Professional Specialization Certificate in College and Career Connections in the Secondary Curriculum

The Professional Specialization Certificate Program in College and Career Connections in the Secondary Curriculum is designed for teachers of all subjects who want to improve their understanding of what it means to prepare students for college and career and learn new ways to connect their course content to their students’ lives and communities.

This two-course program develops teachers’ ability to design and implement secondary-level curriculum and instruction that is authentic, relevant, cross-disciplinary, and future-oriented. Coursework provides a grounding in theory, history, philosophy and policy related to the preparation of secondary students for careers and college. Coursework also explores instructional practices that enhance secondary students’ readiness for careers and college.

Required Courses (6 units)

• S ED 647 Project-Based Learning in Secondary Schools (3) Fall semester
• S ED 657 Career and College Readiness in Secondary Education (3) Spring semester

These courses meet on campus, Monday evenings, and can be taken in either order. These courses may be used to meet the elective requirement for any MA program in the Department of Secondary Education. Students not currently enrolled in another CSUN program may take these courses via Open University. (If taken through Open University, these courses are not financial-aid eligible.)

Requirements for Admission

1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Employment as a teacher.
3. Submission of a completed department application.
4. Submission of a completed application to CSUN via Cal State Apply or (for continuing post-baccalaureate students) a request for a Change of Objective form.
5. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5. 
6. All University and graduate department admission requirements for post-baccalaureate standing, including submission of acceptable TOEFL scores for international students. 

How to Apply

Complete the department application.

Apply prior to the deadline for your beginning semester:

• To begin in the Fall semester (S ED 647), apply by July 1.
• To begin in the Spring semester (S ED 657), apply by December 1.

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Mira Pak at mira.pak@csun.edu.