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California State University, Chico
College of Communication and Education

Liberal Studies BA

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  • Program Type

    Undergraduate Major

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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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.

As an interdisciplinary major, you will also develop a strong knowledge base in multiple subjects, including English, math, science, social science, art, music, physical education, and psychology.

By exploring a wide range of topics, you'll learn to read critically, write clearly, and think broadly. This will prepare you for careers in education, business, government, social work, and other fields.

A faculty member sitting with a group of students looking toward a computer.

Experience an Immersive Interdisciplinary Curriculum

With an emphasis on field experience and a wide selection of courses, including Access and Equity in Education, Global Nutrition, and Earth and Space Science, you will be ready to enter multiple subject credential programs with the goal of teaching K-8, bilingual/Spanish elementary, or special education.

Major Options

Whether you're interested in teaching Spanish or want a versatile set of skills for a variety of career paths, our program offers four options that provide a strong academic foundation.

  • Student teaching a grade school student during a science education field trip

    General

    Want to shape young minds? With this option, you will be set to apply for a multiple subject credential program and gain hands-on experience working in local elementary schools.

  • Faculty teaching in front of a classroom

    Bilingual/Cross-Cultural

    If you want to teach bilingual elementary school, you will take courses in history, culture, and English as a second language to get ready for a bilingual multiple subject credential program.

  • A student kneeling with a pen and paper in front of two children.

    Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)

    This is a fast-paced 4-year program that leads to a BA in Liberal Studies and includes a multiple subject teaching credential. It is ideal for first-year students who want an accelerated path to becoming an elementary school teacher.

  • A group inside the roth planetarium

    Liberal Arts

    This option offers broad exposure to the arts, humanities, sciences, and social science disciplines, providing a broad knowledge base, as well as communication and analytical skills that are highly sought after in many careers and occupations.

A Wealth of Opportunity Awaits

Our alumni are among the most sought-after teachers in school districts throughout California, many of them serving in diverse, high-needs rural and urban communities. A liberal studies degree also will open a wide range of career options for you, including in data analytics, human resources, business, sales, and much more.

A student posing for a photo at Laxon Auditorium
“
As a proud mother and student, the liberal studies program has been an instrumental part of my personal and professional growth.
Andrea Grijalva (Liberal Studies, ’24)

Learn by Doing

Gain experience working in museums and local classrooms and use evidence-based practices to research educational issues. You will learn how to co-teach and plan lessons with an understanding of the needs of diverse learners.

  • Staff at the autism clinic helping a child walk a balance beam.

    Autism Clinic

    Make a direct impact as a student by leading activities, programs, and assessments for clinic participants who need assistance with motor skill development, sensory regulation, and behavioral and communication skills.

  • A student holding a globe presenting to grade school children.

    Gateway Science Museum

    Facilitate interactive and educational field trip activities for visiting K-8 students at the museum to foster an appreciation and understanding of the natural world around them.

  • Two students working collaboratively on laptops

    Capstone

    In this required course, you will research educational practices, curriculum, and policies to learn how to identify anti-oppressive practices and lead change toward social and ecological justice.

A smiling student providing assistance to a grade school student in a classroom setting.

Close-Knit Community

Forge lasting friendships, expand your network, and create a positive impact by joining a diverse range of student clubs and education-focused organizations such as the CTA Aspiring Educators. Or join the thousands of students who volunteer 60,000+ hours annually through Community Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE).

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

Real-World Learning in Real-World Environments

Enhance your learning experience with hands-on opportunities tailored to your academic growth in our research facilities, such as our Child Development Lab and the Gateway Science Museum, and in elementary school classrooms.

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