Preliminary Teaching Credential Programs

The Multiple Subject Credential (MSC) is the teaching credential required to teach in self-contained classrooms, typically serving students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade (6).

The San Francisco State University (SFSU) MSC program prepares future educators to teach effectively in multilingual, racially, and culturally diverse classrooms throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Our faculty and students share a commitment to advancing social justice through education and creating more equitable and inclusive learning environments. Graduates join a strong, extensive network of teacher leaders who are making a meaningful difference in schools and communities across our region.

We offer a variety of pathways to earn the Multiple Subject Credential, including bilingual authorization in Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin, as well as the option to combine the MSC program with a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. Explore our program pathways to discover the option that best aligns with your interests and professional goals!

 Program Requirements

1. Proof of Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, excluding professional education majors. Degree must be awarded before enrollment.
2. Statement of Purpose: A 500–750-word essay describing your motivation to teach, relevant experiences, and preparation for working in diverse educational settings. MA + Credential applicants are also evaluated for graduate writing proficiency.
3. CV/Resume: Include relevant academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.
4. Early Field Experience: Complete at least 20 hours working with children or youth. Submit the SF State EFE form or equivalent signed documentation.
5. Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters (three recommended) from academic or professional references, including one who has observed your teaching. Letters must be signed, on letterhead, and no more than five years old. Letters from relatives are not accepted.
6. Subject Matter Competency: Demonstrate competency through a CTC-approved subject matter program, CSET examinations, qualifying coursework, an approved degree major, or a combination of coursework and CSET examinations.
7. Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance: Submit a negative TB skin test (valid for four years) or clear chest X-ray (valid for five years). Clearance must remain valid throughout the program.
8. Certificate of Clearance (COC): Submit a valid CTC-issued COC or acceptable CTC-issued credential or permit. Proof of application is accepted for initial review only. Final admission requires an issued COC or acceptable alternative.
9. Foreign Transcript Evaluation: Applicants with foreign degrees must submit a U.S. degree equivalency evaluation from a CTC-approved agency directly to SF State Credential Services, Burk Hall 244.

Important: Applicants are responsible for submitting all required documentation and meeting admission requirements before program enrollment. For more information about the requirements, please go to the following link

PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential | Become a Teacher PK/TK through Grade 3

PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program prepares candidates to teach in preschool through grade three.  The program prepares candidates to collaborate with professionals for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to meet the individual needs of all children and families. Our program incorporates cutting-edge educational theories, innovative and effective teaching practices, and guided field experiences in culturally and linguistically diverse schools.  

The program’s coursework and teaching placements guide and support candidates to develop culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate, and inquiry-based instruction to meet learning standards and promote social justice and equity for children and their families. Two post-baccalaureate pathways are offered (traditional student teaching and intern) in a hybrid modality, in which one-third of the content is delivered online and two-thirds face-to-face on the SFSU campus.

We also offer 1) an option to complete a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education program or Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction after credential students finish the credential program (18 additional units) AND 2) adding a bilingual authorization in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish to teach in a bilingual classroom setting from preschool through grade 3, after completing the credential program.

Application Requirements – Summary

Applicants must submit the following documents through Cal State Apply, unless otherwise specified.

1. Subject Matter Competency: Meet one of two requirements:
   • Degree Match: Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or another approved related major.
   • Coursework: Complete 24 semester units (36 quarter units) in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development at a regionally accredited institution, with grades of C or better. Courses must be degree-applicable and non-remedial.

Review the SMR Application Information and submit the SMR Assessment Form with supporting transcripts.

2. Proof of Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, awarded before enrollment. Submit available transcripts when applying and updated transcripts once the degree is awarded. Official transcripts are required upon admission.
3. Statement of Purpose: A 500–750-word essay describing your motivation to teach PK-3, relevant experiences, and preparation for working in diverse, collaborative educational settings.
4. CV/Resume: Include relevant academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.
5. Early Field Experience: Complete at least 30 hours in PK/TK and/or K–3 public school settings. Submit the completed SF State Early Field Experience Form.
6. Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters (three recommended) from academic or professional references. Letters must be signed, on letterhead, and no more than five years old. Letters from relatives are not accepted.
7. Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance: Submit proof of a negative TB skin test (valid for four years) or clear chest X-ray (valid for five years). Clearance must remain valid throughout the program.
8. Certificate of Clearance (COC): Submit a valid CTC-issued Certificate of Clearance or acceptable CTC-issued credential or permit. Proof of COC application and completed Live Scan may be submitted for initial review only. Final admission requires an issued COC or acceptable CTC-issued alternative.
9. Foreign Transcript Evaluation (if applicable): Applicants with foreign degrees must submit a U.S. bachelor's degree equivalency evaluation from a CTC-approved agency. Send sealed evaluations directly to SF State Credential Services, Burk Hall 244, San Francisco, CA 94132-4158.

Important: Applicants must submit all required documentation and meet admission requirements before beginning the credential program.

Explore the Department of Secondary Education's programs to find the right fit for your goals and learn more about each program's requirements.

Explore the Department of Special Education's programs to find the right fit for your goals and learn more about each program's requirements.

• Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary Education) Forms
• PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Forms
• Single Subject (Secondary Education) Forms
• Education Specialist (Special Education) Forms