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Liberal Studies, B.A.

Delivering a multidisciplinary experience for future K-8 educators to make a difference in the lives of their students.

The Liberal Studies program will take you on a comprehensive, multidisciplinary learning experience designed to equip you with the broad knowledge and diverse skill sets to educate, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of your students and community as a K-8 teacher.

Empowering You to Excel in Your Chosen Profession

Designed for future educators, the Liberal Studies program will equip you with subject-area knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts, so that you can effectively teach and inspire learners and make a difference in their communities.

Graduates of the program have gone on to effectively teach and inspire students in a variety of area schools and educational settings, including:

  • Alisal Union School District 
  • Boys and Girls Club of America 
  • Carmel Unified School District 
  • Defense Language Institute 
  • King City Union Elementary School District 
  • Monterey Peninsula College
  • Monterey Peninsula Unified School District 
  • Pajaro Valley Unified School District 
  • Salinas City Elementary School District 
  • Santa Rita School District

As a graduate of the program you’ll be prepared for a range of educational careers, with a particular focus on K-8 teaching. Your Liberal Studies degree can also serve as a powerful foundation for an even broader spectrum of career fields if you decide to add another major or pursue a graduate degree.

You’ll find alumni of the Liberal Studies program excelling at some of the most respected graduate programs and institutions in the country, some of which include:

  • California State University Monterey Bay
  • Chapman University
  • Kansas State
  • Pacific Oaks College
  • San Jose State University
  • Tufts University
  • University of California Santa Barbara
  • University of California Santa Cruz
  • University of Portland
Aerial Image of Campus

Public University Price, Private University Experience

A Lifetime of Value

Tuition & Fees Financial Aid

Liberal Studies, B.A.

Whether you’re looking to excel in your career as an educator or pursue further education to expand your opportunities, the Liberal Studies program will equip you with the pedagogical skills, multicultural and social justice mindset, focus on innovation and technology, and competency in subject matter content that will set you apart.

 

Educational Objectives

Our immersive field-based learning experiences will enable you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world K-8 classroom settings, as well as the opportunity to learn from experienced, credentialed teachers.

Our integration of technology and innovation, including our “Teaching and Learning with Technology” course, will position you to thrive as an educator using the most advanced tools to create engaging learning experiences and enhance outcomes for today’s tech-minded students

Our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in terms of current and emerging curricular trends and best practices ensures that you’re gaining the most relevant knowledge and skills possible and will be well-equipped to adapt to the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.

Our focus on the demonstration of subject matter proficiency will offer you the significant advantage of coursework in content areas that, once successfully completed, means you won’t need to take and pass the subject matter exam known as the CSET, saving you time and money.

Complete all of the following courses:

 

Complete all of the following courses in Content Area 1 (Reading, Language, Literature, History, and Social Science):

 

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):

 

LS BA Traditional Pathway

Complete all of the following courses:

 

Complete the following Advanced Inquiry in Education course:

 

Complete one of the following Advanced Inquiry in Education courses:

 

Complete one of the following courses, not previously taken:

Our location in Monterey County offers the unique opportunity to forge partnerships with a variety of local schools which, for you, means exciting applied learning experiences through service learning in diverse educational settings. 

These partnerships include publics and charter schools with distinct educational approaches such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Waldorf-inspired, and dual-immersion programs. This exposure to varied teaching environments will deepen your level of preparation and uniquely position you to meet the educational needs of different student populations through a broadened range of educational philosophies and practices.

News

Read about our student success and faculty innovation in CSUMB News

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the Liberal Studies program.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Study Liberal Studies in an inspiring coastal environment where we are truly committed to mentorship and an engaging student experience.