Computer Science Supplementary Authorization
Program Features
At-a-Glance
- Fully online courses with some synchronous sessions, which provide current teachers with the flexibility to complete the courses around their professional and personal schedules.
- Become a more versatile teacher and employee
- Courses emphasize equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive K-12 computer science education for all students.
- Teachers will be introduced to advanced topics in data science and cybersecurity.
- There are opportunities for teachers who complete the program to return as course instructors or course assistants.
Overview
California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) offers a Supplementary Authorization for credentialed teachers, which allows them to teach computer science in K-12 settings even if their baccalaureate degree was not in computer science. By taking the courses in this program, participants can apply for supplementary authorization and become qualified and prepared to teach K-12 computer science courses.
Audience
These courses are ideal for K-12 teachers who want to teach computer science classes. Eligible participants are those who currently have a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, or are working towards obtaining one.
Educators with a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Math are already authorized to teach computer science per the CTC, but may also benefit from completing these courses to become better prepared as teachers.
Please visit the CTC’s website for more information and instructions on applying for the Introductory or Specific Supplementary Authorization, which authorizes you to teach computer science courses in a K-12 grade setting.
Quick Facts
Format
All courses are delivered 100% online with both synchronous and asynchronous components.
To obtain the Specific Supplementary Authorization through the CTC, participants must complete the following four courses with “C” or better grades: CSC 110, CSC 111, CSC 112, and CSC 113.
To obtain the Introductory Supplementary Authorization, participants must complete the following three courses with “C” or better grades: CSC 110, 111, and 113.
What is the difference between the “Specific” and “Introductory” Authorization?
The Introductory supplementary may be added to a Single-Subject or Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential and authorizes the holder to teach the supplementary subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks for study in grades 9 and below.
The Specific supplementary may be added to the Single-Subject teaching credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject in grades preschool, kindergarten-12, and classes organized primarily for adults.
Prerequisites
Since courses are offered fully online, participants should have a PC or laptop and stable Internet access. A webcam is recommended.
If you live outside of California, see if Sacramento State has secured authorization or exemption to enroll students from your state in its online programs.
Course Offerings
- To obtain the Specific Supplementary Authorization through the CTC, participants must complete the following four courses with “C” or better grades: CSC 110, CSC 111, CSC 112, and CSC 113.
- To obtain the Introductory Supplementary Authorization, participants must complete the following three courses with “C” or better grades: CSC 110, 111, and 113.
- The first two courses, CSC 110 and CSC 111, are offered in the summer term. CSC 112 and CSC 113 are offered back-to-back in the fall term.
CSC 110: Introduction to Programming Logic for Teachers
Units: 3
Course Prerequisites: n/a
Authorization Program: Shared by both the Introductory and Specific Supplementary Authorizations
Topics Covered: Computational Thinking, Computer Programming
CSC 111: Programming Concepts and Methodology for Teachers
Units: 4
Course Prerequisites: CSC 110
Authorization Program: Shared by both the Introductory and Specific Supplementary Authorizations
Topics Covered: Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Impacts of computing
CSC 112: Data Structures, Algorithms and Software Engineering for Teachers
Units: 3
Course Prerequisites: CSC 110, CSC 111
Authorization Program: Specific Supplementary Authorizations
Topics Covered: Computational Thinking, Data structures and algorithms, Software design, Impacts of computing
CSC 113: Computer Networking and Cyber Security for Teachers
Units: 3
Course Prerequisites: CSC 110, CSC 111
Authorization Program: Shared by both the Introductory and Specific Supplementary Authorizations
Topics Covered: Computational Thinking, Digital devices, systems, and networks, Impacts of computing
Costs
Each course costs $370 per unit.
Total for the Introductory Supplementary Authorization: $3,700.
Total for the Specific Supplementary Authorization: $4,810.
How to Apply
Upcoming Dates
Applications are currently closed.
The deadline to apply has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted. Below is the information you’ll need when applying in the future.
Basic Requirements
You are eligible to participate if you currently have a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, or if you’re working toward obtaining one of these.
Due to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements, a Single Subject Credential may not be added to a Designated Subjects Career Technical Education Teaching Credential or an Education Specialist Credential (Mild. Mod. Severe).
Submission Steps
To apply to the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization program, please submit the following:
- a complete program application
- a copy of your single or multiple subject credential, or a transcript showing current enrollment in a credential program (unofficial is OK)
Once an application has been reviewed, the participant must pay the $30 program application fee before enrolling in courses.
If participants need to obtain a copy of their credential, they can log into their account through the CTC website (they may register for an account if they have not yet set one up), view their documents, and select their current credential document. Click “email document” and a copy of that document should automatically be sent to the participant’s email account on file with their CTC account. Participants may not get a notification or pop-up alerting them that it has been sent, but after clicking “email document” simply check your email account.
Licensure / Credentialing
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from Sac State Credential Analyst Elizabeth Christian.