In California, unlike in most states, most teachers first earn a baccalaureate (i.e., undergraduate) degree in an academic field before completing the requirements for a teaching credential. Thus, because most students receive their undergraduate degree before enrolling in a teacher credential program, California is said to have a "fifth year" credential program, meaning that the coursework largely is part of a "graduate level" program.

At San Jose State it is often possible for undergraduate students to begin to take some the coursework towards the "teaching credential" during the senior year. More importantly, the Science Education Program can arrange for you to learn how to tutor younger students, to work in local schools to gain insight and experience, to interact with a professional scientist, and possibly to receive scholarships or paid internships to support your studies. Identify yourself as a future teacher as soon as you arrive in the College of Science, and we'll take special care of you. You are needed and wanted by us.

If you have not yet earned a baccalaureate degree, but are planning to be a teacher, go to Undergraduate Majors Leading To Science Teaching.

If you already have a baccalaureate degree or higher, go to Information for Post-baccalaureate students.