Students intending to teach music in the California public schools must demonstrate subject-matter competence prior to admission to the Single Subject Credential program. This may be done either by: (a) completing the coursework for the Single Subject Matter Preparation Program (SSMPP); or (b) passing subject-matter tests specified by the State of California (CSET) and administered by the Educational Testing Service. Applications are accepted only in the spring for the credential program beginning the subsequent fall. In both cases, an interview and certain competence examinations administered by the Music Education area must be passed prior to enrolling in the Single Subject Credential Program in Music (which includes student teaching).
The following courses are prerequisite to admission to the Credential program for students who choose to complete SSMPP coursework in lieu of taking the subject matter examination (CSET). These courses are intended to be taken concurrently with degree work.

