Center for Mathematics and Science Education

Become a Math or Science Teacher

General Information

To become a mathematics or science teacher you must complete a credential program.  In order to be accepted into a credential program you must have:

  • Completed the Basic Skills Requirement (see below)
  • Earned a Bachelor's Degree
  • Demonstrated Subject Matter Competency

Chico State Supports Future Teachers

Chico State has scholarship programs, funds to help students pay for necessary tests and applications, student teaching clubs, specialized campus housing, and more to support future math and science teachers. Get more information.

Chico State has many options open to students wanting to earn a BA/BS in order to gain subject matter preparation to enter a Teacher Preparation Program. Programs open to students wanting to teach math or science:

Department of Science Education(opens in new window)
Preparation as a middle school science teacher or informal science educator

Department of Mathematics & Statistics(opens in new window) 
Preparation as a middle or high school mathematics teacher

Department of Biological Sciences(opens in new window)
Preparation as a high school biology teacher

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry(opens in new window)
Preparation as a high school chemistry teacher

Department of Geological & Environment Sciences(opens in new window) 
Preparation as a high school physical sciences teacher

Department of Physics(opens in new window)
Preparation as a high school physics teacher

Undergraduate Advising for Math and Science Teacher Preparation

If you are an undergraduate and are interested in being a math or science teacher, you should contact the person in your major department for pre-service teacher advising. If you are uncertain who to contact, look here to find the advisor for your undergraduate subject matter preparation program, please contact the appropriate subject specialist here.(opens in new window) 

CSET Exams

CSU, Chico Credential Program

Basic Skills Requirement

The Basic Skills Requirement can be met many ways.

For detailed information about the teaching credential program and pathways, please visit the Chico State School of Education.
The Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service provided by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) contains more detailed information.
The most straight forward way to achieve both a bachelor's degree and subject matter competency is to complete one of our CCTC approved degree programs for future science and mathematics teachers. They are listed below as are the faculty advisors for each program.

If you already have another bachelor's degree you can get subject matter competency by passing the appropriate CSET Exam linked below.  Chico State, through its programs and proper advising, prides itself in providing a seamless transition from an undergraduate program through completion of a credential pattern. Please contact Departments and Advisors in your area of interest.

Have a Question?

Contact the following coordinators for additional information:

Faculty Co-Director - Mathematics 
Brian Lindaman
blindaman@csuchico.edu

Faculty Co-Director - Science 
Anne Stephens
akstephens@csuchico.edu