About the Program |  Coursework |  Enroll

Beginning the summer 2025 term, our program will re-open with a flexible, fully online, asynchronous set of classes designed with the working professional in mind. Complete the full set of course requirements to add a Supplementary Authorization to your credential.

If you're interested in the program, you'll need to complete a simple, free application for our office to verify your eligibility. The application opens on April 1, 2025. If you'd like a reminder when it becomes available, please let us know using the form on this page.

The online Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Program at California State University, Chico provides credentialed K-12 teachers the coursework necessary to secure the supplementary authorization required to teach computer science.

New computer science content standards have been developed by the CA Department of Education for grades K-12. As of October 2020, a broader range of classes, including computer science and other quantitative reasoning subjects, can fulfill the recommended high school math requirements of students planning to apply to a CSU or UC. By 2027, a recommended 4th year of computer science/quantitative reasoning may become a requirement. This adds up to a strong need to expand the offerings of courses such as computer science. 

Information Sessions

Learn more about the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Program with program coordinator, Kevin Buffardi. In each session, we will go over program details, the application process and any additional questions you may have. 

Join us for one of the following sessions. Both are held at 4:00pm:

• Thursday, April 3
• Wednesday, April 9

About the Program

Chico State's Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Program meets the coursework requirements for your choice of two Supplementary Authorizations*:

The Introductory Computer Science Supplementary Authorization:

• …added to single subject teaching credential authorizes the holder to teach at any grade level the supplementary subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks for study in grades 9 and below.
• …added to a Multiple subject teaching credential authorizes the holder to teach departmentalized classes related to the supplementary in grades 9 and below.

The Specific Computer Science Authorization:

• …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.

Details in California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Leaflets:

• Supplementary Authorization for Multiple Subject
• Supplementary Authorization for Single Subject

* Supplementary Authorizations May Be Added To: Single Subject Credentials; Multiple Subject Credentials; Standard Elementary and Secondary Credentials; University Internship Credentials (Multiple and Single Subject only); Special Secondary Credentials in Academic Subject: Art, Business Education, Homemaking, Industrial Arts, Music, Physical Education, Speech Arts, and Vocational Agriculture

Coursework

Complete the full set of courses to add a Supplementary Authorization to your credential. The courses below are listed in recommended order, but you can choose your preferred sequence.

Introductory Authorization: 10 units 

• CSED 500 Exploring Computer Science | 3 Units 
• CSED 501 Computing Practice and Programming | 3 Units 
• CSED 510 Technology for Computer Science Education | 2 Units 
• CSED 511 Computing in Society | 2 Units

Introductory Authorization is $4,000 for the program.** 

Specific Authorization: 10 units

• CSED 501 Computing Practice and Programming | 3 Units 
• CSED 510 Technology for Computer Science Education | 2 Units 
• CSED 511 Computing in Society | 2 Units 
• CSED 590 Software Design, Data Structures, and Algorithms | 3 Units (Course opens fall 2025)

Specific Authorization is $4,000 for the program.**

Get Started

Applications open on April 1, 2025!

There are no prerequisites for this program, and the application is free. You'll simply need to provide basic information about yourself and your current role as an educator.

Course registration opens summer 2025.