Whitney Wall Bortz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies, Program Coordinator
What is possible when your major challenges you to be critical and creative?
Anything.
Liberal studies is tailor made for the student who wants to explore it all. From social science to physical education, Spanish to science, you’ll gain a broad education in the humanities and an ability to communicate effectively to a broad array of audiences.
In wide-ranging courses you’ll participate in creative drama and group improvisation, explore how California became a political-trendsetter among states, understand how to analyze data and learn the Kodaly method for teaching music in the classroom.
This interdisciplinary program is especially designed to prepare you for teaching at the elementary school level. Regardless of the concentration in science or in Spanish, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge required to enter a multiple subject teacher credential program.
Program Highlights
- Choice of a concentration from an area of interest to you (see Concentrations below)
- 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
- Engage in off-campus summer and study abroad programs
- Work one-on-one with faculty to choose from a broad range of topics for your capstone research project
Concentrations
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.
- Art Concentration
- Education Concentration
- English Concentration
- Mathematics Concentration
- Physical Education Concentration
- Science Concentration
- Social Science Concentration
- Spanish Concentration
Integrated Teacher Education Program Pathway
In addition to the traditional pathway to teaching (4 year B.A.+ 1 year credential), FPU is now offering Liberal Studies students the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Arts degree and multiple subjects teaching credential in four years (3 year B.A. + 1 year credential)! This takes at least one year off the current traditional path. A transfer option is also available. Learn more at fpu.edu/ITEP.
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Faculty
Catalog
Within the context of the Fresno Pacific Idea, the liberal studies major at Fresno Pacific University exists to prepare people with a foundation of knowledge needed to become community builders, peacemakers and advocates for change in roles requiring broad liberal arts scholarship. The major seeks to build:
- The ability and desire to understand, evaluate and communicate ideas.
- The ability and desire to discover ideas through disciplinary processes.
- The ability and desire to engage in intensive study and service.
- A sense of interrelatedness among knowledge, experience, responsibility and values.
- A respect for diversity.
The liberal studies major is an interdisciplinary major that provides the content background for multiple subject candidates wishing to enter teacher education programs for teaching at the elementary level in the state of California. Additionally, the liberal studies major provides a rounded course of study in the liberal arts appropriate for preparation in numerous vocations.
Students must prepare a senior project in their last semester prior to graduation that is reviewed by undergraduate faculty and professional educators. In addition, students planning to enter the FPU teacher education program must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better during their baccalaureate program.
The liberal studies major meets the elementary subject matter requirement for entry into a credential program in the state of California. Therefore, liberal studies majors no longer must pass the CSET prior to receiving a multiple-subject credential.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will use background knowledge and value structures to interact critically, appreciatively, and interpretively with oral, written, symbolic, and artistic language, expressing themselves clearly, persuasively, and creatively.
- Students will apply various modes of inquiry and disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge to the pursuit of comprehension of linguistic, artistic, technological, mathematical, scientific, historical, political, philosophical, theological, sociological, psychological, literary, and physical modes of inquiry and world views.
- Students will engage in intensive and orderly study within their concentration through use of significant literature of a field, application of sound methodological procedures, and possession of in-depth knowledge of the contributions of their concentration to the community.
- Students will develop a personal philosophy of life that gives meaning and wholeness to learning and promotes a life of service, peacemaking, and responsibility.
- Through community engagement students will actively promote an understanding of and respect for ethnic and cultural diversity, demonstrating flexibility and effectiveness in relating to and communicating with a variety of people in a variety of situations.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Concentrations/Minors
Concentrations permit the candidate to specialize in areas of interest and depth. All students must complete a concentration of 12 or more units, a minor, or a double major. Once declared, the minor or double major replaces the need for a concentration.
Seven of the concentration options (art, English, math, physical education, science, social science, and Spanish) should prepare students to apply for a supplementary authorization in the subject area. This means that if the student goes on to apply for a multiple-subjects credential, these courses will allow the student to apply for an authorization to teach the chosen content area in a single-subject position through the ninth grade.
An eighth concentration in Education allows the student to begin taking credential classes during the B.A. This leads to the completion of a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a multiple-subject credential in only four years.
Note: The supplementary authorizations are granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Thus, FPU cannot guarantee that this authorization will be granted.
Liberal Studies Major
General Education Requirements (33 units)
- BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
- ENV 160 - Introduction to Environmental Science Credits 3
- GEOL 151 - Earth Science Credits 3
- HIST 120 - Ancient Civilizations Credits 3
- HIST 130 - Medieval and Early Modern Civilizations Credits 3
- HIST 150 - American Civilization Credits 3
- LIT 180 - Introduction to Literature Credits 3
- PE 120 - Dance Movement Credits 1
- PHYS 106 - Physical Science Credits 3
- PSY 120 - General Psychology Credits 3
- BIOL 100L - Principles of Biology Lab Credits 1
- or PHYS 106L - Physical Science Lab Credits 1
Required Courses (46 Units)
- ART 300 - Art for Elementary Teachers Credits 3
- HIST 440 - California History and Politics Credits 4
- KIN 320 - Theory of Elementary Physical Education Credits 3
- LA 180 - Paths to Teaching Credits 3
- LA 380 - Learning Communities Credits 3
- LANG 310 - First and Second Language Acquisition Credits 3
- or LANG-311 First and Second Language Acquisition
- LANG 340 - Linguistics & Modern Grammar Credits 3
- or LANG-331 Introduction to Linguistics
- LIT 465 - Literature for Children and Young Adults Credits 3
- MATH 136 - Mathematics Concepts I Credits 3
- MATH 137 - Mathematics Concepts II Credits 3
- MUS 305 - Music in the Classroom Credits 3
- PSY 252 - Child Development Credits 3
- SOC 410 - American Ethnicity and Pluralism Credits 3
- THTR 355 - Creative Drama Credits 3
- or THTR-357 Creative Drama
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
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.
Non-traditional Admission
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
Room & Board Rates
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
| Name | GPA | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Paragon | Full Tuition | |
| President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
| Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
| Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
| Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
| Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
| Name | GPA | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
| Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
| Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
| Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
| Music | $400 to $10,000 |
| Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
| Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
| Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
| International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
| Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
| Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
| Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
| Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
| Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work-Study
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
| PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
| Work-study | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
Mathematics
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
With a degree in liberal studies, you'll gain the versatility to apply your studies to almost any desired career field. However, you'll also be well equipped to continue in your education to become an elementary school teacher, having met the course content required for the multiple subject teacher credential.
Career Possibilities
- Teacher
- Librarian
- Educational counselor
- Researcher
- Communication specialist
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more