English Education Major

The English Education curriculum at Cal Poly Pomona prepares students to enter single subject credential programs and become English teachers at the secondary level. The curriculum is distinct from the Literary Studies option in that it features pedagogy, linguistics, and literacy courses that will better prepare you for a career as a middle school or high school English teacher.

This information is intended as a general outline of the English Education major option. For a detailed list of requirements, including GE requirements, please consult the Curriculum linked under Important Links. Contact the English Education coordinator, Dr. Alison Baker (abaker@cpp.edu), with questions.

1. What courses are required?

If you are a new major this year, see the English Education curriculum for 2024-2025, which lists Major/Option courses and General Education requirements.

If you started the major in an earlier year, see the Curriculum requirements for the academic year you began the major.

Note for students on earlier curriculum years: the Single Subject Credential Directed Coursework/CSET courses are recommended but not required to graduate.

2. When do I apply for the credential program?

You should apply during the semester you graduate. The credential is a post-baccalaureate program, so you must have your bachelor's degree before you enter. Here is quick reference:

If you are graduating in fall, you can apply to start the credential beginning the following spring (Sept. 15 application deadline) or summer (Feb. 1 application deadline).
If you are graduating in spring, you can apply to start the credential beginning the following fall (Apr. 1 application deadline) or spring (Sept. 15 application deadline).

Of course, you can also take time off and return to the credential program when you are ready.

3. How do I apply for CPP’s credential program?

Application to the Single Subject Credential program is through the Education department, and the most up-to-date information is on its website. There are two key steps:

Apply online for entrance to Graduate Studies through https://www.calstate.edu/apply. Click “apply online“ and then “graduate admissions.“ There is a $70 application fee, and you can apply to waive it.
File a complete application with the Education department, following these steps to complete the admissions packet. We recommend spending 4-6 weeks to compile all documents. For assistance, contact Jennifer Garcia, Credential Analyst.

4. Which state-level requirements must be met for the credential application?

See the full application here. There are several important requirements you need to be aware of as a potential credential applicant.

Meet the Basic Skills requirement. There are a variety of ways of doing this, including taking and passing the CBEST Exam, qualifying ACT and SAT scores, or getting a B- or higher on qualifying coursework. In AB 130, the state defines this coursework as:
- For reading proficiency: a course in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
- For writing proficiency: a course in composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
- For mathematics proficiency: a course in algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.
Meet the Subject Matter Competency requirement. There are several ways to do this, including the CSET Exam. With the passing of AB 130, all students graduating with a degree in English will meet the requirement for a single subject credential program in English, as the degree name matches the credential name. This includes students in all three options of the English degree at Cal Poly Pomona.
Meet the Early Field Experience (EFE) requirement. Complete 45 hours of relevant field experience within four years of your application. Examples of relevant experiences include volunteering in a classroom, conducting field observations for a course, substitute teaching, working as an after school program aide, working with scouts, and coaching. For more information, review the form on the application website. Your EFE hours should be as directly relevant to your future classroom age and focus as possible.
Get screened for TB. This can be done anywhere, but we recommend going to Student Health Services, as it is convenient and inexpensive.

5. When can I apply?

Students can apply to the Single Subject Credential Program in English for the Fall or Spring semesters. The standing dates are:

September 15 for Spring admission
February 1 for Summer admission
April 1 for Fall admission

You can view an orientation session here for more information.

6. What are the minimum GPA requirements for credential admission?

You must have an overall GPA of a 2.5 and a 2.75 in your last 60 credit hours. In general, you do not want anything below a "C" in subject matter coursework in English. If you have a GPA that does not meet these requirements, you have the opportunity to submit a Statement of Exceptional Admission in your application packet, and you should seek a recommender who can speak to your strengths or reasons for a lower GPA.

7. What support is available to me as a pre-credential student?

The English Education coordinator is your point person for moving through the degree and advising. Currently, this is Dr. Alison Baker (abaker@cpp.edu). You can also meet with any English Education advisor. Once you move into the credential application process, you should contact relevant support in the Education department.

8. Can I start taking credential courses early?

Yes! We recommend doing so, as it allows you to move more quickly through the degree and save money by paying the undergraduate tuition rate. If you have any extra hours in your undergraduate degree plan, you can take your four foundations courses early. Eligible courses include:

EDU 5010: Foundations of Teaching and Learning
EDU 5020: Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society
EDU 5200: Secondary Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
EDU 5302: Educating Students with Disabilities

Up to nine hours (3 courses) can be petitioned to count toward your credential program's hours. All four courses will be counted toward curriculum requirements, however. Use the “Request by an Undergraduate for Graduate Credit” petition linked on the Graduate Studies website.

9. What is the difference between a credential and a master's degree?

The credential is a one-year postgraduate program that certifies you to teach in middle school and high school in public schools in California. You will take courses on literacy, pedagogy, assessment, classroom management, and subject-specific teaching methods. If you want to teach in high school, you need this credential.

There are two master's degrees you might be considering. A master's degree in English qualifies you to do many things, one of which is teach freshman and sophomore-level courses in English. These could include composition, rhetoric, literature, TESOL, or creative writing, depending on your program and interests. You could work at a community college, four-year university, or at a high school doing dual enrollment courses (you would likely also need a credential). A master's degree in Education prepares you for educational leadership and administration positions. This degree is different from subject-matter master's degrees that would qualify you to teach English at a collegiate level. CPP has a program that allows you to get your credential and master's in Education at the same time.

K-12 teachers often get their master's degrees at some point in their careers as part of their professional development. It is not required, but it can mean more opportunities for teaching dual enrollment, moving into administration or leadership, or a pay raise. If you are not sure what degree you want to pursue, we recommend talking with an advisor.

Contact Information

Dr. Alison Baker, English Education Coordinator

abaker@cpp.edu or (909) 869-2738