The Liberal Studies Program at CSUDH is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major designed primarily for students who intend to become elementary or special education teachers or to pursue related graduate work. Courses leading to the B.A. in Liberal Studies focus on the subject areas taught in elementary schools as well as professional preparation and early fieldwork. The Liberal Studies degree from CSUDH provides an excellent entry into our Teacher Education and Special Education Programs so students can earn preliminary teaching credentials that are required by California public schools. The program is a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program (ESM).

Balanced Learning and a Focus on Social Justice and Racial Equity

The Liberal Studies curriculum covers a broad spectrum of liberal arts and sciences to give future teachers a solid foundation of knowledge and ideas to use in diverse Multiple Subject classrooms. Our curriculum is grounded in theoretical frameworks and sustaining pedagogies that foster critical thought around equity, access and justice.

Depth of Study

Students pursue an area of deeper learning in an approved option within the Liberal Studies Program. This allows them to add more specialized knowledge in a particular area to their well-rounded liberal arts education.

Program Learning Outcomes

- Acquire and reflect on knowledge related to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing content standards for Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Standards including Reading, Language, and Literature; Mathematics; Natural Sciences; History and Social Sciences; Visual and Performing Arts; Human Development; and Physical Education

- Develop the ability to critically analyze educational research as it relates to educational equity for diverse learners.

- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms in a variety of contexts.

- Participate successfully in elementary field experiences and reflect thoughtfully in order to develop the foundations of critical pedagogy.

- Articulate an understanding of a variety of educational theories and best teaching practices that promote the achievement of a full range of learners.

- Demonstrate professional dispositions that reflect a commitment to promote social justice and educational equity in diverse communities.

- Demonstrate technological and informational literacies for personal academic growth and for facilitating learning in the elementary classroom.