Liberal Studies
The major for future elementary school teachers.
Programs:
Traditional | Integrated | Middle School
Traditional Liberal Studies Program
Most Liberal Studies students pursue the Traditional Program. This is the option recommended for people who want or require flexibility, in terms of the pace at which they take classes (part time vs. full time), the days and times at which they take classes (mornings vs. afternoons vs. evenings) and what they will eventually teach (regular vs. special vs. bilingual education). In the Traditional Program, students complete a 12 unit content specialization during their junior and senior years, which can also lead to a Middle School Option later, if students choose to pursue one. The traditional program is summarized below:
Traditional Program: 120 unit BA plus 42 unit credential (162 units total)
- Provides scheduling flexibility (go at your own pace)
- Provides career flexibility (regular, bilingual and special ed)
- Allows the post-baccalaureate credential to be earned anywhere in the state.
- Includes a 12 unit content specialization
Fast-Track, “Integrated” Liberal Studies Program
A few Liberal Studies students choose the Integrated Program. This is the option recommended for people who want or require a fast track option. Students complete the Bachelor’s Degree and the credential program as one “integrated” 4.5 year program. This program generally allows students to graduate one semester earlier than they would have if they had completed the Traditional Program. It provides less flexibility than the Traditional Program. Specifically, individuals must be full time students, and they must be interested in teaching regular education. In the Integrated Program, students do not complete a 12 unit content specialization, as they do in the Traditional Program, which makes it more difficult to pursue a Middle School Option later. The Integrated Program is summarized below:
Integrated Program: BA plus credential in 135 total units
- Fast track option (saves a semester)
- Less flexibility (full time, regular ed only)
- Does not include a content specialization
Middle School Option
The Middle School Option in Liberal Studies is essentially an extension of the Traditional Program. This is the option recommended for people who want the flexibility to teach both multiple subjects at the elementary level and a single subject at the middle school level. In this program, students follow the Traditional Liberal Studies Program, earn their credential and also complete 32 units of approved course work in a single subject area (the area they want to teach at the middle school level). The 32 units of coursework does not have to be completed prior to graduation, though most students prefer to do that. The Middle School Option is summarized below:
Middle School Options: traditional program plus additional units
- Adds 7th & 8th grade certification to K-6 credential
- Enhances resume and employability
- Especially desirable in Math and Science
- Includes an enhanced 12-24 unit content specialization
For more information, visit the Middle School Options page on this website or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
NOTE: The 32 units of coursework in a single content area does not authorize candidates to teach at the middle school level until after they have earned their multiple subjects elementary credential, although many students complete the coursework before entering a credential program.
For help choosing the option that's best for you, use this flowchart.