Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI)

The Chico State Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) provides services and scholarships to individuals looking to become credentialed teachers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

  • Services

    We help future math and science teachers with:

    • subject matter preparation
    • credential program application process
    • financial aid information and scholarship opportunities
    • credential examination preparation resources

  • MSTI Scholarships

    1. Recruitment Scholarship - for incoming students.

    2. MSTI Scholarship - for current students.

    Read below to learn about the preferred criteria and how to apply.

Apply for an MSTI Scholarship

  • Math and Science Teacher Initiative Scholarship

    The Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) Scholarships support students who plan to become secondary (middle or high school) mathematics or science teachers and intend to complete their credential at Chico State. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per academic year for full-time students (with adjusted amounts for part-time enrollment). Both incoming and continuing students are eligible to apply.

    Selection is based on academic achievement, progress toward a math or science degree, commitment to becoming a high-quality teacher, intent to apply for the Chico State Credential Program, and financial need.

  • Math and Science Teacher Initiative Application

    Additional details are included within the application for all elements of required information and documents.

    This scholarship is for current students.
    Apply to the MSTI Application

Scholarships Criteria and Documents Checklist

Scholarship Preferred Criteria

  • Academic achievement and progress towards an appropriate degree: The level of success in content courses will be considered for transfer students.
  • Commitment to becoming a quality teacher.
  • Intent to apply for the Credential Program at Chico State.
  • Financial need: A student's unmet financial need will be considered.

Current Student MSTI Scholarship Only
Commitment to becoming a quality teacher. This could include involvement in any of the following activities: Project MATH, the Hands-On Science and Mathematics Labs, Science Teaching Club (NSTA Student Chapter), work with K-12 students, tutoring, SI employment, courses/seminars designed for science teaching, or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to becoming a quality math or science teacher.

Application Documents Checklist

  1. Application Form - Use the link provided above to complete the application.


  2. Unofficial Transcripts - You will be asked to upload your transcripts. If you have multiple transcripts, combine them into a single document before uploading.

    For Recruitment Scholarship Only
    Incoming freshmen must provide an (unofficial) copy of their high school transcript showing the courses they have completed, the grades received, and a list of their current courses.

    Transfer students must provide an (unofficial) copy of their college or community college transcript showing the list of courses they have completed, the grades received, and a list of their current courses.

  3. Personal Narrative (please see application for narrative questions)

Credential Program Prerequisite Advising

If you are a junior or senior and are getting close to completing your undergraduate degree and are looking for information about eligibility for the credential program at Chico State, we recommend you explore workshops and services from our credential advising team.

In-Service Teacher Support

Interested in adding a Math, Science, or Computer Science Content Area or Authorization to your Credential?

Get an added Math or Science credential or authorization at a LIMITED COST to you!
Teachers can apply for MSTI support. Before applying for this support, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
  • One of the following valid, unexpired California teaching credentials:
    • Multiple Subject
    • Single Subject
    • Standard Elementary
    • Standard Secondary
    • Special Secondary

Please note that this support requires you to complete the tests or courses needed and to complete the application for CTC authorization. This must be done through the Chico State's School of Education to be valid for the program funds. Contact the Chico MSTI Team email with questions.

If you are a current credential candidate or already hold a multiple or single-subject teaching credential, MSTI can help you add a math or science credential. You’ll need to do the following:

  1. Pass the required CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) exams in the subject area for which you want to add a credential.
    • MSTI will reimburse you for the cost of the CSET once it has been passed.
  2. If you wish to add a single subject outside of your credentialed discipline—such as wanting to add science if you have a single subject in math, or vice versa; or if you have a multiple subject credential and want to add a single subject in math or science—you must complete and pass a methods course in the subject area you want to add. Chico State offers science and math methods courses through the School of Education - see the Class Schedule. Currently, the School of Education provides a high-flex option for the math methods courses, while the science methods course is offered in a face-to-face format.
  3. To get reimbursed, please email Dr. Jennifer Oloff-Lewis (MSTI Director) at joloff-lewis@csuchico.edu 

Fresno State

Fresno State is currently offering a CSET: Mathematics Subtest III course and will offer CSET: Mathematics Subtest I and II courses this summer. In addition, CSET preparation workshops for every science area are offered on Saturdays throughout the year. Recordings and materials are provided to all enrolled.

MSTI-Fresno State CSET Workshop Registration Form
Includes the schedule

The first step in this process is for you to verify subject-matter competence, which we will support through the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).

You can view the CSET information page and register for tests. It can be the case that you need to pay for the exam in order to see the available testing appointments. Prepare to schedule a test out a couple of months if needed, and patience will be necessary during this time.

You can use the FLM or FLGS to identify the CSET(s) you must pass. There are two tests for mathematics (211 and 212) and one for science (215). The pages will offer you links to preparation materials, and there are more options for preparation available on a partner CSU campus website.

Once you pass the appropriate CSET(s), then you are ready for the next step.

  • If you already have a single subject credential, you are ready to apply through the CTC to add the credential, and our Chico State Credential Advisor will assist with this process.
  • If you are a multiple subject credential, then you will need to take a secondary pedagogy course to meet the credential requirements. These courses are offered regularly through Chico State Extension courses, and you will be referred to an advisor once you have passed the appropriate CSET(s).
The final requirement of this opportunity is that you apply for the credential through our Chico State Credential Office so that we can track the application and confirm you have received the authorization. The CSET and CTC Application fees will also be reimbursed to you after you apply.

Are you an in-service teacher looking to expand your credentials and teach computer science? Chico State’s Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Program offers a fully online, flexible pathway to earn your authorization in just four courses. Designed for educators from all subject areas, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge to bring high-quality computer science instruction to your students. Whether you're new to coding or have prior experience, you'll gain practical strategies to integrate computational thinking and programming into your teaching. Learn more and apply today: Chico State Computer Science Authorization.

The campus community gathers to celebrate and reflect on the efforts of the Math and Science Teaching Initiative (MSTI) during the Celebrate Math and Science Teaching Event

About MSTI

The California State University (CSU) is the state's largest producer of mathematics and science teachers. The CSU Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) represents their commitment to increasing CSU's annual production of credentialed teachers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Fast Facts

The Chico State MSTI program aims to increase the total number of math and science students enrolling in undergraduate or post-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs.

33k

projected new math and science teachers in the next decade

$100k

in approx. scholarship awards provided by MSTI to future teachers