Liberal Studies at CSUDH

Information
Liberal Studies provides an interdisciplinary program designed for students who intend to become elementary school teachers. It is an approved multiple subject matter program for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Program Goals
The Liberal Studies program at CSUDH seeks to provide a quality, broad-based education for the future elementary school teacher. The program is designed to serve the particular urban setting of Southern California, with its dynamic racial and ethnic mix, while conserving the fundamentals of a liberal arts and sciences education.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the Liberal Studies major requires completion of all lower division General Education and lower division Liberal Studies courses with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and completion of LBS 200 with a “CR” grade. All new majors will be classified as “Pre-Liberal Studies” until the requirements listed are met. Required upper division courses for the Liberal Studies major are open for enrollment to “Liberal Studies” majors only. Exceptions may be made on an individual petition basis. (Petitions must be obtained directly from the Liberal Studies PALS Center, SOE 1206.

Academic Advisement
All newly admitted students (or any current CSUDH student wishing to change majors) must attend an advising meeting. The mandatory meeting will include: using transfer courses; beginning student files; advise on how best to progress from Pre-Liberal Studies to Liberal Studies to earn a B. A. in Liberal Studies while completing the Multiple Subject Matter Program. Also, new pre-majors are strongly advised to enroll in LBS 200 their first semester. Successful completion of this course satisfies one of the requirements needed to advance to Liberal Studies major status. Continuing Liberal Studies and Pre-Liberal Studies majors should see an advisor each year. Faculty and Peer advisors are available throughout the semester. Call (310) 243-3832 to confirm advisors' schedules. In addition to program and professional advisement, advisors will refer the student to other needed student services.

Mission Statement
The mission of Liberal Studies is to develop and maintain a model undergraduate program which successfully prepares well-educated persons to teach in diverse multiple subject classrooms.

Program Structure
The major consists of two parts: (1) the Core--specific courses and electives in each of five areas: Language and Literature; Mathematics and Science; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Humanities and Fine Arts; and Professional Development. These courses have been chosen to provide a strong subject matter basis for the program. (2) the Option--students are expected to study a subject in depth within the Liberal Studies major. To do this, students may select any approved option in the Options section. The option provides students with the pedagogical benefits obtained from pursuing a subject in depth. Occasionally, students wish to construct a special option. See Major Requirements Area VI for more detail.

Vision Statement
All Liberal Studies students will attain the highest level of academic knowledge, applied learning and performance skills to ensure fulfilling personal lives and careers in education.