If you want to teach biology at the middle or high school level in California you need a Single Subject Credential in Biology. The credential is a graduate degree so you must have your undergraduate degree completed prior to beginning the credential program. Cal Poly has an excellent Single Subject Credential Program. However, most CSU and US campuses offer credentials as well. The information listed below is specific for the Cal Poly program, but is similar to the requirements for other programs (check with those programs to learn their exact requirements).
If you are considering applying to the Cal Poly Credential Program for Biology contact the the single subject advisor (Prof. Himelblau: ehimelbl@calpoly.edu)
Prerequisites:
There is one prerequisite for the Cal Poly credential program. It can be fulfilled by one of two courses at Cal Poly:
EDUC 300 (offered every quarter) or...
SCM 300 (Spring only! SCM300 is offered only for Math students only in Fall and Winter.)
(Note: SCM 300 is a required course in the Biology Teaching Concentration. Students in other concentrations may use SCM 300 as an advisor approved elective.)
If you completed your degree at another institution and plan to apply to the Cal Poly program, contact the the single subject advisor (Prof. Himelblau: ehimelbl@calpoly.edu) about ways to fulfill this prerequisite.
Subject Matter Requirements:
You need to demonstrate that you have excellent biology content knowledge prior to entering the program. To do this you must pass the CSET exams. You should have passing scores for the CSET prior to your first quarter in the credential program...so plan to take the CSETs in your third or forth year. If you already have your degree take the CSETs in the Spring or early summer so you have scores reported by the Fall.
the required CSET exams are:
Science Subset I (General Science)
Science Subset II (General Science)
Science Subset III (Biology/Life Science)
The CSET website has several helpful links:
test dates (including when the scores are reported)
The CSETs are based on the California Science Framework. Many students have found this document to be a useful study too.
UC Irvine has created free on-line courses for CSETs (Science Subset I and II only).