Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Family and Consumer Sciences Credential Program at CSULB?

If you are an undergraduate, simply register for EDSS 300H--Introduction to Teaching FCS. Application to the program is made during that course. The minimum GPA is 2.67 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 units. If you are a graduate student, you must apply for admission to the university as a graduate student. On the application where it asks for your major, indicate "single subject credential " as your major.

What if I complete EDSS 300H and my GPA is not at or above 2.67?

There is a petition process for candidates with GPAs below the standard. You may take subject matter courses or co-requisite courses while your petition is in process. Candidates with low GPAs should contact the Credential Advisor as soon as possible.

Can courses taken at a community college be accepted for the Family and Consumer Sciences Subject Matter requirements?

Yes. See the Credential Advisor for a list of articulated classes or go to assist.org to see if they articulate. You should be aware that a course taken at a community college cannot be the equivalent of an upper division course at CSULB. Upper division courses are 300-level courses and above.

Must I take all the courses in the Family and Consumer Sciences Credential Subject Matter Program? Can I take an exam instead?

You can choose to take the CAlifornia Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) as a substitute for the courses in the Family and Consumer Sciences subject matter program. Please note, there are no examination substitutes for the Professional Education courses in the credential program.

Can I take all courses in the program as an undergraduate?

You can take all courses in the Family and Consumer Sciences subject matter program as an undergraduate. You may also take EDSS 300H as early as the Junior year and the remaining Professional Education courses as an undergraduate except for student teaching, which must be done as a post-baccalaureate student.

What is a supplementary authorization? Should I try to get a supplementary authorization?

It is useful, but not essential, to have a Supplementary Authorization in order to get a job. Candidates can obtain authorization to teach in a second discipline by taking a total of 20 units (or 10 upper division units) in a particular academic discipline, such as Health Science, Science, or English, etc., which authorizes the candidate to teach that particular subject in middle school and high school curriculum. Full subject matter add-ons are available for teaching particular subjects at the high school level. Candidates interested in a Supplementary Authorization in another discipline should contact the Credential Advisor in that area.

I am also interested in a Master's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. Should I pursue the credential program and the Master's program at the same time?

If you already have a Bachelor's Degree and are only pursuing the Single Subject Credential, you can work toward your Master's Degree at the same time; however, the courses in the credential program do not count toward the MA degree in FCS. Consult with the Credential Advisor so that you do not make costly errors in planning your program.

Last update: 3/16/06