Single Subject Program Admission

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

AB 130 expanded the available options to allow candidates to meet the Subject Matter Requirement through successful completion of an academic major in the subject they will teach. Utilize the table below to determine eligibility.

Additions added June 30, 2023, in Program Sponsor Alert 24-03:

1. For the single subject area World Language: English Language Development, an academic degree major in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

2. For the single subject area of Home Economics, an academic degree major in family and consumer science.

3. For the single subject area of Mathematics, an academic degree major in statistics.

4. For the single subject area of Science: Biological Science, an academic degree major in biology, biological engineering, or biochemistry. PROGRAM SPONSOR ALERT 23-04: Approval of Regulations Regarding Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence Page 3

5. For the single subject area of Science: Chemistry, an academic degree major in chemical engineering or biochemistry.

6. For the single subject area of Science: Geoscience, an academic degree major in geology or earth science.

7. For the single subject area of Science: Physics, an academic degree major in mechanical or structural engineering.

8. For the single subject area of Science: Foundational-Level Science, an academic degree major in any type of engineering or any degree major offered by a college or university science department.

Please email soe@calpoly.edu if you would like additional clarification of approved degrees.

Coursework

AB 130 allows candidates to use qualifying coursework to meet the domains of the CSET subtests. Candidates can determine if they are eligible for this option by requesting a SMC Evaluation.

• Candidates are only eligible to request Cal Poly SMC Evaluations if they are affiliated with Cal Poly, including candidates who: 

  • Completed an undergraduate degree at Cal Poly and are applying to enroll in an Educator Preparation Program at Cal Poly* OR,

  • Completed an undergraduate degree at another institution and are applying to enroll in an Educator Preparation Program at Cal Poly 

• Cal Poly SMC Evaluations can be requested by emailing the SOE Credential Office at soe@calpoly.edu. 

*We are unable to accept requests from Cal Poly undergrads who are not attending a Cal Poly credential program. 

• See AB-130 Coded Correspondence for additional information.
• Find more information about the Subject Matter Domains for each content area in the CTC's Domains of the Subject Matter Requirement document.

CSET Exams

Successful passing of all the CSET subtests specific to your credential objective. 

Find more information on the CTC Verification of Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Candidates site. 

Exams + Coursework

This option allows for some subtests to be met by coursework and some to be met by passing the CSET. For example, a candidate may meet Multiple Subjects CSET Subtest I with qualifying coursework, and meet Subtests II & III by passing the exams. Candidates should start by requesting a SMC Evaluation of their coursework to determine which subtests they meet with coursework. The Credential Office will then provide them with instructions on which subtests the candidate needs to take.

• Candidates are only eligible to request Cal Poly SMC Evaluations if they are affiliated with Cal Poly, including candidates who: 

  • Completed an undergraduate degree at Cal Poly and are applying to enroll in an Educator Preparation Program at Cal Poly* OR,

  • Completed an undergraduate degree at another institution and are applying to enroll in an Educator Preparation Program at Cal Poly 

• Cal Poly SMC Evaluations can be requested by emailing the SOE Credential Office at soe@calpoly.edu.

*We are unable to accept requests from Cal Poly undergrads who are not attending a Cal Poly credential program. 

• (See, AB-130 Coded Correspondence for additional information)

Subject Matter Preparation Program

Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission.