FAQs

• What is the first thing I need to do to obtain a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics?
  • You need to establish Subject Matter Competence in Mathematics. Please refer to the Programs page for details.
• I need to talk to a math education advisor.

  • There are two ways to get in touch with a math education advisor. You may send an email to mathedsjsu-group@sjsu.edu.

    If you have already completed a BA degree program and would like to obtain a single subject credential, the first step in applying to the program is to determine subject matter competency in mathematics. Please complete this Google document. Also read the advising packet [go to the Programs page].

    You will be contacted by an advisor once we have reviewed your information on the Google document.

• I emailed a math education advisor more than two days ago but haven't received a response. What can I do?
  • You may send an email to mathedsjsu-group@sjsu.edu or email Dr. Ferdie Rivera, Math Education Program Coordinator, at ferdinand.rivera@sjsu.edu.
• Does SJSU offer a Foundational Credential in Mathematics?
  • No, but please consult with a math education advisor who can provide you with information about alternative ways of teaching introductory mathematics through tenth grade.
• Does a Foundational Credential in Mathematics permit me to teach precalculus and AP math courses?
  • No. The Foundational Credential in Mathematics authorizes you to teach only in limited mathematics content areas: general mathematics, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and consumer mathematics.
• Does SJSU offer a combined single subject credential and master's degree in mathematics education?

  • The Department of Math & Statistics offers a Master of Arts in Mathematics with concentration in Mathematics Education only. Please email Dr. Wasin So, Math and Statistics Department Graduate Studies Coordinator, at wasin.so@sjsu.edu if you need to learn more about this MA degree.

    The Teacher Education Department, however, offers  a combined 3-semester Master of  Arts in Teaching with a single subject credential (in mathematics) degree. Please email Paula Oakes, Single Subject Credential  Program Coordinator, at paula.oakes@sjsu.edu if you need to learn more about this MAT with a single subject credential degree.

• Can I start the Single Subject Credential Program in Mathematics at SJSU without having passed all three CSET Math subtests?
  • No. You need to have passed all three CSET Math subtests before you submit your application to enroll in the Single Subject Credential Program. (Note: This requirement is waived due to the current pandemic situation.) 
• Can you tell me which courses I need to complete a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics?
  • Please email Ms. Paula Oakes,  Single Subject Credential Program Coordinator, at paula.oakes@sjsu.edu and set up time to meet with her to discuss the credential program. 
• What is the minimum GPA that is needed to establish subject matter competence in mathematics?
  • Please refer to the Programs page for details. 
• What options do I have if I do not have all math courses that are needed to establish subject matter competence in mathematics? 
  • You may either take all three CSET math subtests or pursue a combination of coursework  and math CSET subtests to establish  subject  matter competence in mathematics. Please refer to the Programs page for details.
• Can I do a combination of CSET math subtests and math courses to satisfy subject matter competence in mathematics?

  • Yes.

• I really would prefer to teach high school math but my undergraduate degree is not math (e.g., economics, business, psychology). What could I do?

  • Either take all the required math courses or pass all three CSET math subtests. Please refer to the Programs page for details. 

• I'm interested in teaching Algebra I, possibly Algebra II, and maybe Geometry. But I'm not comfortable teaching advanced math courses. Which credential is appropriate for me?

  • It all depends on your undergraduate preparation. You may complete a multiple subject credential program and add a Subject Matter Authorization to teach mathematics through Algebra I and Geometry. You may complete a non-math single subject credential program (English, Foreign Language, Science, P.E., etc.) and add a Subject Matter Authorization to teach mathematics only in limited content areas: general mathematics, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and consumer mathematics. Please refer to the Programs page for details. 

• Does a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics authorize me to teach mathematics in community colleges?

  • No. The Single Subject Credential in Mathematics authorizes you teach middle school and high school mathematics. To teach math in a community college,  you may need to earn a master's degree in mathematics. Please email Dr. Wasin So, department graduate studies coordinator, at wasin.so@sjsu.edu if you want to learn more about the MA Mathematics degree and options at SJSU.