Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico

Liberal Studies Program

In the Liberal Studies Program, you will receive a well-rounded education, preparing you for careers in various fields – education, business, government, social work, and more. As a future teacher, you will engage in coursework that provides you with:

  • A solid foundation for all the content areas you will be expected to teach
  • Hands-on experience working with K-8 pupils
  • Friendly and knowledgeable faculty in their discipline who are eager to support you through your journey to become a caring, well educated, dynamic teacher
  • An opportunity for depth of study in special education

Explore Our Programs

  • staff member taking notes at the child development center

    Liberal Studies BA

    Get prepared to teach elementary school in California in our award-winning liberal studies program. As the oldest and one of the largest majors on campus, we continue our longstanding tradition of preparing future teachers and leaders for educational careers with a focus on social justice and equity.

  • Smiling student working with a grade school student at Imagineer Day.

    Liberal Studies BA Online

    Launch your career as an elementary school teacher in California through our online liberal studies program. With deep roots as one of the largest majors on campus, we continue to nurture future educators and leaders committed to social justice and equity, all in a flexible online format.

About Us

  • Student Form

    Schedule Advising Appointment

    Liberal Studies Majors have mandatory advising. If you would like to make an appointment, please schedule a zoom or phone appointment. You can also reschedule or cancel your appointment on the same link. Appointments are scheduled for 30-minute session.

  • Student using laptop

    Online Students - Tips and Info

    The Liberal Studies Online Option is a degree completion program for students who plan on teaching elementary school or desire a broad-based degree.

Connect with the Liberal Studies Team

Maris ThompsonMaris Thompson
Liberal Studies Coordinator
Rena MarinoRena Marino
Lead Program Advisor
Leanne WoodsLeanne Woods
Program Advisor

Student Resources

  • CME Student Success Team

    Providing support for every CME student from orientation through graduation. We foster students' well-being, learning, and sense of belonging.

  • Clubs and Organizations

    Explore a variety of student clubs and organizations within the College of CME. Join a club to make friends and develop professional connections.

Our Mission

The Chico State Liberal Studies Program commits to ensuring academic rigor in preparing students who will become the professionals, mentors, and leaders in our nation’s schools and throughout society. Academic excellence and commitment to the values of diversity, community, and collaboration, and an appreciation for aesthetics distinguish our program graduates.

The program views learning as a transformative, socially interactive process. Engagement in this process requires critical intellectual inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and the exploration of the interconnectedness and relationships among the disciplines, society, and our own humanity.

Learning is also enhanced by the use of varying technologies to facilitate research, increase understanding, and promote communication with a variety of audiences in an increasingly diverse world. Furthermore, the connection between theory and practice is valued as essential for students to become informed and inquiring members of society and to serve their community.