Liberal Studies

Overview & Highlights: 

The liberal studies major provides a broad course of study which serves as a foundation for meeting a wide range of future goals including graduate study, career development and community services. Because it is interdisciplinary, it is especially designed for students interested in teaching at the elementary school level. Courses for the major cover the content required for multiple subject teacher credential candidates.

Goals of the major are to build in students:

  • The ability and desire to understand, evaluate and communicate ideas
  • The ability and desire to discover ideas through disciplinary processes
  • The ability and desire to engage in intensive study
  • A sense of interrelatedness among knowledge, experience, responsibilities and values
  • A respect for diversity
What can I do with this degree? (Our Graduates): 

A bachelor's degree in liberal studies is versatile and can be applied to almost any desired career field because of its broad course of study. However, most graduates continue on in their education to become elementary school teachers because the liberal studies major provides the course content required for the multiple subject teacher credential.

Degrees & Emphases - What are the options with this major?: 

Students must choose an area of concentration. Concentrations permit the candidate to specialize in areas of interest and depth. All students must complete a concentration of 12 or more units in one discipline or area of study. Concentrations may overlap with a minor.

Further Information: 

Additional Requirements:

  • Students must prepare a portfolio in their last semester prior to graduation.
  • Students planning to enter the FPU teacher education program must maintain a 2.75 GPA or better during their baccalaureate program. Grades of D+ or below are not accepted in general education or major coursework.
  • Students are encouraged to take coursework leading to the BCLAD credential emphasis.
  • The state of California requires that all students admitted to multiple subject credential programs pass the CBEST to prove basic skills and the CSET to prove subject matter competency.

Fast Track Program

Liberal studies students who are planning to become elementary school teachers are invited to apply for a fast track program that allows them to complete their bachelor's degree with a block semester of teacher education preparation. The fast track program prepares students to enter the job market as fully credentialed teachers a semester earlier than other candidates.

Applications are available from the liberal studies director. Students may apply from as early as the end of their freshman year to as late as the end of their junior year.

Acceptance criteria:

  • Cumulative 3.0 GPA at the time of entry into the program and at the time of entry into the teacher education semester
  • At least one semester at FPU with 15 or more units with a 3.0 GPA
  • Personal interview with the liberal studies program director and with the selected concentration professor
  • Filing and completing a plan for early experiences with children
  • Filing and completing an academic plan that completes all general education and major requirements before the teacher education semester with less than 124 units
Signup for registration day
 
Sign up for accepted day - March 29
 
Tuition & Fees

High school students