Credential Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of common inquiries and program notes for the Single Subject Credential Program. This list is updated on an ongoing basis.


FAQ's: Program Notes
1 What Single Subject Teacher Credential Programs are not offered at Fresno State?	The following programs are not offered at Fresno State: Business, Drama, Health Science, Home Economics
2 Can an admitted Single Subject Credential Canidate change academic subject matter areas midway through the program?	Due to the academic subject matter area requirements for the state-mandated assessment expectations of the FAST for Single Subject Credential Program Candidates, academic subject matter area credential option "transfers" within academic subject matter areas are not allowed.
3 How long does one have to complete the program?	All Single Subject Teacher Credential Courses must be taken within five years (this includes course substitution and pre-exemption validation) as courses are only valid for five years from the time of credential program completion. Please review our Advising and Curriculum page for course substitution information.
4 Is the Single Subject Teacher Credential Program an online program?	Fresno State's Single Subject Teacher Credential Program is not an "online" program even though some courses are offered online.
5 Can a Single Subject applicant be admitted without subject matter comptency (SMC)?	No. Potential applicants must meet subject matter requirements in their academic subject matter area prior to be being admitted into the Single Subject Teaching Credential Program. Please review our Subject Matter Requirements page for more information.
6 How are admission applications processed?	Space permitting, "complete" applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
7. What is the process for substituting a course and for credential transfers?	The course substitution process requires the completion of a course substitution FORM (link) that is then attached with a set of transcripts, a catalog description, and the syllabus of the course and submitted to the Single Subject (SS) Program Coordinator for review and "final" approval. With the exception of LEE 157, and student teaching (initial & final), (as these are the only courses that CANNOT be substituted due to the California's EL authorization affirmation requirements and SS program policy), requested courses must be compatible in units, equivalent in content, passed with a "C" or better, and must have been taken within the last 3-5 years in order to meet the most recent CTC TPE's requirements. If the coursework was taken while enrolled in another teacher credential program, a letter of good standing is also required for admission. NOTE: Fresno State will only accept a request of 6 equivalent units from colleges and universities outside of the California State University System and up to 12 units if the courses were taken with the CSU system. Courses beyond five years from the date of graduation are not accepted. .
8 Can I automatically join the Teacher Internship Program (TIP)?	No, as all candidates interested in pursuing a Single Subject Teacher Internship Progam Pathway (TIP) must be "intern" eligible, as outlined below: Be ADMITTED into the Single Subject (SS) Teacher Credential Program. Met the 120 hour pre-intern hours, as follows: A) Have voluntarily taken CI 180T during the summer through CGE ((or)) B) Successfully completed Phase 1 of the SS Credential Program. Be subject matter competent (SMC) in the subject area of the credential one is pursuing. Possess an undergraduate degree. Have successfully passed a US Constitution course. Have a job offer or a teaching contract specific to the subject area of the credential one is pursuing in hand Please visit the Teacher Internship Pathway website for elgibility specificity requirements and instructions on how to apply. NOTE: TIP policies supercede requirements listed above.