If your goal is to positively impact the lives of children, share your love of learning, and/or contribute to beneficial social change through education, Liberal Studies will provide you with an opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and perspectives you will need to succeed.
With a Liberal Studies B.A., you will have a solid foundation for entry into a credential program or other graduate study. Our outcomes-based, multidisciplinary major integrates the arts and humanities, natural and social sciences, and service learning. We emphasize breadth across a variety of disciplines with a subject area emphasis in at least one academic discipline.
There are two pathways within the Liberal Studies major: the Integrated Teacher Education Program (iTEP) pathway and the traditional pathway. The Liberal Studies integrated pathway allows you to complete the Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and begin working in the field sooner.
The Liberal Studies Department expects that most students will choose to opt into the integrated pathway to most efficiently meet the requirements for a Multiple Subject teaching credential.
To learn more about the major, visit the Liberal Studies website.
Required Courses
Special Requirements
AA-T-certified students in elementary education can earn a Liberal Studies B.A. by completing the special requirements found on the the Requirements for AA-T Certified Students in Elementary Education page.
If you are unsure about your transfer status, please talk to a Liberal Studies advisor as soon as possible.
All other Liberal Studies majors, see below.
standard requirements
Complete ALL of the following core courses:
- LS 277S: Schooling in Modern Society
- LS 300: Major ProSeminar
- LS 398: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education
- LS 398S: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education SL
- LS 400: Senior Capstone
Complete ALL of the following courses in Content Area 1 (Reading, Language, Literature, History, and Social Science):
- GS 214: Global History I: Ancient Times to 1500
- SBS 252: Wrl/Reg/Geo/Cul/Soc/Sp:On-line
- HCOM 251: Introduction to US History OR SBS 111: Reading and Writing US History
- SBS 385: Environmental History of California OR SBS 386: Social/Pol/Hist/CA
- LING 392: Nature of Language & Language Acquisition
- LS 394: Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults
- LS 394S: Multicultural Literature Child & Young Adults Service Learning
Complete ALL of the following courses in Content Area 2 (Math and Science):
Complete ALL of the following courses in Content Area 3
(Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts):
- HDEV 260: Introduction to Child Development
- LS 233: Arts in the School and Community
- KIN 374/L: Phys Ed for Elem Sch Child
Complete one MINOR or EMPHASIS. Minor options include:
emphasis option 1: history
Complete 12 units from the following list:
- HCOM 351: Modern World History
- HCOM 352: History According To Movies
- HCOM 353: California At Crossroads
- HCOM 354: Whose America?
- HCOM 356: Multicultural History
- HCOM 421: Social History of English Lang
- HCOM 445: Slavery & Race in the Americas
- SPAN 307: History&Politics Of Mex
- SPAN 308: Hist/Cultr Aztlan:SW US
- SPAN 309: Hist & Polit Of Latn Amer
- JAPN 307: Japan-American Experience
- SBS 315: Growth and Conflict in the United States to 1920
- SBS 350: Domination and Resistance: US since 1880
- GS 330: World Views
- GS 335: Comparative Governments & Politics
- GS 342: Economic Thought: History and Contemporary Interpretations
- GS 345: Global Political Theory/Philosophy
- SBS 332: World Prehistory
- SBS 381: US in Vietnam and Asia-Pacific: Peoples, Colonization, Conflicts, Resources
- SBS 382: History of Modern Africa
- SBS 385: Environmental History of California
- SBS 386: Social/Pol/Hist/CA
emphasis option 2: literature
Complete 12 units from the following list:
emphasis option 3: physical education
Complete ONE of the following courses:
- KIN 345: Sports Ethics
- KIN 372: Socio Persp Spor w/ Dis Emph
- KIN 381: Legal Issues in Sport
- KIN 395: Special Topics ~selection of this course must be approved by your advisor~
Complete TWO of the following courses or course combinations:
Complete ONE of the following course combinations:
emphasis option 4: math
Complete ALL of the following courses:
emphasis option 5: science
Complete 12 units from the following list:
emphasis option 6: social science
Complete 12 units from the following list:
Complete TWO or more courses from the following list:
Complete ONE or more courses from the following list (4 unit minimum):
Pathway options
To complete the requirements of the Liberal Studies degree, students select either the Integration Teacher Education pathway (ITEP), or the traditional pathway.
Integrated Teacher Education Program Pathway (iTEP)
Complete the following Stage 1 Multiple Subject Credential courses during the second semester of the senior year:
- ED 601: Stage I Supv Elem Teaching
- ED 601A: Stage1 Elem Teaching Seminar
- ED 608: Science Meth K-8 Classroom
- ED 609: Math Methods
- ED 612: Pedagogy for Ling Diversity
- ED 616: Lang/Literacy Curriculum I
- ED 619: Visual and Perf Arts C and I K8
Traditional Pathway
Complete the following ADVANCED INQUIRY IN EDUCATION courses:
- LS 380: Teaching for Social Change
- LS 383: Innov Approaches to Schooling OR LS 384: Issues in Comparative and International Education
- LS 391: Diversity in Educational Settings OR LS 362: Immigrants & Equity Issues in Education OR LS 310: Educational Issues and the Latino Community
- complete at least one additional course from this list
Learning Outcomes
MLO 1 Developing Educator
Students think, write, and speak critically about the general knowledge, skills, dispositions, and responsibilities of a California public educator in classroom, school, community, State, and National contexts. Students acquire introductory pedagogical skills and apply perspectives of the Educational Foundations to their developing professional practices.
MLO 2 Diversity and Multicultural Scholar
Students evaluate their own and others' experiences as influenced by social identities, socialization practices, and societal institutions from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Students critically examine the value of diversity and multiculturalism. Students inform their educational practices and perspectives by applying concepts and theories of diversity and multiculturalism.
MLO 3 Innovative Technological Practitioner
Students use technologies effectively for investigation, expression, design, and collaboration. Students reflect on the role of technologies for innovative teaching and learning, and effective instruction.
MLO 4 Social Justice Collaborator
Students combine disciplinary knowledge, community experience, and reflective practice to become ethically and socially responsible educators working toward a just and sustainable world. Students identify and pursue paths for social change. Students collaborate with stakeholders to advocate for access, equity, and justice in public education and other societal institutions.
MLO 5 Subject Matter Generalist
Students demonstrate competency in subject area content and complete a coherent depth of study for successful practice in California public education.
Course Pathways
These pathways are examples of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree in an order that makes sense given prerequisites. They are meant to give you a general sense of what your education will look like.
Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. Perhaps you'll need an extra math or language class, or one of the courses listed here isn't offered in a particular semester. There is flexibility built into the curriculum. You'll want to work closely with an advisor and use the academic advisement report to take all that into account and develop a pathway that's customized for you.
In the meantime, use the applicable example below as a starting point for choosing classes or discussing your plans with an advisor. Your advisor is your best resource when it comes to figuring out how to fit all the courses you need, in the right sequence, into your personal academic plan.
iTEP Freshman Pathway
An exciting facet of the Integrated Teacher Education Program (iTEP) pathway is that students complete a minimum of 12 units of Multiple Subject Credential coursework in the last semester of their senior year.
Students will need to consult with their advisor to discuss the appropriate courses for Stage 1 of their credential coursework. Upon successful completion of Stage 1 requirements, your B.A. degree is conferred and you are then classified as a postbaccalaureate student and can begin fulfilling your Stage 2 requirements.
For additional information, please check the Advising Information page of the Liberal Studies Department website.
Fall Freshman
In order to minimize your time to degree, an Area E FYS course is strongly recommended.
Course:
FYS 181: Multicultural Health or FYS 182: Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll or FYS 183: Eat, Love, Learn
Units:
4
Course:
Any Approved Course
Units:
4
Course:
MATH 100: Quantitative Literacy
Units:
4
Course:
Language 102
Units:
4
* This FYS class is just an example. The FYS class you choose might meet a different GE area, so you would have to adjust your actual pathway accordingly.
Spring Freshman
Course:
Any Approved Course
Units:
4
Course:
PHYS 121/L: Integrated Physical Science
Units:
4
Course:
Language 201
Units:
4
Requirement:
Language Proficiency
Course:
LS 277S: Schooling in Modern Society
Units:
6
Fall Sophomore
Course:
BIO 204: Introduction to Life Science
Units:
3
Course:
HCOM 251: Introduction to US History or SBS 111: Reading and Writing US History
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
LS 233: Arts in the School and Community
Units:
4
Course:
HDEV 260: Introduction to Child Development
Units:
4
Spring Sophomore
Complete the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Writing Skills test before the end of this semester.
Course:
GEOL 210: Introduction to Earth Science
Units:
3
Course:
MATH 308: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt A
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
SBS 252: Wrl/Reg/Geo/Cul/Soc/Sp:On-line
Units:
3
Course:
GS 214: Global History I: Ancient Times to 1500
Units:
4
Fall Junior
Complete the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects test by the end of this semester.
iTEP Pathway students begin approved emphasis (History or Literature). In order to minimize time to degree, it is recommended you take the following specified course pertaining to your selected emphasis: History Emphasis = SBS 385: Environmental History of California; LIT Emphasis = LS 394: Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults: Multi Lit Chld & Yng Adults and LS 394S: Multicultural Literature Child & Young Adults Service Learning: Mlti Lit Child & Yng Adults.
Course:
LS 300: Major ProSeminar
Units:
4
Course:
MATH 309: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt B
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
SBS 385: Environmental History of California
Units:
4
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 1
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Spring Junior
Course:
LS 394: Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults and LS 394S: Multicultural Literature Child & Young Adults Service Learning
Units:
5
Course:
LING 392: Nature of Language & Language Acquisition
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 2
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Fall Senior
Course:
LS 398: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education and LS 398S: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education SL
Units:
5
Course:
LS 400: Senior Capstone
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 3
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
KIN 374/L: Phys Ed for Elem Sch Child
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Spring Senior (Multiple Subject Stage 1)
Students on the iTEP pathway are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Multiple Subject Stage 1 Credential coursework in the last semester of their senior year.
Course:
ED 601: Stage I Supv Elem Teaching
Units:
8
Requirement:
Course:
ED 601A: Stage1 Elem Teaching Seminar
Units:
1
Requirement:
Course:
ED 609: Math Methods
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 615: Social Studies C and I K8
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 616: Lang/Literacy Curriculum I
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 675: Health for Elementary School Child
Units:
1
Requirement:
post baccalaureate semester (multiple Subject Stage 2)
In order to complete the Multiple Subjects Credential, students are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Stage 2 Credential coursework in one additional semester following their senior year.
Course:
ED 603: Stage 2 Supv Elem Teaching
Units:
7
Requirement:
Course:
ED 603A: Stage2 Elem Teaching Seminar
Units:
2
Requirement:
Course:
ED 617: Lang/Literacy Curriculum II
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 608: Science Meth K-8 Classroom
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 612: Pedagogy for Ling Diversity
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
SPED 560: Inclusionary Practices
Units:
3
Requirement:
iTEP Transfer Pathway
An exciting facet of the iTEP pathway is that students complete a minimum of 12 units of Multiple Subject Credential coursework in the last semester of their senior year.
Students will need to consult with their advisor to discuss the appropriate courses for Stage 1 of their credential coursework. Upon successful completion of Stage 1 requirements, your B.A. degree is conferred and you are then classified as a postbaccalaureate student and can begin fulfilling your Stage 2 requirements.
For additional information, please check the Advising Information page of the Liberal Studies Department website.
Fall Junior
Complete the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Writing Skills Test before the end of this semester.
Course:
LS 300: Major ProSeminar
Units:
4
Course:
MATH 308: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt A
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
SBS 385: Environmental History of California
Units:
4
Course:
LING 392: Nature of Language & Language Acquisition
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Spring Junior
Course:
MATH 309: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt B
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
LS 394: Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults and LS 394S: Multicultural Literature Child & Young Adults Service Learning
Units:
5
Course:
KIN 374/L: Phys Ed for Elem Sch Child
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 1
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Fall Senior
Course:
LS 398: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education and LS 398S: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education SL
Units:
5
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 2
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 3
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
LS 400: Senior Capstone
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Spring Senior (mULTIPLE suBJECT sTAGE 1)
Students on the iTEP pathway are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Stage 1 Multiple Subject Credential coursework in the last semester of their senior year.
Course:
ED 601: Stage I Supv Elem Teaching
Units:
8
Requirement:
Course:
ED 601A: Stage1 Elem Teaching Seminar
Units:
1
Requirement:
Course:
ED 609: Math Methods
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 615: Social Studies C and I K8
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 616: Lang/Literacy Curriculum I
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 675: Health for Elementary School Child
Units:
1
Requirement:
post baccalaureate semester (mULTIPLE SUBJECT STAGE 2)
In order to complete the Multiple Subjects Credential, students are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Stage 2 Credential coursework in one additional semester following their senior year.
Course:
ED 603: Stage 2 Supv Elem Teaching
Units:
7
Requirement:
Course:
ED 603A: Stage2 Elem Teaching Seminar
Units:
2
Requirement:
Course:
ED 617: Lang/Literacy Curriculum II
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 608: Science Meth K-8 Classroom
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
ED 612: Pedagogy for Ling Diversity
Units:
3
Requirement:
Course:
SPED 560: Inclusionary Practices
Units:
3
Requirement:
Traditional Freshman Pathway
Fall Freshman
In order to minimize your time to degree, an Area E FYS course is strongly recommended.
Course:
FYS 181: Multicultural Health, FYS 182: Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll, or FYS 183: Eat, Love, Learn
Units:
4
Course:
Language 102
Units:
4
Course:
MATH 100: Quantitative Literacy
Units:
4
Course:
Any Approved Course
Units:
4
* This FYS class is just an example. The FYS class you choose might meet a different GE area, so you would have to adjust your actual pathway accordingly.
Spring Freshman
Course:
LS 277S: Schooling in Modern Society
Units:
6
Course:
PHYS 121/L: Integrated Physical Science
Units:
4
Course:
Language 201
Units:
4
Requirement:
Language Proficiency
Course:
Any Approved Course
Units:
4
Fall Sophomore
Course:
HDEV 260: Introduction to Child Development
Units:
4
Course:
BIO 204: Introduction to Life Science
Units:
3
Course:
LS 233: Arts in the School and Community
Units:
4
Course:
HCOM 251: Introduction to US History or SBS 111: Reading and Writing US History
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Spring Sophomore
Course:
GEOL 210: Introduction to Earth Science
Units:
3
Course:
SBS 252: Wrl/Reg/Geo/Cul/Soc/Sp:On-line
Units:
3
Course:
GS 214: Global History I: Ancient Times to 1500
Units:
4
Course:
MATH 308: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt A
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Fall Junior
Complete the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Writing Skills Test before the end of this semester.
Course:
LS 300: Major ProSeminar
Units:
4
Course:
SBS 385: Environmental History of California
Units:
4
Course:
MATH 309: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt B
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 1: LS 380: Teaching for Social Change
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Spring Junior
Complete the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects test by the end of this semester.
Course:
LS 394: Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults and LS 394S: Multicultural Literature Child & Young Adults Service Learning
Units:
5
Course:
LING 392: Nature of Language & Language Acquisition
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/ Minor Course 1
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
KIN 374/L: Phys Ed for Elem Sch Child
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Fall Senior
Course:
LS 398: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education and LS 398S: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education SL
Units:
5
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 2
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 2: LS 391: Diversity in Educational Settings, LS 362: Immigrants & Equity Issues in Education, or LS 310: Educational Issues and the Latino Community
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Elective Course
Units:
3
Requirement:
Spring Senior
Course:
LS 400: Senior Capstone
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 3: LS 383: Innov Approaches to Schooling or LS 384: Issues in Comparative and International Education
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 4: LS 391: Diversity in Educational Settings, LS 362: Immigrants & Equity Issues in Education, LS 310: Educational Issues and the Latino Community, LS 383: Innov Approaches to Schooling, or LS 384: Issues in Comparative and International Education
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/Minor Course 3
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Traditional Transfer Pathway
Fall Junior
Complete the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Writing Skills Test before the end of this semester.
Course:
LS 300: Major ProSeminar
Units:
4
Course:
MATH 308: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt A
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
SBS 385: Environmental History of California
Units:
4
Course:
LING 392: Nature of Language & Language Acquisition
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Spring Junior
Complete the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects test by the end of this semester.
Course:
MATH 309: Elementary Math - Adv Viewpt B
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
LS 394: Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults and LS 394S: Multicultural Literature Child & Young Adults Service Learning
Units:
5
Course:
Emphasis/ Minor Course 1
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
KIN 374/L: Phys Ed for Elem Sch Child
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Fall Senior
Course:
LS 398: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education and LS 398S: Social Foundations of Multicultural Education SL
Units:
5
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 1: LS 380: Teaching for Social Change
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 2: LS 391: Diversity in Educational Settings, LS 362: Immigrants & Equity Issues in Education, or LS 310: Educational Issues and the Latino Community
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/ Minor Course 2
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Spring Senior
Course:
LS 400: Senior Capstone
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Emphasis/Minor course 3
Units:
4
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 3: LS 383: Innov Approaches to Schooling or LS 384: Issues in Comparative and International Education
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major
Course:
Advanced Inquiry in Education Course 4: LS 391: Diversity in Educational Settings, LS 362: Immigrants & Equity Issues in Education, LS 310: Educational Issues and the Latino Community, LS 383: Innov Approaches to Schooling, or LS 384: Issues in Comparative and International Education
Units:
3
Requirement:
Major