Students are urged to declare the Liberal Studies major early in the program to ensure efficient progress through the degree. It is important to complete LBST 100 and one of the MATH 115, 130 or 150 courses in the first year, or as soon as possible.
In order to complete credential requirements successfully, students should apply to the undergraduate teaching credential program in the second semester of the sophomore year.
The required coursework includes courses for the major, including concentration courses, and credential preparation courses. The major courses provide instruction in the content that is tested on the CSET (California Subject Matter Competency) exams. Within the major requirements, there are specialized courses designed for future educators; many of these courses also introduce the content standards for that particular subject and fulfill core curriculum requirements. Only grades of C or higher satisfy core and concentration course requirements in the major. Only grades of B– or higher satisfy credential preparation course requirements. No courses may be taken pass/fail. LBST 495 is the capstone requirement for the program and should be taken within the last 30 units. For students completing a teaching credential in addition to the Liberal Studies major, the CSET exams must be passed prior to student teaching.
It is important for all Liberal Studies majors to meet regularly with their academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences to ensure that all graduation requirements are met in a timely manner. Upon admission to the teaching credential program, students should also meet regularly with their Credential Program advisor in SOLES.
Liberal Studies majors may elect the Combined BA/MEd Teacher Education Program (CTEP) pathway offered jointly with SOLES, in which students earn the Liberal Studies BA, a preliminary Multiple Subject teaching credential and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction in as little as five years. For MEd program information and course descriptions, refer to the section in the Graduate Course Catalog for SOLES, Department of Learning and Teaching. Students who are interested in the CTEP pathway should consult with the liberal studies program director during their sophomore or junior year.