Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
120 Semester Credits / 10 Semesters / 40 Months
Delivery Mode: Online (Online Hybrid, California Credentialing Track)
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree provides students with the basic understanding and skills to prepare them for careers or professions requiring knowledge based on the arts and humanities. The curriculum of Liberal Studies involves more than one discipline, fostering the understanding of people, nations, institutions, history, arts, sciences, and how these influenced the development of society and cultures. The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies has 2 tracks: 1. Multiple Subject Credential Preparation track for students in California interested in teaching at the TK-6 level. 2. General track for students interested in exploring a variety of topics, transfer students, or students outside of California.
The College of Education offers the following Teacher Credentialing track approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC):
- 2042 Multiple Subject Preliminary Credential
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CREDENTIAL PROGRAM CANDIDATES
All credential candidates must provide evidence of passing the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) or equivalent before or during the term in which they reach junior status and provide Certificate of Clearance (fingerprint clearance).
To stay on schedule for graduation and to be recommended as a candidate to the CTC students seeking a credential pathway must show proof of attempting or passing the California Subjects Examination Test (CSET) or waiver, prior to beginning any EDU coursework. It is highly recommended that candidates take this exam as early in the program as possible.
Student Teaching Requirements
- Completed and passed the CSET for the credential being sought.
- CPR Certification
- COVID-19 Vaccination
- Complete 600 hours of full-time student teaching in an approved classroom(s) over 2 eight-week sessions regardless of holidays or vacation days
- Students are advised not to work during their student teaching experience as it is a full-time commitment requiring 40 plus hours each week
- Substitute teaching and non-sequential or unapproved placements may not be counted towards the 600 hours of required practicum
- Students may be required to travel to distant school sites as assigned- specific school schedule requests or school sites may or may not be accommodated
- In order to progress to the second student teaching session (EDU563) a minimum of 1 EdTPA task must be completed
All student teaching must be completed in a California classroom.
Program Completion Requirements
- Complete program with a Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher
- Passed EdTPA Tasks*
- Passed the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
- Complete a Professional Teaching Portfolio
- Exit Interview
- Exit Survey
*Preliminary Teacher Credential Candidates are required to successfully complete two (2) EdTPA Instructional Cycles as part of their summative assessment for teacher credentialing as defined in Standard 17 of the 2042 credential document.
Teacher Credentialing and Licensure
Per the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) all students must meet the specific requirements in effect at the time of candidate application for credential. While the United States University program prepares California teacher candidates it does not guarantee teacher licensure. All credential candidates are encouraged to check the commission requirement page on a regular basis as requirements may change. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl560c.pdf?sfvrsn=8db75dfc_16
In order to be recommended to the California Teaching Commission for a Multiple Subject credential candidates must complete the following requirements:
- Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
- Satisfy the basic skills requirement (Passage of the CBEST exam) or waiver
- Achieve a passing score on required subject matter exams (CSET) or waiver
- Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
- Complete a course in the provisions and principles of the US Constitution or pass accepted exam
- Complete a Commission-approved multiple subject teacher preparation program
- Obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor.
Outcomes
1. Utilize critical thinking and effective communication to analyze and disseminate information.
2. Explain human cultural, historical and social experience and relatedness to society today.
3. Examine the interconnectedness of various disciplines to create new approaches to challenges.
4. Apply technology and information literacy to research.
5. Apply quantitative analysis to address complex challenges.
6. Analyze ethical choices in difficult and conflicting situations.
Additional Program Learning Outcomes- Multiple Subject Credential Track
By the end of the Teacher Credentialing Preparation Program candidates will learn, apply and reflect on the following Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs):
TPE 1: Engaging and supporting all students in learning
TPE 2: Creating and maintain effective environments for student learning
TPE 3: Understanding and organizing subject matter for student learning
TPE 4: Planning instruction and designing learning experiences for all students.
TPE 5: Assessing student learning
TPE 6: Developing as a professional educator
Curriculum Requirements - Multiple Subject Credential
Core Requirements
| EDU205 | Health Nutrition, and PE for Teachers | 3 |
| EDU501 | Affirming and Valuing Diversity in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU503 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDU504 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 |
| EDU510 | Introduction to Classroom Instruction | 3 |
| EDU525 | English Language Developmental Strategies for English Language Learners | 3 |
| ENG403 | Multi-Ethnic Children's Literature | 3 |
| HIS320 | California History | 3 |
| MAT221 | Math for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| MAT222 | Math for Elementary Teachers II | 3 |
| MAT241 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| PSY285 | Child Development | 3 |
| SCI222 | Science for Elementary Teachers | 3 |
Elective Requirements
Students are required to take 15 credits of electives selected from the list below.
| BUS101 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| BUS110 | Data Analysis and Communication Tools | 3 |
| BUS220 | Introduction to Business Law | 3 |
| BUS331 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| CHM102 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CIS101 | IT Fundamentals | 3 |
| CNT100 | Fundamentals of Networking | 3 |
| FIN310 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
| HCA101 | Healthcare Delivery in the United States | 3 |
| HCA201 | Terminologies and Classification Systems | 3 |
| HED300 | Introduction to Health Education | 3 |
| HRM210 | Introduction to Human Resource Management | 3 |
| HSC101 | Health and Society | 3 |
| HSC105 | Cultural Competence in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSC215 | Survey of Public Health Biology | 3 |
| MGT321 | Organizational Behavior and Management | 3 |
| MGT332 | Introduction to Project Management | 3 |
| MGT334 | Organizational and Business Communication | 3 |
| MGT410 | Leading Organizations | 3 |
| MGT441 | Negotiation and Conflict in Management | 3 |
| MGT442 | Leading Diverse and Dispersed Teams | 3 |
| MKT210 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| PHI105 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
Multiple Subject Requirements
Multiple Subject Requirements- CSET Passage (or waiver), TB clearance, Certificate of Clearance (fingerprints) and CPR certificate required prior to enrollment. Covid vaccination required for student teaching placement 90 days in advance.
| EDU534 | Curriculum and Instruction I | 3 |
| EDU535 | Curriculum and Instruction II | 3 |
| EDU536 | Language Arts and Reading K-6 | 3 |
| EDU561 | Student Teaching (Clinical Practice) I | 5 |
| EDU562 | Directed Student Teaching Seminar I | 1 |
| EDU563 | Student Teaching (Clinical Practice) II | 5 |
| EDU564 | Directed Student Teaching Seminar II | 1 |
Curriculum Requirements - General
Students may elect to complete a Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies degree if they are not interested in teaching at the TK-6 level or do not reside in California. Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary major that provides flexibility for students to select a wide range of elective courses that meet their areas of interest as well as provide exposure to many disciplines. Students who plan to attend graduate school as well as those that are interested in a career in a wide range of sectors may benefit from a liberal studies degree. Skills developed throughout the program include those most valued by employer; problem solving and teamwork, oral and written communication skills, information literacy and creativity, quantitative reasoning and an understanding of cultures and societies.
Core Requirements
| COM204 | Argumentation | 3 |
| ENG306 | Survey of American Literature | 3 |
| ENG307 | Survey of World Classics | 3 |
| ENG310 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| HED201 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
| HIS226 | World History I | 3 |
| HIS228 | World History II | 3 |
| LIB499 | Liberal Studies Capstone | 3 |
| LIN478 | Linguistics | 3 |
| MAT241 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| POS399 | Special Topics in Political Science and International Relations | 3 |
| SSC499 | Senior Seminar: Social Sciences | 3 |
NOTE: LIB499 is non-transferable course and must be taken last session.
Elective Requirements
Students are required to take 39 credits of electives selected from the list below.
| BUS101 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| BUS110 | Data Analysis and Communication Tools | 3 |
| BUS220 | Introduction to Business Law | 3 |
| BUS331 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| CHM102 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CIS101 | IT Fundamentals | 3 |
| CNT100 | Fundamentals of Networking | 3 |
| FIN310 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
| HCA101 | Healthcare Delivery in the United States | 3 |
| HCA201 | Terminologies and Classification Systems | 3 |
| HED300 | Introduction to Health Education | 3 |
| HIS320 | California History | 3 |
| HRM210 | Introduction to Human Resource Management | 3 |
| HSC101 | Health and Society | 3 |
| HSC105 | Cultural Competence in Healthcare | 3 |
| HSC215 | Survey of Public Health Biology | 3 |
| MGT321 | Organizational Behavior and Management | 3 |
| MGT332 | Introduction to Project Management | 3 |
| MGT334 | Organizational and Business Communication | 3 |
| MGT410 | Leading Organizations | 3 |
| MGT441 | Negotiation and Conflict in Management | 3 |
| MGT442 | Leading Diverse and Dispersed Teams | 3 |
| MKT210 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| PHI105 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
General Education Requirements
| ART160 | Visual and Performing Arts | 3 |
| BIO150 | General Biology | 3 |
| CIS120 | Introduction to Digital Literacy | 3 |
| COM104 | Speech | 3 |
| COM105 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| ENG130 | English Composition and Reading | 3 |
| ENG140 | English Composition and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| ENG205 | Information and Media Literacy | 3 |
| HIS120 | United States History I | 3 |
| HIS122 | United States History II | 3 |
| HUM499 | Senior Seminar: Humanities | 3 |
| MAT105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PHI399 | Applied Philosophy and Ethics | 3 |
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |