Liberal Studies
The major for future elementary school teachers.
Liberal Studies Major with Content Focus
Beginning with catalog year 2011, all Liberal Studies students will pursue the Liberal Studies Major with a Content Focus. The content areas that students can choose to focus on are Literacy, Math and Science. More details regarding the requirements of each Content Focus are available on our website. The new program provides students with flexibility both in terms of their pacing through the program and the level at which they teach, as every student will automatically complete sufficient course work to qualify for a middle school authorization in the subject area they choose to focus on, which will be valid as long as they also earn a multiple subjects credential.*
An additional feature of the new Liberal Studies major is a required International Experience, which will promote international goodwill and global citizenship and also promote personal growth and self-confidence. To read more about the outcomes, locations, cost and commitments invloved with the international experience, click on this link to a pdf document. We also have additional information, including details regarding specific experiences currently available to students, on our study abroad page.
Special advantages of the new Liberal Studies major with a content focus are summarized below:
Liberal Studies with Content Focus: 120 unit BA
• Provides scheduling flexibility (go at your own pace)
• Adds 7th & 8th grade certification to K-6 credential
• Enhances resume and employability
• Requires an international experience
• Provides opportunity for career focus with extra course work in the content area of focus
• Allows the post-baccalaureate credential to be earned anywhere in the state
*NOTE: The 32 units of coursework for the middle school authorization 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 all students in catalog years 2011 and later will complete the required coursework before entering a credential program. For more information on middle school subject matter authorizations, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.