As a liberal studies major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll engage in a broad course of study, which will serve as the foundation for a wide range of opportunities including graduate study, career development and community services. Because it is interdisciplinary, this program is especially designed to prepare you for teaching at the elementary school level. Whether you choose a concentration in history or in biology, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge required to enter a multiple subject teacher credential program.
Concentration options
Students must choose an area of concentration. Concentrations permit the candidate to specialize in areas of interest and depth. All students must complete a concentration of 12 or more units in one discipline or area of study. Concentrations may overlap with a minor.
- American Civilization and Culture Concentration (Contemporary Focus)
- American Civilization and Culture Concentration (Historical Focus)
- Art Concentration
- Biblical Studies Concentration
- Biology Concentration
- Coaching Concentration
- Communication Concentration
- Conflict and Peacemaking Studies Concentration
- English Concentration
- Environmental Studies Concentration
- Intercultural/Domestic Studies Concentration
- Intercultural/International Studies Concentration
- Language Studies Concentration
- Mathematics Concentration
- Ministry Concentration
- Music Concentration
- Physical Education Concentration
- Psychology Concentration
- Religious Studies Concentration
- Science Concentration
- Spanish Concentration
- Theater Concentration
- Western Civilization and Culture Concentration
- World Civilization and Culture Concentration
Highlights
- Gain the ability and desire to understand, evaluate and communicate ideas while engaging in intensive study
- Interdisciplinary field of study allows you to select from more than 20 concentrations of interest to you
- Fulfill the subject matter requirements for both a Multiple Subjects Credential and also a Single-Subject Authorization to teach through grade 9
- Students who complete the required courses as part of our liberal studies program will have their CSET exam waived prior to beginning their CA Multiple Subject Credential
Career opportunities
With a degree in liberal studies you’ll have the versatility to apply your studies to almost any desired career field because of its broad course of study. However, you’ll be well equipped to continue in your education to become an elementary school teacher because this major provides the course content required for the multiple subject teacher credential. Additional career opportunities include librarians and educational counselors. Plus, liberal studies provides a broad understanding of many topics and can open multiple doors, even if you change your mind about teaching or aren't yet sure of what career path to follow.
How Do I Become A Teacher?
Our liberal studies bachelor degree provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills for future teachers. Learn more about our Teacher Education Program and take the next step to teaching general education in the elementary and middle school classroom (multiple subjects) and specific subjects at the middle school and high school levels (single subject).
Becoming a Teacher
Admission requirements
- Students must prepare a portfolio in their last semester prior to graduation.
- Students planning to enter the FPU teacher education program must maintain a 2.75 GPA or better during their baccalaureate program. Grades of D+ or below are not accepted in general education or major coursework.
- Students are encouraged to take coursework leading to the BCLAD credential emphasis.
- The state of California requires that all students admitted to multiple subject credential programs pass the CBEST to prove basic skills and the CSET to prove subject matter competency.
Transferring to Fresno Pacific
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information
- Elementary Teacher Education (AA-T) to Liberal Studies, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
- All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
- BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
- BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology (4)
- HIST 150 American Civilization (4)
- LIT 180 Introduction to Literature (3)
- PHYS 106 - Physical Science (4)
- PHYS 150 Earth Science (3)
- LA 180 Paths to Teaching (3)
- MATH 132 Arithmetic and Data Analysis (3)
- PSY 350 Child Development (3) [Lower to Upper Division]
- This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Course listing
In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University, students must complete at least 120 units. Along with completing all required courses in their selected area of study, general education requirements must be met by all graduates. See the general education summary in the undergraduate academic catalog for more information.
Select programs may not provide enough units for a student to graduate and therefore an emphasis and/or elective courses must be completed alongside the major. Please see below for emphases related to this area of study.
Liberal Studies Major: General Education Requirements (22 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|
| BIOL 100 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
| HIST 150 | American Civilization | 4 |
| LIT 180 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| PE 120 | Dance Movement | 1 |
| PHYS 106 | Physical Science | 4 |
| PHYS 150 | Earth Science | 3 |
| PSY 120 | General Psychology | 3 |
Required Courses (47 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|
| ART 300 | Art for Elementary Teachers | 3 |
| THTR 355 | Creative Drama | 3 |
| HIST 440 | California History and Politics | 4 |
| ENV 160 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| KIN 320 | Theory of Physical Education | 3 |
| LA 180 | Paths to Teaching | 3 |
| LA 380 | Learning Communities | 3 |
| LANG 310 | First and Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| LANG 340 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LIT 465 | Literature for Children and Young Adults | 3 |
| MATH 132 | Arithmetic and Data Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 134 | Algebraic Thinking and Geometry | 3 |
| MUS 305 | Music in the Classroom | 3 |
| PSY 350 | Child Development | 3 |
| SOC 410 | American Ethnicity and Pluralism | 3 |
Program director
Eleanor Nickel, Ph.D.
Professor, Program Director, English
Faculty
Whitney E. Wall Bortz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Liberal Studies
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