Bilingual Authorization Program (CBAP) is designed for candidates who are bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish and so it has the additional components:

    1. Three of the credential courses are taught in Spanish (assignments are completed in Spanish too!)
    2. Student teaching is in a bilingual classroom
    3. Pass the CSET III: Spanish to be fully authorized to teach in a bilingual classroom
• Enroll in our Single Subject Credential Program and Master of Arts in Science Education

  • Single Subject Credential Program science candidates can also earn a Master's in Science Education, which is provided concurrently through the Science Education Department. Science candidates will apply to the Single Subject Credential Program rather than Masters/Graduate program.

Academic Opportunities in Special Education

Learn about Clarissa Johnston, recent alumni of the moderate-severe credential program. Clarissa was also recognized as the Teacher of the Year of her school, Ryan STEAM Academy, and her school district, Alum Rock Union School District, for the 2019-2020 academic year.

• Enroll in our Education Specialist Credential Program

  • There are 3 areas of specialization for the Education Specialist Credential Program - Mild-Moderate Disabilities Education, Moderate-Severe Disabilities Education, and Early Childhood Special Education. Your undergraduate background does not have to be in a teacher prep or special education. All BA or BS holders are eligible to apply with the following prerequisites:

    1. 45 hours of pre-professional experience (observing, volunteering, or working in a K-8 public school classroom with a credentialed teacher). If you need assistance with identifying a placement for these hours, contact our Lurie College Student Success Center.
    2. CBEST and CSET passing scores (or proof of equivalency)
    3. 2.75 GPA

    Some of these requirements have changed slightly in response to COVID-19. Visit our Department of Special Education website for more information and to register to attend an upcoming info session.

• Enroll in our Education Specialist Credential with MA in Education: Emphasis in Special Education

  • There are 3 areas of specialization for the Special Education MA program - Mild-Moderate Disabilities Education, Moderate-Severe Disabilities Education, and Early Childhood Special Education. Your undergraduate background does not have to be in a teacher prep or special education. All BA or BS holders are eligible to apply with the following prerequisites:

    1. 45 hours of pre-professional experience (observing, volunteering, or working in a K-8 public school classroom with a credentialed teacher). If you need assistance with identifying a placement for these hours, contact our Lurie College Student Success Center.
    2. CBEST and CSET passing scores (or proof of equivalency)
    3. 3.0 GPA
    4. MA Writing Assessment or GRE Analytical Writing (passing score of 4.0 score or better)

    Some of these requirements have changed slightly in response to COVID-19. Visit our Department of Special Education website for more information and to register to attend an upcoming info session.

Enroll as a First-Year Undergraduate Student

Academic Opportunities at the K-8 / Elementary Level

Learn about Rachel HyeYoung Park, who first earned a bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development at SJSU before enrolling in the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program at SJSU.

• Major in Child and Adolescent Development

  • This major provides students with a well-rounded foundation in how children and adolescents develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. This teacher preparation major also gives students an opportunity to explore several subject areas that are commonly taught in K-8 classrooms and a practicum experience in a K-8 classroom.

    After earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Child & Adolescent Development (Teacher Preparation Pathway), students will be prepared to apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program.

• Major in Liberal Studies

  • Through this major, students will experience a rich, rigorous, and cross-disciplinary program of study with several opportunities to have practical experiences in local schools. Liberal Studies offers several degree earning options:

    1. After earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Liberal Studies, students will be prepared to apply to a Multiple Subject Credential Program.
    2. In the junior year, students can apply to the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP).  This program allows students to earn a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.  You can also choose to add a Spanish Bilingual Authorization (BITEP).
• Minor in 1 of 5 different subject areas

  • All students, regardless of major, can apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program after earning a bachelor's degree.  SJSU students who major in Psychology, Sociology, Chicana and Chicano Studies (or any other major) should complement their major area of study with a minor in the Lurie College of Education to develop a deeper understanding of teaching, learning, human development, and more, all of which is beneficial in any organizational context.

    - Minor in Atypical Child Studies: The courses for this minor in Atypical Child Studies provide a solid foundation in both normative and atypical early childhood development. The minor is particularly beneficial for students who plan to pursue careers in a number of branches of the social and life sciences, education, medicine and other human services professions focusing on atypical infants/children and their families.

    - Minor in Child & Adolescent Development: The courses for the minor in Child & Adolescent Development offer a range of opportunities to examine the course of human development with special emphasis on the period from infancy through adolescence. The minor is particularly appropriate for students planning to enter the fields of education, social welfare, nursing, child care, and other human services professions.

    - Minor in Deaf Education: Develop a basic understanding of American Sign Language, introduction to deaf culture, and speech, language, and typical development over 4 courses.

    - Minor in Elementary Education: If you're interested in becoming a teacher, working in the non-profit sector, working in any type of child advocacy work such as law or social work, or plan to work in a diverse environment where understanding how individuals learn and process information is beneficial, then this 4 course minor is for you.

    - Minor in Special Education: Complete a 4-course track in Mild-to-Moderate Disabilities, Moderate-to-Severe Disabilities, or Early Childhood Special Education. Courses taken for the Minor in Special Education can be used towards an Education Specialist Credential Program.

• Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Programs - Complete your BA, MA, and Credential Programs Simultaneously

  • The Lurie College of Education’s Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) programs provide undergraduate students with an accelerated path to a teaching credential and masters degree. SJSU students can apply for SAGE programs when they meet the eligibility requirements, typically during their junior years.

    SAGE scholars pursue their bachelor’s and graduate degrees simultaneously, earning graduate credit as undergraduate students. These programs provide a rigorous and cohesive educational experience that integrates subject matter, pedagogy and research. The benefits are numerous, including:

    1. reducing the number of units to earn the bachelor’s, credential and master’s degrees
    2. allowing students to pay undergraduate fees for some graduate courses
    3. providing students with a seamless application when applying to a graduate career.

    Multiple Subject / Elementary Education Programs

    - BA, Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation, Multiple Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching (with an optional Spanish Bilingual Authorization)

    Learn more about each of these programs on the SJSU Catalog's SAGE webpage.

Academic Opportunities at the High School / Secondary Level

Learn about Allyson Landreth, who first earned a bachelor's degree in biology from SJSU before enrolling in the Single Subject Teaching Credential Program at SJSU to become a science educator.

• Major in a related subject area

  • Consider which subject you have an interest in teaching.  The subject areas offered through our Single Subject Teaching Credential program include:

    - Art
    - English
    - Foreign language: French, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
    - Kinesiology (Physical Education)
    - Math
    - Music
    - Science: Biology, Chemistry, Foundation Level Science, Geoscience, Physics
    - Social Science

    so a major that provides you with a good foundation for one of those subject areas should be beneficial.  There are several suggested majors available on the SJSU Catalog website that will prepare you for the eligibility requirements of the Single Subject Credential Program.

    During your undergraduate program, volunteer in a public middle school or high school, in the subject area that you are interested in. Spend 45 hours there and you have met one of the requirements to apply to a credential program.

    After earning an undergraduate degree in your desired subject area, you will be prepared to apply to our Single Subject Credential Program.

• Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Programs - Complete your BA, MA, and Credential Programs Simultaneously

  • The Lurie College of Education’s Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) programs provide undergraduate students with an accelerated path to a teaching credential and masters degree. SJSU students can apply for SAGE programs when they meet the eligibility requirements, typically during their junior years.

    SAGE scholars pursue their bachelor’s and graduate degrees simultaneously, earning graduate credit as undergraduate students. These programs provide a rigorous and cohesive educational experience that integrates subject matter, pedagogy and research. The benefits are numerous, including:

    1. reducing the number of units to earn the bachelor’s, credential and master’s degrees
    2. allowing students to pay undergraduate fees for some graduate courses
    3. providing students with a seamless application when applying to a graduate career.

    Single Subject / Secondary Education Programs

    - BA, African American Studies, U.S. History Minor, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    - BA, Art, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    - BS, Kinesiology, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    - BA, Social Science, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    Learn more about each of these programs on the SJSU Catalog's SAGE webpage.

Academic Opportunities in Special Education

• Major in a related subject area

  • Students who apply to our Education Specialist Credential Program typically have varying, but relevant, undergraduate degrees. Our majors that provide a great pathway are:

    1. Child & Adolescent Development
    2. Liberal Studies
    3. Communicative Disorders & Sciences

    If you choose a different major, you can still apply to the Special Education Credential Program after earning your BA degree.

• Minor in a related subject area

  • Complete a minor in one of our following programs to develop some initial academic insights into special education:

    1. Atypical Child Studies
    2. Child & Adolescent Development
    3. Deaf Education
    4. Special Education (mild/moderate, moderate/severe, early childhood)

    Some courses in the Special Education minor also count towards the credential. Meet with one of our Lurie College Student Success Center advisors for more information.

• Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Programs - Complete your BA, MA, and Credential Programs Simultaneously

  • The Lurie College of Education’s Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) programs provide undergraduate students with an accelerated path to a teaching credential and masters degree. SJSU students can apply for SAGE programs when they meet the eligibility requirements, typically during their junior years.

    SAGE scholars pursue their bachelor’s and graduate degrees simultaneously, earning graduate credit as undergraduate students. These programs provide a rigorous and cohesive educational experience that integrates subject matter, pedagogy and research. The benefits are numerous, including:

    1. reducing the number of units to earn the bachelor’s, credential and master’s degrees
    2. allowing students to pay undergraduate fees for some graduate courses
    3. providing students with a seamless application when applying to a graduate career.

    Special Education Programs

    - BA, Liberal Studies, Education Specialist Credential, and MA in Special Education

    -BA, Child and Adolescent Development, Education Specialist Credential in Early Childhood Special Education, and MA in Special Education

    Learn more about each of these programs on the SJSU Catalog's SAGE webpage.

Enroll as a Transfer Undergraduate Student

Learn about Liliana Adler, who first earned an associate's degree from Ohlone College before enrolling in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development at SJSU.

Academic Opportunities at the K-8 / Elementary Level

• Major in Child and Adolescent Development

  • This major provides students with a well-rounded foundation in how children and adolescents develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. This teacher preparation major also gives students an opportunity to explore several subject areas that are commonly taught in K-8 classrooms and a practicum experience in a K-8 classroom.

    1. Take prerequisites for the major at the community college level. Contact our Lurie College Student Success Center Outreach Advisor for guidance.
    2. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Child & Adolescent Development (Teacher Preparation Pathway), students will be prepared to apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program.
• Major in Liberal Studies

  • Through this major, students will experience a rich, rigorous, and cross-disciplinary program of study with several opportunities to have practical experiences in local schools. Liberal Studies offers several degree earning options:

    1. Take prerequisites for the major at the community college level. Contact our Lurie College Student Success Center Outreach Advisor for guidance.
    2. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, students will be prepared to apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program.
    3. In the junior year, students can apply to the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) - this program allows students to earn a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. You can also choose to add a Spanish Bilingual Authorization (BITEP). At orientation, meet with the Liberal Studies program advisor for details.
• Minor in 1 of 5 different subject areas

  • All students, regardless of major, can apply to our Multiple Subject Credential Program after earning a bachelor's degree.  SJSU students who major in Psychology, Sociology, Chicana and Chicano Studies (or any other major) should complement their major area of study with a minor in the Lurie College of Education to develop a deeper understanding of teaching, learning, human development, and more, all of which is beneficial in any organizational context.

    - Minor in Atypical Child Studies: The courses for this minor in Atypical Child Studies provide a solid foundation in both normative and atypical early childhood development. The minor is particularly beneficial for students who plan to pursue careers in a number of branches of the social and life sciences, education, medicine and other human services professions focusing on atypical infants/children and their families.

    - Minor in Child & Adolescent Development: The courses for the minor in Child & Adolescent Development offer a range of opportunities to examine the course of human development with special emphasis on the period from infancy through adolescence. The minor is particularly appropriate for students planning to enter the fields of education, social welfare, nursing, child care, and other human services professions.

    - Minor in Deaf Education: Develop a basic understanding of American Sign Language, introduction to deaf culture, and speech, language, and typical development over 4 courses.

    - Minor in Elementary Education: If you're interested in becoming a teacher, working in the non-profit sector, working in any type of child advocacy work such as law or social work, or plan to work in a diverse environment where understanding how individuals learn and process information is beneficial, then this 4 course minor is for you.

    - Minor in Special Education: Complete a 4-course track in Mild-to-Moderate Disabilities, Moderate-to-Severe Disabilities, or Early Childhood Special Education. Courses taken for the Minor in Special Education can be used towards an Education Specialist Credential Program.

• Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Programs - Complete your BA, MA, and Credential Programs Simultaneously

  • The Lurie College of Education’s Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) programs provide undergraduate students with an accelerated path to a teaching credential and masters degree. SJSU students can apply for SAGE programs when they meet the eligibility requirements, typically during their junior years.

    SAGE scholars pursue their bachelor’s and graduate degrees simultaneously, earning graduate credit as undergraduate students. These programs provide a rigorous and cohesive educational experience that integrates subject matter, pedagogy and research. The benefits are numerous, including:

    1. reducing the number of units to earn the bachelor’s, credential and master’s degrees
    2. allowing students to pay undergraduate fees for some graduate courses
    3. providing students with a seamless application when applying to a graduate career.

    Multiple Subject / Elementary Education Programs

    - BA, Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation, Multiple Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching (with an optional Spanish Bilingual Authorization)

    Learn more about each of these programs on the SJSU Catalog's SAGE webpage.

Academic Opportunities at the High School / Secondary Level

• Major in a related subject area

  • Consider which subject you have an interest in teaching. The subject areas offered through our Single Subject Teaching Credential program include:

    - Art
    - English
    - Foreign language: French, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
    - Kinesiology (Physical Education)
    - Math
    - Music
    - Science: Biology, Chemistry, Foundation Level Science, Geoscience, Physics
    - Social Science

    so a major that provides you with a good foundation for one of those subject areas should be beneficial. There are several suggested majors available on the SJSU Catalog website that will prepare you for the eligibility requirements of the Single Subject Credential Program.

    Take all lower division general education (GE) courses and any prerequisites for your desired major. While in community college, or once you have transferred to SJSU, volunteer in a public middle school or high school in the subject area that you are interested in. Spend 45 hours there and you have met one of the requirements to apply to a credential program!

    After earning an undergraduate degree in your desired subject area, you will be prepared to apply to our Single Subject Credential Program.

• Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Programs - Complete your BA, MA, and Credential Programs Simultaneously

  • The Lurie College of Education’s Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) programs provide undergraduate students with an accelerated path to a teaching credential and masters degree. SJSU students can apply for SAGE programs when they meet the eligibility requirements, typically during their junior years.

    SAGE scholars pursue their bachelor’s and graduate degrees simultaneously, earning graduate credit as undergraduate students. These programs provide a rigorous and cohesive educational experience that integrates subject matter, pedagogy and research. The benefits are numerous, including:

    1. reducing the number of units to earn the bachelor’s, credential and master’s degrees
    2. allowing students to pay undergraduate fees for some graduate courses
    3. providing students with a seamless application when applying to a graduate career.

    Single Subject / Secondary Education Programs

    - BA, African American Studies, U.S. History Minor, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    - BA, Art, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    - BS, Kinesiology, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    - BA, Social Science, Single Subject Credential, and MA in Teaching

    Learn more about each of these programs on the SJSU Catalog's SAGE webpage.

Academic Opportunities in Special Education

• Major in a related subject area

  • Students who apply to our Education Specialist Credential Program typically have varying, but relevant, undergraduate degrees. Our majors that provide a great pathway are:

    1. Child & Adolescent Development
    2. Liberal Studies
    3. Communicative Disorders & Sciences

    In order to prepare for one of these majors, view our Advising Roadmaps to ensure you take the appropriate prerequisites:

    1. Child & Adolescent Development [pdf]
    2. Liberal Studies [pdf]
    3. Communicative Disorders & Sciences [pdf]

    Contact our Lurie College Student Success Center Outreach Advisor at [email protected] for additional guidance.

• Minor in a related subject area

  • If you choose a different major, you can still apply to the Education Specialist Credential Program after earning your BA degree. Instead, you can complete a minor in one of our following programs to develop some initial academic insights into special education:

    1. Atypical Child Studies
    2. Child & Adolescent Development
    3. Deaf Education
    4. Special Education (mild/moderate, moderate/severe, early childhood)

    Some courses in the Special Education minor also count towards the credential. Meet with one of our Lurie College Student Success Center advisors for more information.

• Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Programs - Complete your BA, MA, and Credential Programs Simultaneously

  • The Lurie College of Education’s Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) programs provide undergraduate students with an accelerated path to a teaching credential and masters degree. SJSU students can apply for SAGE programs when they meet the eligibility requirements, typically during their junior years.

    SAGE scholars pursue their bachelor’s and graduate degrees simultaneously, earning graduate credit as undergraduate students. These programs provide a rigorous and cohesive educational experience that integrates subject matter, pedagogy and research. The benefits are numerous, including:

    1. reducing the number of units to earn the bachelor’s, credential and master’s degrees
    2. allowing students to pay undergraduate fees for some graduate courses
    3. providing students with a seamless application when applying to a graduate career.

    Special Education Programs

    - BA, Liberal Studies, Education Specialist Credential, and MA in Special Education

    Learn more about each of these programs on the SJSU Catalog's SAGE webpage.