Liberal Studies

Liberal Studies COE 1412

The Liberal Studies Program at CSUDH is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major designed primarily for students who intend to become an elementary or special education teacher 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).

Highlights of a Liberal Studies Degree

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.

Accelerated Completion of a Credential Program

• The program is an approved Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program (ESM) meaning that students who successfully complete the Liberal Studies major requirements with a grade of “C” or better will not need to take the CSET.
• Liberal Studies students complete the multiple subject credential program in two semesters instead of three and may also complete requirements towards a credential in special education.

Responsive Curriculum

Faculty in the Liberal Studies department are continuously addressing the curriculum to meet the needs of students while also maintaining quality standards, high expectations and relevant, required content in all of our courses.

Academic Advisement

Advisement is a strong point for our program and available to all Liberal Studies majors throughout their studies. All newly admitted students (or any current CSUDH student wishing to change majors) must attend an advising meeting.  Continuing Liberal Studies majors should see an advisor twice each year to ensure they are staying on track for graduation.  In addition to program and professional advisement, advisors will refer the student to other needed student services. For more information and to contact an advisor please visit our COE Student Success Center.