AT A GLANCE
DEMONSTRATION OF SUBJECT MATTER COMPTENCE USING THE ACADEMIC MAJOR OPTION

The information below only applies if a candidate’s degree is in an academic major that is an exact match to the credential area they are seeking. If the degree is in an academic major that is not an exact match, see Allowable Options to Demonstrate Subject Matter Competence. This At-a-Glance document will be updated based upon the outcome of the regulatory process.

See additional options based on June 2023 regulations, PSA 23-04.

 

Statute authorizing use of academic major to verify subject matter

California Education Code §44310
(Other references: EC §44259 and EC §44280)

Individuals Eligible for this OptionAny individual who needs demonstration of subject matter competence for a credential, permit, or authorization
Acceptable Majors for Multiple Subject (MS) Credential
  • Liberal Studies
    See additional options based on June 2023 regulations, PSA 23-04.
  • Liberal Studies majors with additional modifiers (e.g., Liberal Studies: Urban Education or Liberal Studies: Elementary Education).
  • Other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282(b).
Acceptable Majors for Single Subject (SS) Credentials

Degree must be in an academic major that is an exact match to credential:
See additional options based on June 2023 regulations, PSA 23-04.

  • Agriculture
  • Art
  • Business
  • Dance
  • English
  • World Language (in any of the languages for which there is a credential)
  • Health Science
  • Home Economics
  • Industrial and Technology Education
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Science (including Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience or Earth and Space Science, and Physics)
  • Social Science
  • Theater

Also acceptable: Applied majors (e.g., Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics) and exact majors in one of the single subject areas that may have additional modifiers (e.g., Biology: Environmental Biology; Art: Art History; and Physical Education: Kinesiology).

Acceptable Academic Degree Major for Education Specialist Credentials Any of the above listed for MS or SS above
Acceptable Degree TypesBachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees
Institution Where Degree was EarnedDegree must have been earned at an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited (by WASC or one of the other regional accrediting bodies).*
Statute authorizing use of academic major to verify subject matterCalifornia Education Code §44310
(Other references: EC §44259 and EC §44280)
Coursework Evaluation Needed to Determine Alignment with Subject Matter RequirementsNot for this option.
Limitation on Time Passed Since Degree was Earned None
GPA Requirement None
Out of State Institution Acceptable?Yes, as long as the degree was earned at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.*

* Regional Accrediting Bodies approved by Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Updated June 30, 2023