The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies for Education prepares students to eventually enter the teaching force as well-trained, effective professionals. The curriculum for the major is designed to match the content taught in elementary schools and provides students with the subject-matter background needed to pass the California Subject Matter Examination for Teachers-Multiple Subject (CSET), which anyone wanting to teach in a public elementary school in the state of California must pass. For those wanting to teach in a middle school setting, it offers the coursework necessary to meet the 32-unit subject-matter requirement for an Introductory Subject-Matter Authorization in either mathematics or English. However, this program is not a waiver program and does not qualify students to waive the CSET exam. Also, it does not qualify students to waive pedagogy courses offered at the graduate level. This program is, in fact, meant to be a feeder program for and a precursor to the Graduate School of Education Teacher Credential Program at Alliant.
In keeping with the professional practice model, students in the Liberal Studies for Education major will also take courses designed for professional development. These courses provides a mixture of theory and practical application. They will examine topics such as learning theory, methods of instruction, and teaching in culturally and linguistically diverse settings. Students will also participate in field placements and service learning projects. Throughout this process, students will be developing their own critical thinking, research and writing skills. These courses and field experiences will assure excellent preparation for students to study for their teaching credential once they have earned the bachelor’s degree.
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