Liberal Studies
The major for future elementary school teachers.
Liberal Studies Math Proficiency Assessment
The Liberal Studies Math Proficiency Assessment is based on the two required lower division content math class in Liberal Studies – Math 210: Number Systems in Elementary Mathematics and Math 211: Geometry in Elementary Mathematics. Students must pass this test in order to A) advance from the PRE-major in Liberal Studies to the major (see the impaction criteria page for more details), and B) qualify for the upper division math classes in he Liberal Studies major. To achieve a passing score on the test, students must score at least 11 out of 18 on each section of the test in the same sitting.
To prepare for the LS Math Proficiency Assessment, students should register for and take the test as soon as they can after completing Math 210 and 211 (don’t wait!). Registration can be done through the SDSU Test Office website, which will also show the test dates (the test is offered approximately once a month). Students should also download the study guide. The study guide comes with a practice test and solutions that can be used to gauge readiness for the actual test. Please note the time allowed on each section and honor those times when taking the practice test; the first section requires estimation, so time is limited.
In addition, students who need extra help can hire a tutor on their own. Every year, we provide a pool of tutors that we identify by surveying Liberal Studies majors with a Math specialization. These tutors work as independent contractors and are not, therefore, employees of SDSU or the Liberal Studies program. Anyone interested in hiring a tutor should contact or visit the Liberal Studies office to get the names and email addresses of the students in the current tutor pool. Please note that rates and availability will vary from tutor to tutor.
California Basic Educational Skills Test
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is required of all individuals who want to teach in a public elementary or secondary classroom (this includes substitute teaching). All candidates for a teaching credential program must have passed this test before beginning their credential program. [Note: This is requirement in the process of changing, so students contact the College of Education Office of Students Services for the most up-to-date information on this requirement] The test is basic enough that most students can pass it without the benefit of all of the Liberal Studies coursework, so we generally recommend that students take the CBEST by the start of their Junior year (there’s no reason to wait). Detailed information can be found on the CBEST website.
Please note that students who do not plan on entering a credential program do not have to take the CBEST. It is not a graduation requirement.
Information on CBEST prep classes in the San Diego area.
SDSU's College of Extended Studies also offers CBEST prep classes.
California Subject Examinations for Teachers
The multiple subjects California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) is required of all individuals who want to teach in a public elementary or special education classroom in California. All candidates for a multiple subjects or special education teaching credential program must have passed this test before beginning their credential program. The test is not an easy one, and students who lack coursework in the content areas often struggle. For this reason, we generally recommend that students wait until their senior year to being taking the CSET, with the idea that the additional coursework they will have taken by then will help them perform better on the test.
The test is in three subtests:
Subtest I: Language Arts and Social Science
Subtest II: Math and Science
Subtest III: Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education and Human Development
The three subsets can (and for most people probably should) be taken separately at no extra cost. Detailed information can be found on the CSET website.
Please note that students who do not plan on entering a credential program do not have to take the CSET. It is not a graduation requirement.
Information on CSET prep classes in the San Diego area.
SDSU's College of Extended Studies also offers CSET prep classes.