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Teacher Credential Preparation

Otis College is the only independent art and design college to offer a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Approved Subject Matter in Art Program

As part of the Artists, Community and Teaching Program (ACT), the Teacher Credential Preparation Minor is for students who wish to pursue the California Single Subject in Art Teaching Credential needed to teach in California Kindergarten-12th grade public schools. As a CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved Subject Matter in Art Program, the combined coursework of this minor with the Fine Arts BFA requirements satisfy the CA Subject Matter in Art requirements, and upon graduation, students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 will qualify for a CSET (California Subject Exam for Teachers) waiver.  A fifth year of study at another institution, or a two year internship at a CTC approved K-12 school, is required to complete the remaining CA Single Subject Credential requirements.

Those who wish to waive the CSET in Art but did not pursue Otis College's Teacher Credential Preparation minor can apply for a Subject Matter Compentency Evaluation here.

Eligibility

Because of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements, the Teaching Credential Preparation minor is open only to undergaduate Fine Arts majors. Students must be on track in their major and in good academic standing, with no more than 6 credits behind and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. 

Other undergraduate majors interested in art and design education are encouraged to pursue the Community Arts Engagement minor. Otis College Extension students can participate through concurrent enrollment in the Art Education Certificate Program: Teacher Credential Preparation track.

Required Courses
PNTG204 -or- Painting I* 3.0
PHOT204 -or- Photography I*  
SCNG204 Sculpture/New Genres I*  
LIBS213 Teaching for Learning I 3.0
ACTS336 Teaching Internship 2.0
LIBS313 Teaching for Learning II 3.0
PRNT263 Printmaking Survey 3.0
MEDA211 Video I 2.0
SCNG236 Ceramics 2.0
Total Credits   18.0

*Take which ever course was not taken for major.

Course Descriptions are listed in the Artists, Community and Teaching Program, Fine Arts, Communication Arts and Liberal Arts and Sciences sections of the Course Catalog.

Download one of the following PDFs to see how the Teacher Credential Preparation minor fits into your chosen major:
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2017-18 (class of 2021):
Teacher Credential Preparation Minor Academic Plan 17-18
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2018-19 (class of 2022):
Teacher Credential Preparation Minor Academic Plan 18-19
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2019-20 (class of 2023):
Teacher Credential Preparation Minor Academic Plan 19-20
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2020-21 (class of 2024):
Teacher Credential Preparation Minor Academic Plan 20-21

Learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies, eligibility requirements, and the application process.