爆料社区

Transform Your Passion for Teaching Into Classroom Expertise  

Ready to inspire the next generation? 爆料社区's online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies gives you everything you need to become an elementary school teacher in California. You'll graduate prepared to enter multiple subject credential programs for elementary school teaching 鈥� no additional testing required to demonstrate competence in your subject matter. 

This fully online, asynchronous program lets you earn your degree around your schedule, whether you're working, raising a family or managing other commitments. 

Benefit from a broad, interdisciplinary education taught by faculty from three different colleges while specializing in reading, language and literature instruction that will make you a literacy champion in elementary school classrooms. 

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Learn more about the 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program through a brief, informal webinar and Q&A session: 

• Please check back for upcoming information session dates

Admission and Costs

Admission

This is a degree-completion program. Students must complete required prerequisite courses and 60 transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units). View all admission requirements.

Costs and Financial Aid

• $430 per unit
• Eligible for financial aid

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Curriculum Highlights

The BA in Liberal Studies provides comprehensive preparation across all subject areas essential for K-8 teaching 鈥� from reading and mathematics to arts and human development 鈥� giving you the interdisciplinary foundation needed to inspire young learners. Sample courses include:

Careers and Job Outlooks

What Can You Do With a Liberal Studies Degree?

The BA in Liberal Studies is designed primarily to prepare you for a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher. You'll gain comprehensive subject matter expertise across all core areas of elementary and middle school education, along with the critical thinking and cultural competency needed to inspire young learners in diverse California classrooms. Beyond teaching, the program's interdisciplinary foundation also opens doors to other education-related careers and graduate studies. 

Teaching roles include: 

• Elementary School Teacher (K-6)
• Special Education Teacher
• ESL/English Language Development Teacher
• Early Childhood Educator 

Non-teaching roles include: 

• Academic Advisor or Student Services Coordinator (high school, community college or university)
• Education Program Coordinator (NGOs or nonprofits)
• Instructional Designer
• Curriculum Developer
• Graduate student in humanities, social sciences or law 

FAQ

• What is a degree-completion program?
  Degree-completion programs at 爆料社区 cater to individuals who have initiated, yet not completed, their four-year undergraduate degrees. If you have earned at least 60 transferable units and you meet prerequisite requirements, you are eligible for this coveted online BA degree in liberal studies from Cal State San Marcos.鈥� 
• What is a cohort?
  Students in the liberal studies bachelo谤鈥檚 program progress through the curriculum as a unified group, fostering collaboration and professional networking opportunities. This cohort model ensures consistent peer support throughout the 60-unit program.   
• What colleges can BA in Liberal Studies students transfer from?
  Students from various community colleges across the nation as well as in Southern California, including Palomar College, MiraCosta College, Southwestern Community College and Imperial Valley College, are typically well-equipped to transition into our online bachelo谤鈥檚 degree program. 
• What is the mode of delivery for this program, and what does "asynchronous" mean?

  This program is offered fully online in an asynchronous format. Asynchronous learning means students do not need to attend live classes at specific times. Instead, they can access pre-recorded lectures and course materials, and complete assignments at their convenience within set deadlines, providing flexibility to accommodate their schedules. 

• Will my diploma say 鈥渙nline鈥�?
  No, your diploma will not specify that your liberal studies degree was earned online; it will simply indicate that you received a bachelor鈥檚 degree from California State University San Marcos, just like traditional, on-campus undergraduate students. 
• What are the key features of this degree?

  The Liberal Studies BA offers an excellent curricular pathway to students interested in a career in elementary school teaching. Coursework is selected to address the seven core subject matter areas of the K-8 curriculum in California, including all general education and breadth of study requirements.  

  Core Subject Matter Areas 

  • Reading, language and literature
  • History and social sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Visual and performance arts
  • Human development
  • Physical education 
• What are the learning outcomes of the BA in Liberal Studies?

  When you graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, you'll be prepared to enter California's K-8 classrooms with both subject matter expertise and essential professional competencies. You'll demonstrate subject matter competence for a multiple subject credential, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming standardized testing before moving into your teaching credential program. 

  You'll develop the practical skills that make effective educators. You'll learn to articulate your role as an educator within the broader community, understanding how your interdisciplinary education directly informs your K-8 teaching practice. You'll gain experience collaborating with diverse groups across multiple settings to achieve shared goals, mirroring the teamwork required in school environments. Additionally, you'll build strong research and analytical capabilities by learning to collect, evaluate and analyze both primary and secondary data and resources, skills essential for curriculum planning and evidence-based instruction. 

  These outcomes ensure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and competence to inspire young learners from day one. 

• Will I need to take a CSET to apply for the Multiple Subject Credential program?
  No. The multiple subject CSET requirements are waived by successful completion of the BA in Liberal Studies program.
• What is the program鈥檚 area of focus?

  爆料社区's online liberal studies program features a depth of study in Reading, Language and Literature (RLL). This concentrated focus allows you to gain greater appreciation of language and literacy development, from basic linguistic concepts and children's literature to more advanced applications in writing instruction and language theory. 

  The RLL depth of study prepares you with specialized expertise in literacy education, making you exceptionally qualified to teach reading and language arts in K-8 classrooms. Upon completing your teaching credential, this area of focus also positions you to pursue a Supplemental Authorization in Introductory English, expanding your teaching opportunities. 

  Through courses in linguistics, children's literature and writing pedagogy, you'll develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to foster strong literacy development in diverse learners. 

• After I graduate with my BA in Liberal Studies, what steps remain to become a teacher?

  After earning your BA in Liberal Studies, you'll complete a Multiple Subject Credential program to become a fully credentialed elementary teacher in California. Here's your pathway: 

  Step 1: Apply to a Multiple Subject Credential Program 

  Your Liberal Studies degree automatically satisfies California's subject matter requirements, eliminating the need for additional testing. You can apply directly to 爆料社区's Multiple Subject Credential program or another accredited program in California. 

  Step 2: Complete Your Credential Coursework 

  The credential program typically takes one year and includes coursework in teaching methods for literacy, mathematics, science and social studies, along with courses on English learner instruction and classroom management. You'll also complete supervised clinical practice in actual K-6 classrooms, where you'll apply what you're learning with real students. 

  Step 3: Earn Your Preliminary Credential 

  Upon successful completion of the program, you can be recommended for a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential with an embedded limited English Learner Authorization, qualifying you to teach all subjects in elementary classrooms across California. 

  Step 4: Complete Induction 

  After you're hired as a teacher, you'll participate in a two-year induction program, which provides mentoring and support as you transition into your teaching career. Upon completion, you'll earn your clear credential, the final step to becoming a fully licensed California teacher. 

• What career opportunities are available for graduates of this liberal studies program?

  The BA in Liberal Studies is designed primarily to prepare you for a career in K-8 teaching. Earning this degree is your first step toward becoming a credentialed elementary school teacher in California. 

  Beyond K-8 teaching, your interdisciplinary liberal studies foundation prepares you for diverse education-related careers, including: 

  • Student services positions at high schools, community colleges and universities
  • Program coordination roles with NGOs focused on education issues
  • ESL instruction and early childhood education
  • Instructional design and curriculum development
  • Graduate programs in the humanities, social sciences or law 

  This degree provides both the focused preparation needed for California teaching credentials and the broad liberal arts context to pursue alternative career paths in education and beyond. 

• How is mindfulness integrated into the liberal studies experience?

  Throughout the liberal studies program, you'll be introduced to mindfulness and contemplative practices as tools for managing stress, enhancing focus and promoting well-being. Each course includes a mindfulness component that exposes you to these techniques in a practical, accessible way. 

  Your final course, LBST 341, provides a deeper exploration of contemplative practices and how they can be integrated into K-8 classrooms to support student learning and social-emotional development. However, whether and how you choose to incorporate these practices into your future teaching is entirely up to you. 

  The goal is to give you options and awareness rather than prescribe a particular approach. Some educators find mindfulness practices invaluable for classroom management and student engagement, while others may prefer different strategies. By learning about these techniques during your degree program, you'll have the knowledge to decide what works best for your teaching style and classroom needs. 

• Can I work while completing the liberal studies program?
  Yes! Our program is offered fully online and asynchronous; in most cases, you can fit your professional schedule around your coursework. Our degree-completion programs are designed specifically for adult learners and working professionals who often work full time or have other obligations preventing them from being a traditional, full-time student. 
• What is the Future Educators Association?

  The Future Educato谤鈥檚 Association is a student-led club affiliated with liberal studies and the School of Education at 爆料社区. Founded in Fall 2018 by transfer students seeking guidance on credential programs and the teaching profession, the FEA has grown to over 200 members and serves as a vibrant community for aspiring teachers. 

  The FEA provides a welcoming space where future educators can connect with peers, ask questions and access resources from faculty, advisors and credential program representatives. The FEA offers valuable support through meetings, discussion panels, fundraisers and networking events.  

  Benefits of joining: 

  • Connect with fellow future teachers and build your professional network.
  • Learn about credential programs, teaching careers and classroom strategies from experienced educators.
  • Attend engaging events covering topics like credential program Q&As, teacher unions, trauma-informed teaching and resource exchanges.
  • Earn honor cords for graduation by attending two meetings and one event per semester. 

  All 爆料社区 students, alumni and prospective students interested in education are welcome to join. The FEA meets on Tuesdays, with hybrid options available for many meetings. 
• What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn about the support and resources available to active-duty military, veterans and their dependents.

• What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and how can it benefit me?

   Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows you to earn academic credits for skills and knowledge you've acquired outside of a traditional classroom. This can help reduce the number of courses needed for your degree, saving you time and money while accelerating your path to graduation.

• How do I apply for CPL?

  Start by contacting your 爆料社区 advisor, who will guide you through the CPL process. You鈥檒l need to provide proof of your certifications and/or provide supporting documentation demonstrating your learning, knowledge or skill acquired through experience. Once the appropriate paperwork has been received, the department faculty will assess which credits you qualify for.

• Can other forms of experience besides certifications count towards CPL?

  Yes, beyond certifications, prior experience such as work or military experience may also qualify for credit. Faculty at 爆料社区 will review these experiences on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.