You Can Major in Anything and Still Be a Teacher

n this series, Professor G joins Dr. Figueroa Ramírez to explain every step toward becoming an elementary-school teacher (T.K.–6) in California. This first installment lays the academic foundation: choosing a major, meeting state competency rules, and timing your outreach to universities.



1. Any Major Can Lead to Teaching—Plan Intentionally



While traditional pathways such as Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Child Development, or Liberal Studies align naturally with teacher preparation, you can major in anything—even Business or Political Science—and still earn a credential. The key is to make every course count toward:



Your associate’s degree (community college)



Transfer requirements for a bachelor’s program



Subject-Matter Competency (SMC) courses mandated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)



Work with Counselors from Day One



Meet with a community-college counselor as soon as you identify teaching as a goal. Map out classes that double up: they satisfy general-education, transfer, and SMC requirements simultaneously.



2. Understanding Subject-Matter Competency



Elementary teachers must prove readiness to teach three broad content areas:



English Language Arts & Social Science



Mathematics & Science



Visual & Performing Arts / Physical Education / Human Development



You can show competency through approved coursework or, later, by passing state exams—so filling gaps early can save you testing fees and study time.



3. What Exactly Is “Elementary” in California?



A Multiple-Subjects Credential authorizes teaching from Transitional Kindergarten (T.K.) through 6th grade in public schools. (Educators working with students who have special needs may serve up to age 22.) A credential is issued only after you finish your bachelor’s degree and complete a university-based teacher-preparation program.



4. The Academic Milestones at a Glance



Community College (AA/AS) 60 units, complete GE + as many SMC courses as possible



University Bachelor's 120 total units (40 classes) finish major & any remaining SMC work



Credential Program Post-baccalaureate Master pedagogy, fieldwork, and state assessments



5. Reach Out to Credential Offices Early



Even before you transfer, email or attend free information sessions hosted by CSU, UC, or private-college credential programs. Advisors can:



Validate which community-college classes waive future state exams



Flag university-specific deadlines and prerequisites



Prevent you from taking (and paying for) unnecessary courses



Tip: California hosts 23 CSU campuses plus several UCs and private institutions with teacher-credential programs. The sooner you engage, the more options—and savings—you secure.



6. Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Majors



At Sacramento State, two popular “teacher” majors are Liberal Studies (broad survey of all K-6 subjects) and Child & Adolescent Development (CHAD). Liberal Studies often embeds all SMC classes; CHAD may require extras. If you’re a Psychology or Chicano Studies major, expect to add courses or pass exams to cover any missing subject areas.



7. Exams, Grades, and the Myth of the Perfect Student



If you skip required coursework, you’ll take the CTC’s standardized exams—an added hurdle that disproportionately affects first-generation and under-represented students. Yet grades alone do not define future teaching excellence:



A C-average student can still become an exceptional teacher.



A traditional major does not guarantee instructional skill.



Dr. Figueroa Ramírez closes this segment by reminding listeners that your potential lies in preparation and persistence, not a transcript line



8. The CSET: Cost, Structure, and Smart Prep



For non-traditional majors—or anyone missing required coursework—the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) are the primary way to prove subject-matter competency.



9. Work Backward from Application Deadlines



You do not need your bachelor’s degree or all CSET scores to apply, but finishing exams early prevents timing crises. Dr. Figueroa recounts seniors juggling midterms, jobs, and family—then realizing they have no study window before the February deadline, effectively delaying admission an entire year.



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