Credentials

Introduction

The primary function of the Agricultural Education Program is the preparation of teachers of agricultural education for the public secondary schools of California. Specialized preprofessional and professional courses are offered for undergraduate and graduate (fifth-year) students. Technological, scientific, and broad general education coursework for agriculture teaching candidates is offered throughout the College of Agriculture and other Colleges including the College of Education and Integrative Studies.

Students interested in becoming an agriculture teacher at either the middle school or high school level are advised to enroll in the agricultural science major and obtain a B.S. degree, or they may complete a B.S. degree in another approved major in the College of Agriculture. Agricultural science majors, however, meet the requirements of subject matter competency through the subject matter waiver embedded in the agricultural science major. Students completing another major must complete more course work in subjects deficient in their completed major or they must receive a passing score on the CSET for Agriculture. More information about the CSET test is available on the California Educator Credentialing Assessments website. 

In addition to subject matter coursework, students who plan to teach middle school or high school agriculture must have two years (equaling a minimum of 3,000 hours) of practical work experience in the agriculture industry and must complete the course requirements for the agricultural specialist credential concurrently with the single subject Credential in agriculture. Some of the coursework for both credentials can be applied towards a master's degree in agriculture, agricultural science option. Any students looking to continue to the credential program after their B.S. degree is awarded are urged to consult the agricultural education program coordinator early in their college career.

Agricultural Specialist Credential

Students preparing to teach middle school or high school agriculture must complete the requirements of the Single Subject Credential in Agriculture and the requirements for the Agricultural Specialist Credential. Courses for the Agricultural Specialist Credential include:

For more information on applying to the credential program and the requirements of the Single Subject Credential in Agriculture, visit the Cal Poly Pomona Credential Program Website