School of Education

Internship Information

The Internship Pathway is an alternative pathway to earning a California Teaching Credential.  The internship program allows a candidate to be the teacher of record in an approved K-12 classroom while earning their preliminary teaching credential. Through a partnership between the school district and the School of Education, Interns complete a state-approved, CSU, Chico credential program. Internships must be within the Chico State Service Area (PDF). Internships are only offered in the Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist programs.

Candidates without previous classroom experience may not be eligible for an internship in their first semester in the credential program. Internships will be approved on a case by case basis in consultation with School of Education faculty and staff. 

Note: Internships must be pre-approved and Paid Interns must seek employment and complete the hiring process themselves – the School of Education does not find intern positions. To qualify for a teaching practicum, the student must be hired by the school district as a Paid Intern, not as a long-term substitute or on any other authorization.

Internship Process

Step 1: Review the admission requirements on the Teaching Credential Checklist (PDF). These must be met to be considered for an internship, including passage of a U.S. Constitution course (POLS 155 or equivalent) or exam. The requirements are determined by the CA Education Code, Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and CSU, Chico. There are no exceptions. If you have already applied to the credential program and completed the Teaching Credential Checklist, please review the Intern Eligibility Checklist (PDF)

Step 2: Set up an appointment with a Credential Advisor here.

Step 3: Once you have received acceptance into a CSU, Chico Teaching Credential Program, and if you are interested in pursuing an internship, email credentials@csuchico.edu to start the approval process. 

Step 4: Credential Services completes a review for Intern Eligibility. 

Step 5: Once the Intern Eligibility review is complete, the prospective intern will be notified by the credentials office to set up an Internship Approval Interview with the Program Coordinator. 

Step 6: Credential Services Office will provide next steps via credentials@csuchico.edu if the Program Coordinator approves the internship. 

Internship Deadline Policy

All requirements to be an intern must be completed by August 1st for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester. This includes CalState Apply, prerequisite course(s) and the US Constitution requirement, Subject Matter Requirement (CSET), Bachelor’s Degree*, COC, and TB.

*Chico State graduates may be eligible for a later conferral deadline of January 15 for spring starts if they meet the eligibility requirements for the deadline extension. For more information on this exception and to review eligibility, contact credentials@csuchico.edu.

Related Information

Application Deadlines

Application Window: December - March 1st (Fall Term Start)

  • Bilingual
  • Concurrent
  • Education Specialist
  • Multiple Subject
  • BEST (Multiple Subject credential & MA in Teaching)
  • Single Subject
  • Education Specialist Add-On

Application Window: July - October 1st (Spring Term Start)

  • Education Specialist
  • Multiple Subject
  • Single Subject
    • Art, Music, and World Languages (Spanish) are Fall Start only
  • Education Specialist Add-On