Major Requirements

Pathways in the Liberal Studies Major

There are two pathways within the Liberal Studies major: the Liberal Studies Integrated Teacher Education Program (iTEP) and the Traditional pathway. The Liberal Studies Department expects that most students will choose to opt in to the iTEP pathway to most effeciently meet the requirements for a teaching credential. Students on the iTEP pathway complete a minimum of 12 units of credential courses (Stage 1 of Credential Program) in the last semester of their senior year. Stage 2 of the Credential Program is completed in the post-baccalaureate semester. Consequently, students have the potential to complete their credential coursework a semester earlier than those on the Traditional pathway.

Students on the Traditional pathway are required to complete four Advanced Inquiry in Education courses, which include:

• LS 380: Teaching for Social Change
• LS 391: Diversity in Ed Settings, LS 362: Immgrnts & Equity Iss in Ed, OR LS 310: Ed Issues & Latino Comm
• LS 383: Innov Approach to Schooling OR LS 384: Issues in Comp & Intl Ed
• And one additional course listed above.

If students on the Traditional pathway choose to pursue a credential, they will be prepared to apply to a credential program upon graduating.

You officially begin the major by enrolling in LS 300: Major ProSeminar where you work with the instructor and the Liberal Studies Advising coordinator to create or revise your Individual Learning Plan (ILP). At this time, you will decide whether or not to opt in to the iTEP pathway. Your ILP will reflect your chosen pathway, and will map out the courses you need to take in order to achieve each of the Major Learning Outcomes designated below. You will also select an approved emphasis or minor in order to complete a coherent depth of study. You conclude the major in LS 400: Senior Capstone by completing your Capstone, a publicly presented project that displays your cumulative learning in the major. [Learn more at CSUMB.EDU/capstone].

Required Tests for Future Teachers

To enter a Multiple Subjects (Elementary School) Teacher Education Credential Program, students must provide evidence of having passed the California Subject Examination for Teachers-Multiple Subjects (CSET). A recommended strategy for passing the CSET is to complete each subtest as you finish each content area listed in the Subject Matter Generalist Major Learning Outcome. The CSET is used to demonstrate competency in the subject areas completed as part of the Liberal Studies major and taught in K-8 curricula, namely:

• mathematics
• English writing
• reading and literature
• history and social science
• visual and performing arts
• science
• physical education and development
• human development
• linguistics
• cultural diversity

More information can be obtained from the cset.nesinc.com website. Candidates who pass all three subtests of the CSET Multiple Subjects AND the CSET Writing Skills are considered proficient in reading, writing and mathematics and will not be required to take the CBEST to earn a teaching credential.

Major Requirements and Learning Outcomes are identified below. In order to graduate, students must also meet all general education and university requirements.