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SINGLE SUBJECT

High school students working with lab equipment

About the Single Subject Program Overview

If you prefer to focus on a specialized subject(s) in grades 6th – 12th grades, a Single Subject Teaching Credential is the path for you.

After primary teachers cultivate the young student’s love for learning, social skills, and emotional development, you will develop these students further along while focusing on one subject such as math, English, history, or science.

As a single subject teacher, you may find the depth of your subject specialization more rewarding than a wide variety of subjects and work with ages that converse easier than at the primary level. You'll also have a broader base of students in your daily activity with a faster-paced lesson as the day progresses. The day can move quickly!

Single Subject Credential (junior high through high school) candidates are placed in their single subject matter course throughout student teaching. We partner with many school districts for clinical practice placements. These schools are chosen based on their ethnic, race, and socioeconomic diversity as well as the inclusion of students with disabilities and the use of curriculum that is aligned with California’s adopted content standards and frameworks. 

The program is available both in-person and online. Your success is our success as you prepare to enter one of the most rewarding in-demand careers today.

CANDIDATES WILL:

  • Take courses that prepare them to be culturally responsive teachers in their classroom
  • Participate in teaching experiences in a clinical placement that takes theory to practice about the importance of culturally responsive teaching, restorative justice and authentic care in a diverse classroom setting
  • Nurture and educate English language learners through an inclusive and positive class environment
  • Develop critical and creative problem-solving for student empowerment across all academic subjects
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues, families, and the community

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Statement of Professional Dispositions
  • Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for admission
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Certificate of Clearance issued by the CTC
  • Basic Skills Bachelor Degree Requirement
  • Subject Matter Competency
  • Completed pre-program Field Experience Verification Form
  • Current Resume

An interview with the Admissions Committee will be scheduled once your completed application has been reviewed and meets all the requirements.

 

CURRICULUM:

FALL SEMESTER (13 units) SPRING SEMESTER (13 units) SUMMER SESSION (9 units)

EDUC X315:  English Methods

EDUC X316:  History Methods

EDUC X317:  Math Methods

EDUC X318:  Science Methods

EDUC X301:  Foundations in Education (3 units)

EDUC X401:  Learning, Cognition, and Instruction (3 units)

EDUC X303:  Clinical Practice 1 (4 units)

EDUC X400:  Research Methods in Education (3 units)

EDUC X314:  Single Subject Reading for Understanding (3 units)

EDUC X302:  Teaching Practicum (3 units)

EDUC X305:  Clinical Practice 3 (4 units)

EDUC X313:  Technology Supported Project Based Learning (3 units)

EDUC X311:  Diverse Students, Inclusive Instruction (3 units)

EDUC X312:  Project-Based Instruction (3 units)

 

TRACK INFORMATION:

  • English
    Candidates seeking an English credential are passionate about teaching middle or high school students the English Language Arts. Candidates on this track will take EDUC X315: Single Subject Methods – English.
     
  • Social Science
    If you love history, this credential will allow you to introduce your students to this subject. Candidates on this track will take EDUC X316: Single Subject Methods – Social Science.
     
  • Math
    This credential is for those candidates who love Math. Candidates may seek a Foundational-Level Math credential that authorizes you to teach general math courses such as pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and probability and statistics in grades 7-12. The Mathematics credential authorizes you to teach higher-level math courses in grades 7-12. Candidates on this track will take EDUC X317: Single Subject Methods – Mathematics.
     
  • Science
    Candidates who enjoy the sciences and want to share this knowledge with their students should seek a Science credential. Candidates may pursue a credential in Foundational-Level General Science, Life Sciences (Biology), Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences (Geosciences), and Physics. These credentials allow you to teach the following:

Foundational-Level Science Credential

  • Introductory and general science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory life science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory physical science (Grade 12 and below)

Science: Chemistry Credential

  • Chemistry - AP Chemistry, IB Chemistry, College Preparatory Chemistry, General Chemistry, Consumer Chemistry, etc. 
  • Introductory and general science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory life science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory physical science (Grade 12 and below)

Science: Earth and Space Sciences (Geosciences) Credential

  • Earth Science, Geoscience, Astronomy, AP Environmental Science
  • Introductory and general science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory life science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory physical science (Grade 12 and below)

Science: Life Sciences (Biology) Credential

  • Physics - AP Biology, IB Biology, College Preparatory Biology, General Biology, Physiology, Life Sciences, Anatomy, Botany, Genetics, Physiology, Zoology, Microbiology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, etc. 
  • Introductory and general science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory life science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory physical science (Grade 12 and below)

Science: Physics Credential

  • Physics - AP Physics 1, 2 & C, IB Physics, College Preparatory Physics, Conceptual Physics, General Physics, etc.
  • Introductory and general science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory life science (Grade 12 and below)
  • Introductory physical science (Grade 12 and below)

Candidates on this track will take EDUC X318: Single Subject Methods – Science

 

Contact us today to learn more about applying to the credential program.

 

REQUIRED CSETs

 

Estimate Cost of Attendance: $17,185 (tuition & related credential fees) 
Click here for more information about tuition and fees, including financial aid.

 

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Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Additional information is available by visiting the University of California | Office of the President and the California Department of Education.

Accreditation

The Teacher Preparation Program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

On August 6, 2021, The Commission on Teacher Credentialing granted full institutional approval to the University of California, Merced.

 
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