English & Modern Languages

English Education Major

The English Education curriculum at Cal Poly Pomona prepares students to enter single subject credential programs and become English teachers at the secondary level. The curriculum is distinct from the Literary Studies option in that it features pedagogy, linguistics, and literacy courses that will better prepare you for a career as a middle school or high school English teacher. 

This information is intended as a general outline of the English Education major option. For a detailed list of requirements, including GE requirements, please consult the Degree Curriculum Sheet linked under Related Links. Please contact the English Education coordinator, Dr. Kate Ozment (keozment@cpp.edu), with questions.

  1. What courses are required?
  2. How do I apply for CPP’s credential program?
  3. What state-level requirements must be met for the credential application?
  4. When can I apply?
  5. What are the minimum GPA requirements for credential admission?
  6. What support is available to me as a pre-credential student?
  7. Can I start taking credential courses early?

1. What courses are required?

If you are a new major this year, see the English Education curriculum for 2023-2024, which lists Major/Option courses and General Education requirements. Note that the Single Subject Credential Directed Coursework/CSET courses are recommended but not required to graduate.

If you started the major in an earlier year, see the Curriculum requirements for the academic year you began the major.

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2. How do I apply for CPP’s credential program?

Application to the Single Subject Credential program is through the Education department, and the most up-to-date information is on its website. There are two key steps: 

  1. Apply online for entrance to Graduate Studies through https://www.calstate.edu/apply. Click “apply online“ and then “graduate admissions.“ There is a $70 application fee, and you can apply to waive it.
  2. File a complete application with the Education department, following these steps to complete the admissions packet. We recommend spending 4-6 weeks to compile all documents. For assistance, contact Jennifer Garcia, Credential Analyst.

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3. Which state-level requirements must be met for the credential application?

There are several important requirements you need to be aware of as a potential credential applicant.

  1. Meet the Basic Skills requirement. There are a variety of ways of doing this, including taking and passing the CBEST Exam, qualifying ACT and SAT scores, or getting a B- or higher on qualifying coursework. In AB 130, the state defines this coursework as:
    • For reading proficiency: a course in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
    • For writing proficiency: a course in composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
    • For mathematics proficiency: a course in algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.
  2. Meet the Subject Matter Competency requirement. There are several ways to do this, including the CSET Exam. With the passing of AB 130, all students graduating with a degree in English will meet the requirement for a single subject credential program in English, as the degree name matches the credential name. This includes students in all three options of the English degree at Cal Poly Pomona. 
  3. Meet the Early Field Experience (EFE) requirement. Complete 45 hours of relevant field experience within four years of your application. Examples of relevant experiences include volunteering in a classroom, conducting field observations for a course, substitute teaching, working as an after school program aide, working with scouts, and coaching. For more information, review the form on the application website. Your EFE hours should be as directly relevant to your future classroom age and focus as possible. 
  4. Get screened for TB. This can be done anywhere, but we recommend going to Student Health Services, as it is convenient and inexpensive.

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4. When can I apply?

Students can apply to the Single Subject Credential Program in English for the Fall or Spring semesters. The standing dates are:

  • September 15 for Spring admission
  • February 1 for Summer admission
  • April 1 for Fall admission

You can view an orientation session here for more information. 

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5. What are the minimum GPA requirements for credential admission?

Students need to have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in the subject matter with no grade lower than a “C” in any of the subject matter coursework in English. If you have a GPA that is lower, you have the opportunity to submit a Statement of Exceptional Admission in your application packet, and you should seek a recommender who can speak to your strengths or reasons for a lower GPA. 

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6. What support is available to me as a pre-credential student?

The English Education coordinator is your point person for moving through the degree and advising. Currently, this is Dr. Kate Ozment (keozment@cpp.edu). You can also meet with any English Education advisor, using the contact information linked under Related Links. Once you move into the credential application process, you should contact relevant support in the Education department.

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7. Can I start taking credential courses early?

Yes! We recommend doing so, as it allows you to move more quickly through the degree and save money by paying the undergraduate tuition rate. If you have any extra hours in your undergraduate degree plan, you can take up to nine hours and petition them to count toward your credential program. Eligible courses include:

  1. EDU 5010: Foundations of Teaching and Learning
  2. EDU 5020: Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society
  3. EDU 5200: Secondary Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
  4. EDU 5302: Educating Students with Disabilities

Use the “Request by an Undergraduate for Graduate Credit” petition linked on the Graduate Studies website.

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