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 |
Individuals Eligible for this Option | Any individual who needs demonstration of subject matter
competence for a credential, permit, or authorization |
Acceptable Majors for Multiple Subject (MS) Credential |
|
Acceptable Majors for Single Subject (SS) Credentials | Degree must be in an academic major that is an exact match to
credential:
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 Types | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees |
Institution Where Degree was Earned | Degree 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 matter | California Education Code §44310
(Other references: EC §44259 and EC §44280) |
Coursework Evaluation Needed to Determine Alignment with Subject Matter Requirements | Not 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)