Liberal Studies Major Requirements B.A. Degree
All courses taken as part of the major must be approved by the Liberal Studies advisor during the official advisement period. Students in the Undergraduate Concurrent Program of Teacher Preparation take courses for the major combined with additional courses to prepare for elementary teaching. For those considering elementary teaching, advisor guidance is essential for appropriate course selection and sequencing, both for the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum and for the Liberal Studies Major. Students completing a bachelor’s degree that includes each of the required courses listed below, with a grade of C- or above, will have a notation on their transcript that the Mount’s California Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved Elementary Subject Matter Program of study has been completed. The Elementary Subject Matter Program serves as academic preparation for the California Multiple Subjects (Elementary) Teacher Credential.
Language
- 3 units in composition (ENG 103)
- 3 units in linguistics (ENG 102) (Taken concurrently with EDU 105 by students in the Elementary Teacher Preparation Program.)
- One course in children's literature (ENG 134)
- 3 units in literature (upper division recommended; not required)
- 3 units in biological science (BIO 67)
- 4-5 units in physical science, including the study of physics, chemistry, space and earth science (PHS 1 or PHS 2A; and PHS 2B)
- 3 units in health science (BIO 10)
Social Science and History
- 6 units in U.S. history and government. (HIS 102 taken concurrently with EDU 105 by students in the Elementary Teacher Preparation Program and POL 1)
- (Candidates for the California teaching credential must complete 2 units of study of the U.S. Constitution.)
- 3 units in world history (HIS 3/HIS 103)
- 3 units in cultural geography (HIS 25)
- 3 units in California history (HIS 188)
Fine Arts
Physical and Health Education
Human Development
Education
- EDU 100 Introduction to Liberal Studies (1)
- EDU 101 Exploration of Liberal Studies (1)
- EDU 102 Integrative Seminar in Liberal Studies (1)
EDU 100, EDU 101, and EDU 102 provide opportunities for students to reflect on their integrative program of study and are required for candidates in the concurrent program of teacher preparation with a Liberal Studies major.
The Subject Matter Preparation Program component of the Concurrent Program of Teacher Preparation is supplemented by courses available in the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (General Education; LACE). Students interested in teaching should contact the program advisor as soon as possible for guidance in course selection and sequencing.
Students in the Liberal Studies Major complete
- a subject matter portfolio demonstrating knowledge and skills in the areas of study included in the major.
- a California Commission-approved Elementary Subject Matter Waiver. This program allows coursework to replace the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) requirement for a Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential.
Students who desire flexibility in their program and/or wish to complete a major in another discipline while earning a California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential may take the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET for elementary, Multiple Subjects). Passing scores are required for enrollment in supervised teaching. Speak with the program advisor for program planning and additional details.
Students completing a Liberal Studies major not as a component of a concurrent program of teacher preparation and to meet academic or professional goals other than teaching may replace required courses with others that address those goals. Courses selected must demonstrate the breadth of the major and require program advisor approval.
*EDU 102 fulfills the capstone requirement for Liberal Studies Majors who are in the Concurrent Program of Teacher Preparation. Liberal Studies Majors who are not in the Concurrent Program of Teacher Preparation will take the LACE Capstone course or EDU 102, if they have taken EDU 101.
kvaughan@msmu.edu 213-477-2628 (e-mail contact preferred)