Computer Science Supplementary Authorization

CSUCI's Computer Science Authorization Course 

CSU Channel Islands is an accredited university that offers credentialed teachers the opportunity to conveniently take all the required graduate-level courses to earn a Computer Science Supplementary Authorization. The online format of the Computer Science Specific Supplementary Authorization courses makes it easy for teachers to fit professional development into their busy schedules. 

The courses are available for single subject and multiple subject teachers who want expertise in integrating computer science principles into K-12 instruction. 

CSUCI's program will satisfy the requirements for the Specific supplementary authorization (Introductory authorization is included), allowing single subject educators to teach preschool - adults and multiple subject teachers to teach courses for grade 9 and below.

From the CTC Handbook:

Introductory supplementary authorizations may be added to the Single Subject, Standard Secondary, and Special Secondary (in academic subject areas only) Teaching Credentials and authorize the holder to teach the supplementary subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks for study in grades 9 and below. This allows an employer to assign a teacher with an introductory supplementary authorization to teach a class in which the curriculum is for grades 9 and below but the students in the class may be in grades 10-12. Supplementary authorizations added to a Multiple Subject or Standard Elementary Teaching Credential authorize the holder to teach departmentalized classes related to the supplementary authorization listed on their credential in grades 9 and below. Elementary credentials will list the same subjects but the word “Introductory” is not listed.

Specific supplementary authorizations may be added to Single Subject, Standard Secondary and Special Secondary (academic subject areas only) Teaching Credentials and authorize the holder to teach the specific subject in grades preschool, kindergarten-12, and classes organized primarily for adults.

The CSUCI courses offer teachers the chance to earn the supplementary authorization at the Specific level. Teachers complete one course at a time during Summer Sessions A and B, in addition to the following Fall and Spring Semesters, and Summer Session A. The online course offers communication channels between instructors and students, as well as between the teachers taking the class together. Instructors in the courses are highly trained Computer Science faculty members. 

Specific Computer Science Supplementary Authorization 

Completion of all courses in the Computer Science Specific Supplementary Authorization authorizes multiple or single subject teachers to teach K-12 computer science courses, as well as classes designed primarily for adults. 

The five courses (16 units total) are: 

• COMP 610: Computer Science for Educators (3 units) - An introduction to computer systems, including web applications, word processing, spreadsheets and databases emphasizing their use in educational settings. 

• COMP 605: Introduction to Programming (3 units) - Provides a balanced view of computing and provides an introduction to the world of computer science. In depth coverage of the design, development, and expression of algorithms. Covers a variety of concepts relevant to the beginning student, including computer organization and design. Content focuses on computational thinking. 

• COMP 650: Object oriented programming (4 units) - Introduction to algorithms, their representation, design, structuring, analysis and optimization. The course introduces the concept of object paradigm, design and implementation of algorithms as structured programs in a high level language. Content focuses on computing practice and programming. 

• COMP 647: Societal issues in Computing (3 units) - Surveys the role of the digital computer in modern society. Topics include: dangers of the misuse of computers, privacy, copyright, computer crime, legal and social issues, as well as the ethical and appropriate use of computers. This course has a substantial focus on writing. 

• EDUC 660: Computer Science Teaching Methods (3 units) - This class focuses on pedagogical theory, effective teaching methods and instructional strategies to support the teaching of computer science by encouraging inquiry, creativity, and collaboration. Content focuses on pedagogy of computer science. 

Funding

The MSTI grant will provide funding support for all participants, covering the tuition fees for COMP 647 and 660 in the Summer 2025. Ventura County teachers will receive additional funding through a VCOE grant, covering COMP 605 and 650. Please refer to the table below for details.  

CTC Notice

Once the courses listed above are completed, teachers can send their transcripts and supporting documents to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to apply for a Computer Science Supplementary Authorization. 

Students must receive a “C” or better grade in each class to be eligible for the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization. Teachers must apply directly to CTC for the Supplementary Authorization. Please visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  

The final decision regarding an applicant's academic eligibility for a supplementary or subject matter authorization will be determined by CTC staff when the documentation is submitted and the application is evaluated.