A Liberal Studies major give you a broad education and also prepares you for a career as a K-8 teacher in California.
Why Study Liberal Studies?
In California, the Liberal Studies major is designed for those who want to become K-8 teachers. It is also a major for those who want a broad liberal arts education.
You'll take courses from disciplines in eight subject matter areas: language arts, natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, visual and performing arts, human development, physical education and health.
Why Study Liberal Studies at CSUN?
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies is committed to producing socially responsible, informed and engaged individuals who value diversity and demonstrate proficient knowledge in their area of specialization and a range of disciplines.
We offer three options: the Pre-Credential Program and two Integrated Teacher Education Programs (ITEP):
The Pre-Credential Program is best for students who want to enroll in a teaching credential program after they earn their bachelor’s degree. It focuses broadly on the liberal arts and specifically on the curriculum areas required for teaching in elementary classrooms (Grades K-8).
ITEP-Junior Option is a comprehensive teacher preparation program that simultaneously provides the B.A. degree and teaching credential. This option integrates mastery of subject matter and pedagogy.
The ITEP-Freshman Option is a comprehensive teacher preparation program designed for entering freshmen who plan to earn a B.A. and a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential or a Preliminary Special Education (Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs) Credential concurrently.
What You'll Learn
All three options provide a B.A. in liberal studies, including preparation in the multiple subjects taught in self-contained classroom settings.
You'll take courses from disciplines in eight subject matter areas: language arts, natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, visual and performing arts, human development, physical education and health. The Pre-Credential Program also is the gateway into the ITEP-Junior program. In order to transition from the Pre-Credential to the ITEP-Junior program, you'll need to gain admission to the CSUN Credential Program.
The ITEP-Junior option is a program for college juniors who want to complete their B.A. degree and Preliminary Credential simultaneously. Students planning to join ITEP-Junior option should first complete most of their lower-division pre-credential requirements and then gain admission into CSUN’s Credential Program. ITEP-Junior option students take professional methods courses that are blended and linked with subject matter courses to complete their degree and credential.
The ITEP-Freshman option is for entering freshmen who are ready for college-level courses in mathematics and writing and are certain about a teaching career. ITEP-Freshman option students remain with their entering cohort throughout their four years, including at least one summer, taking some courses exclusively designed for them. The program includes field and lab experiences in elementary classrooms guided by education faculty, as well as the opportunity for participation in a close-knit learning community.
Careers & Outcomes
CSUN's Liberal Studies teacher preparation options are the largest supplier of elementary school teachers for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Our students also get jobs in the Glendale Unified School District and several other neighboring school districts.
Graduates of the special eduction track of either the ITEP-Freshman or the ITEP-Junior option may also be hired as special education teachers for K-8.
Teacher Preparation
If you're interested in a career as elementary or special education teacher, choose either the ITEP-Junior option or the ITEP-Freshman option.