Liberal Studies (for Teaching), Associate of Arts Degree
Banner Code: 3_AA_LIBS
Control Number: 18002
Financial Aid Eligible
The Liberal Studies/Teaching Degree offers future elementary school teachers an articulated transfer pathway and career ladder for a B.A. in Liberal Studies and the multiple-subject teaching credential. The focus of the degree is on content knowledge needed to teach in a K-8 setting and education courses that include early fieldwork opportunities for observation and practice. Coursework prepares students for the Multiple Subject CSET exam as required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for elementary school teachers in both regular and special education. Selected courses are also aligned with the multiple subject credential CSET waiver, depending on transfer institution and course. As a standalone degree without transfer the A.A., aligned with the requirements for No Child Left Behind, helps students become effective elementary school paraprofessionals in regular or special education classrooms. The degree is also appropriate for students pursuing a career other than in elementary school teaching (such as tutors and parents providing homeschooling) who would like their course of studies and degree recognition to include an emphasis in liberal studies and teacher preparation curricula. Students may select courses to simultaneously earn the Certificate in Educational Studies as well.
Program Level Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, skills, experience, and feedback to make an informed choice to be employed or to continue study in the field of education.
- Document preliminary subject matter competency and ability to work effectively with students, teachers, parents, colleagues, and administrators in a school and classroom setting.
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| Area A - English Language, Communication and Critical Thinking | ||
| Select one course from each of the following areas: | ||
| A1-Oral Communication | ||
| CMST C110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| A2-Written Communication | ||
| ENGL C100 | Freshman Composition | 4 |
| A3-Critical Thinking | ||
| ENGL C102 | Critical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing | 3 |
| or PHIL C115 | Logic and Critical Thinking | |
| Area B - Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Select at least one course from each of the following areas: 1 | ||
| B1-Physical Science | ||
| Select at least one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Survey of Chemistry and Physics 3 | ||
or PHYS C140 | Survey of Chemistry and Physics | |
| General Geology | ||
| Earth Sciences for Teachers 3 | ||
| B2-Biological Science | ||
| BIOL C100 | Introduction to Biology | 3-4 |
| or BIOL C100C | Introduction to Biology Lecture/Lab | |
| B3-Laboratory Activity | ||
| BIOL C100L | Introduction to Biology Lab | 1 |
| or GEOL C105L | Geology Lab | |
| B4-Math/Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Select at least one of the following: | 3 | |
| Statistics for Elementary Teachers | ||
| Mathematics for Elementary Teachers | ||
| Geometry for Elementary Teachers | ||
| Area C - Arts and Humanities | ||
| Select at least one course from each area plus one additional course from either area. | 9 | |
| C1-Arts | ||
| History and Appreciation of Music | ||
| Introduction to Theater | ||
| C2-Literature | ||
| Critical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing | ||
| Appreciation of Literature | ||
| American Literature through the Civil War | ||
| American Literature 1865 to Present | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| British Literature to 1800 | ||
| British Literature since 1800 | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Area D - Social Sciences | ||
| Select a US History course and an American Government course and at least one additional course from Area D. | 9 | |
| United States History to 1876 | ||
| American Government | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| History of California | ||
| World History 1 | ||
| Area E - Lifelong Learning | ||
| PSYC C116 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| EDUC C103 | Introduction to Computers in Education: Technology Proficiencies for Teachers 1 | 2 |
| EDUC C104 | Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Diverse Contemporary Classrooms Includes 10 hours of required fieldwork/observations | 1 |
| EDUC C200 | The Teaching Profession Includes 45 hours of required fieldwork/tutoring | 3.5 |
| Suggested Electives | ||
| Select additional courses to complete at least 60 units. 2 | ||
| Tutor Training Includes a three-hour service learning component | ||
| Family, School, and Community Partnerships Includes 10 hours of required fieldwork/observations | ||
| Introduction to Special Education Includes 10 hours of required fieldwork/observations | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Personal Health | ||
| Units Required for Major | 47.5-49.5 | |
| Local General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC pattern | Varies | |
| Electives to satisfy units requirement | Varies | |
| Total Units for Degree | 60 | |
- 1
Note for Area B3: The following courses also meet Area B3 (Lab Component) Biology C100C (B2, B3) Geology C106 (B1, B3) Chemistry/Physics C140 (B1, B3).
- 2
Select courses based on the program requirements at the University you would like to transfer to. See your counselor when selecting these courses.
- 3
Meets both Areas B1 and B3