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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 to waive the CSET (California Subject Exam for Teachers).  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 Competency Evaluation here.

Eligibility

Because of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements, the Teaching Credential Preparation minor is open only to undergraduate 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 and can fulfill the Subject Matter in Arts Requirements on a case-by-case basis through minoring in Community Arts Engagement along with additional coursework (as advised by the ACT Director), and a Subject Matter Competency Evaluation upon graduation. 

Required Courses 

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

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 Academic Plans (PDFs) to see how the Teacher Credential Preparation minor fits into your chosen major:
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
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2021-22 (class of 2025):
Teacher Credential Preparation Minor Academic Plan 21-22

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