Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take courses at other colleges/universities and transfer to HSU?

A:Yes you can. Take catalog descriptions, course syllabi or other documentation to your advisor for approval.

Q:What grades do I need to get in my major classes?

A:Letter grades of a C or better are required for all courses in the major including general education and depth of study courses.

Q:What clubs and organizations can I get involved with at Humboldt State University?

A:There are two clubs on campus that relate specifically to those people who want to become teachers: The Future Educator's Club, and the Student California Teacher's Association (SCTA). Contact Associated Students of Humboldt State University for a complete list of the hundreds of student run clubs and organizations.

Q:What is the GWPE (Graduate Writing Proficiency Exam)?

A:This is an exam that assesses basic writing skills. The GWPE may be taken anytime following completion of English 100. It is recommended that it be taken during the junior year.

Q:When do I file a degree check/application for graduation?

A:This is generally completed two semesters before graduation and requires a fee to be paid at the Cashier's Office. Make an appointment with your advisor to sign your major contract and then complete a degree check that can be obtained from the AIR center.

Q:What is a Supplementary Authorization?

A:Supplementary Authorizations qualify teachers to teach specific subjects up to grade 9. See your program advisor for the specific requirements that are issued by the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing.

Q:What is a Subject Matter Authorization?

A:A Subject Matter Authorization is modeled after supplementary authorization and complies with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. This introductory subject matter authorization consists of 32 units of study and qualifies teachers to teach the core academic subject areas of English, reading/language arts, math, science, foreign language, civics/government, economics, arts, history, and geography up until grade 9. See your program advisor for additional information on what courses constitute subject matter authorizations.

Q:When do I apply to the Credential Program?

A:Application to HSU's credential program begins the fall of your senior year and is due February 1 st prior to your credential year. Be sure to attend an orientation meeting in the fall semester. You can find the dates on the School of Education website by clicking here.

Q:What is the GPA requirement for admission to the Credential Program?

A:Students should strive to maintain a GPA or 3.0 or higher. Humboldt State University currently has a GPA requirement of 2.67 overall or 2.75 on your last 60 units. Low GPA candidates can appeal to be accepted.

Q:What tests are required for Elementary School teachers in the state of California?

A:

• CBEST ( California Basic Educational Skills Test )The CBEST is a four- hour test in which examinees will complete one, two, or all three sections of the examination. Administered by National Evaluation Systems. Inc. (NES), the CBEST is required for all candidates applying to teaching credential programs in the state of California , including those individuals seeking a California emergency credential. The CBEST is designed to test basic proficiency in three areas: 1) reading comprehension, 2) essay writing, 3) mathematics.

• Multiple Subject CSET ( California Subject Examination for Teachers)This is a required exam for those who wish to participate in a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential program. Please click here to view the CSET: Multiple Subjects Test Prep Power Point. Once you click on the link, a dialogue box will pop up. Click "Open" to view the Power Point Presentation. If you'd like some help preparing for the CSET, we offer test prep workshops FREE here at HSU! Click here for details and dates.

• RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment)The purpose of the RICA exam is to ensure that candidates for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students. The RICA consists of two separate assessments:

• RICA Written Examination/RICA Video Performance Assessment. Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Candidates must take and pass either one of the two assessments to fulfill the RICA requirement. LSEE students do not need to take this exam until the credential year, but may take it early if they wish.

Q:How do I know the test dates for the GWPE, CBEST and CSET?

A:Go to the testing center link to the HSU web page for current registration information. Also, check the beginning of the semester LSEE news for a list of important dates to be aware of.

Q:Is there a senior checklist for LSEE students? There seems like a lot of information to remember .

Senior Year Checklist for LSEE Students

•  Apply for Graduation two semesters before your anticipated graduation date (see below for how to apply)

•  Sign your major contract with your advisor

•  Do a degree check, and pay fee to cashier's office

•  Make sure the GWPE is passed

•  Make sure the CBEST is passed

•  Make sure all three sections of the Multiple Subject CSET are passed

•  Attend a credential program orientation meeting to receive an application packet

•  Enroll in LSEE 411 during final semester

•  Compile a list of your experiences with children

•  Consider people who may be able to write letters of recommendation who have seen your work with children, or who can describe your academic ability

•  Look into applying for scholarships for LSEE and credential programs