English Education Major

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.

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.

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. 

Back to top

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. 

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.

Back to top