Admissions

Applying to CSULB

Congratulations for choosing to become an elementary school teacher and thank you for selecting CSULB’s MSCP as the place to earn your credential.  Because this is a big step, we want to support you through the application process. 

Students that already hold a bachelor's degree or whom will be graduating with their degree (bachelors or masters) at the end of the current semester should apply to CSULB for the semester they wish to begin taking credential courses. ITEP Liberal Studies students do not need to reapply to the university. Please be aware that a SSN or ITIN number is required to obtain a Certificate of Clearance and apply to the Credential Program.

  • The CSULB deadline for Fall admission to the University is June 1. 
    *International Student Admission Deadline for Fall admission is April 1.
  • The CSULB deadline for Spring admission to the University is November 1.
    *International Student Admission Deadline for Spring admission is October 1.

The University application deadline is firm.  Applications to the university will NOT be accepted after the deadline.  Candidates that miss the university deadline may attend through Open University until the next application period. Please be aware that admission to the university does not constitute admission to the program. Candidates must also submit the MSCP Program Application as indicated below and participate in an interview with program faculty the semester they are enrolled in pre-requisite courses. This is a second and separate application from the Cal State Apply online application. 

Instructions on how to apply to CSULB are available.

Applying to the Multiple Subjects Credential Program

To enter the Multiple Subjects Credential Program, there are two possible ways.   

  1. Undergradute admissions through Liberal Studies Major:  MSCP ITEP Pathway 
  1. Post-baccalaureate admissions after earning a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. 
MSCP Two Ways to Enroll: Undergraduate (MSCP ITEP) and Post-Baccalaureate (Traditional)

 

Liberal Studies—ITEP Pathway  

 Undergraduate students in the Liberal Studies program can earn their credential while completing their undergraduate studies. Liberal Studies majors may begin taking credential methods courses in their third or fourth year (60–90 units); however, it is recommended that undergraduates take only a maximum of 12 units of credential courses and submit a Request for Graduate Credit during their final undergraduate year prior to graduating. For most students this is the fourth year, but for those who take longer than four years to complete the program, the request should be submitted in their last year of undergraduate coursework before graduation.   

Liberal Studies students must meet the following admission criteria to be eligible for admission to the Multiple Subject Credential Program: 

  • Applying to MSCP program through MyCED prior to the appropriate deadline  
  • G.P.A. of at least 2.75 for the last 60 semester units or 2.50 overall  
  • Completion and passage of oral interview with program faculty (can be taken one year before application) 
  • Current TB test verification  
  • Successful completion of pre-requisite course EDEL 200 with a B or better 
  • Submission of a complete online application  prior to the appropriate deadline  

These students submit their MSCP application during or after taking EDEL 200.  If this pathway interests you, please consult your Liberal Studies advisor for more information. 

Post-Baccalaureate Students 

Prospective credential students who have already earned a degree (bachelor's, master's, or other advanced degree) must apply to CSULB as a Post-Baccalaureate student in MSCP.  

Post-baccalaureate students must enroll in pre-requisite course (EDEL 380: Teaching and Learning in a Democratic Society) before applying to the MSCP program.  Most students complete the application while enrolled in this course. 

The application process involves two important steps: 

  1.  Applying to CSULB:  
  1. The deadline to apply to CSULB for fall is June 1. 
    (International applicant deadline for fall is April 1.) 
  1. The deadline to apply to CSULB for spring is Nov. 1. 
    (International applicant deadline for spring is Oct. 1.) 
  1. Applying to MSCP program through MyCED prior to the appropriate deadline  
  1. G.P.A. of at least 2.75 for the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units, or 2.67 overall  
  1. Completion and passage of oral interview with program faculty (See section about Candidate Interview)  
  1. Current TB test verification  
  1. Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence (SMC) through one of the following pathways: 
  1. Passage of CSET: Multiple Subjects (all three subtest) (Scores valid for ten years after passing test date and must be valid at the time credential is completed)  
  1. Through completion of a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from an accredited institution 
  1. Through completion of coursework in each of the subject matter domains. Candidates using this pathway must request an evaluation from the Liberal Studies Department. Evaluations are only done from current CSULB students enrolled in MSCP pre-requisite courses.  
  1. Through verification of a combination of coursework and exam.  
    Subject Matter Competency (SMC) is required for program admission. Candidates will not be considered without proof of SMC in one of the afore mentioned avenues. Candidates that need to take the CSET exam for all or part of the SMC requirement must have passing scores to be considered for admission. 

MyCED Application Deadlines

  • Liberal students who have completed 60 or more units may apply to the Multiple Subject Credential Program using MyCED. 
  •  Post-Baccalaureate students enrolled in EDEL 380 may apply to the Multiple Subject Credential Program using MyCED. 

Note: MYCED application is separate from the application through Cal Apply. 

 

Credential Program Application Periods

To Begin Pedagogy Courses in:Final Application Deadline
Spring

Priority Deadline November 1st  @ 5pm

Final Deadline December 1st @ 5pm

UTEACH Pathway - Begins Fall Semester OnlyMarch 15 @ 5pm
Summer/Fall

Priority Deadline April 1st  @ 5pm

Final Deadline May 1st @ 5pm

Complete credential program application must be submitted online at MyCED.  The MSCP application and instructions for submitting are available below under Program Application Requirements. To access MyCED, you must be a current CSULB student or have already submitted your application on calstate.edu/apply and received a Campus ID#. The MSCP application is typically completed while enrolled in the program pre-requisite course, EDEL 380 or EDEL 200.

Candidates are required to complete an interview with a program faculty member prior to being admitted to the program.  It is suggested that the interview be completed prior to submitting a program application.   

Please contact the CED’s Student Success and Advising Center to sign up for an interview in the semester you are planning to submit your program application. Students may begin signing up in late September for Spring applications and in late February for Summer and Fall applications. Interviews ONLY take place in March, April, May, October, November, and December, as faculty are not available during winter or summer. Because interview times fill quickly, candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the office early in the semester to secure an appointment. 

Candidates must meet the following admission criteria to be eligible for admission to the Multiple Subject Credential Program:

  • Submission of a complete application on MyCED prior to the appropriate deadline
  • G.P.A. of at least 2.75 for the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units, or 2.67 overall
  • Completion and passage of oral interview with program faculty
  • Verification of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement
  • Current TB test verification
  • Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence (SMC) through one of the following pathways:
    1. Passage of CSET: Multiple Subjects (all three subtest) (Scores valid for ten years after passing test date and must be valid at the time credential is completed),
    2. through completion of a CTC approved Subject Matter Preparation Program,
    3. Through completion of a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from an accredited institution
    4. Through completion of coursework in each of the subject matter domains. Candidates using this pathway must request an evaluation from the Liberal Studies Department. Evaluations are only done from current CSULB students enrolled in MSCP pre-requisite courses.
    5. Through verification of a combination of coursework and exam. 

      Subject Matter Competency (SMC) is required for program admission. Candidates will not be considered without proof of SMC in one of the afore mentioned avenues. Candidates that need to take the CSET exam for all or part of the SMC requirement must have passing scores to be considered for admission.
  • Successful completion of pre-requisite courses with a B or better

Use the checklist below to organize your application documents prior to uploading all required documents to MyCED. 

  • Personal Statement – 1-2 Pages Types, double space. Describe why you have chosen teaching as a career, what you hope to accomplish as a teacher and how you view the role of the teacher.
  • Unofficial Transcripts – Candidates will need Unofficial Transcripts from EACH institution you have attended, including CSULB.
  • Valid Negative TB Test – Skin Tests, Risk Assessments and Blood Tests are valid for 4 years and Chest x-rays are valid for 8 years. Verification must show the date read and results (negative).
  • Subject Matter Competence (NOT Required for ITEP Applicants) – Proof of passage of the CSET exam, completion of an Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program, transcripts verifying a bachelors degree in Liberal Studies or official verification of a combination of coursework and official CSET scores. Click on Subject Matter Competency in the navigation menu for more information on available options.
  • CTC Clearance - Take a Screen shot of your Certificate of Clearance, 30 Day Sub Permit, Child Development Permit or Activity Supervisor Permit from the CTC website showing Document Number and Expiration Date.
  • Confidential Applicant Recommendation Form  - Candidates will enter the name and email address in MyCED for and individual who is familiar with the candidate’s abilities and dispositions in a professional setting. The recommender will be sent a link to the Recommendation Form to be completed and sent back directly to the program.
  • EDEL 380/200 Clinical Practice Evaluation or 2nd Confidential Applicant Recommendation Form - Candidates that completed the 45 hours of clinical practice in EDEL 380/200/300 during Spring 2023 or prior may submit the Clinical Practice Evaluation.  Beginning in Spring 2024 candidates can enter the name and email address for their Demonstration Teacher into MyCED to send the Clinical Practice Evaluation link for them to complete.
    Candidates that did not complete the 45 hours of Clinical Practice or that receive a Clinical Practice Wavier or Course Equivalency for EDEL 380/200 should submit a 2nd name and email address for a 2nd Confidential Applicant Recommendation Form in MyCED.
  • Faculty Interview Report – Sign up for a Faculty Interview with TPAC if you have not yet completed an MSCP interview with the last 2 years. This should be done prior to submitting your complete application.

Click Here to Access MyCED to Begin Your MSCP Application

For assistance in Submitting your MyCED application click here. 

Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.

Please keep copies of all of the above documents for your own records

If you have any questions, contact the Student Success and Advising Center at ced-tpac@csulb.edu or stop by and see an advisor in EED-18. The office is open Monday -Friday from 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm. 

 

Once students are accepted into the MSCP program, they enter the methodology and Clinical Practice II phase, enrolling in pedagogy courses and engaging in supervised classroom experiences designed to integrate theory with practice. 

In their final semester(s), candidates complete a full-time student teaching placement in classrooms under a Cooperating Teacher along with support from a University Mentor; placements are managed by the Office of Clinical Practice, and students must meet requirements such as passing CSET subtests (if applicable), maintaining a 3.0 in methods courses, and holding valid clearances (e.g., TB test, Certificate of Clearance) before they can student teach. 

Candidates that are attending through Open University, graduating with a degree (bachelors or masters), have never attended CSULB or have been away from the university for a semester or more without an approved Education Leave of Absence must also submit an application to the university at Cal State Apply by the appropriate deadline to be able to enroll in credential courses for the following semester.  The university application is separate from the program application detailed above and has separate deadlines.  For more information go to Applying to CSULB--MSCP in the navigation menu.