General Procedures for Making an Appointment

Students must attend a workshop in the major to be able to make an appointment to meet with an advisor. There are two different workshops: Teacher Preparation and the Interdisciplinary Studies option (non-teaching option). The Teacher Preparation option will inform students about the B.A. degree option and the ITEP-Junior option of Liberal Studies. Students interested in teaching multiple subjects (kindergarten through 6th grade) or Special Education must complete this workshop. The Interdisciplinary Studies option is designed for students interested in a broad liberal arts education.

Academic advisement is available by appointment Monday through Friday, including later hours on most Wednesday evenings.

Late Policy: Those who are five minutes late to their appointment will be asked to reschedule. To ensure that all students are served in a timely fashion, please be on time.

Pre-Credential, ITEP-Junior and Interdisciplinary Studies Options

It is strongly recommended that students seek academic advisement at least once per academic year. For students on academic probation, advisement is required to clear registration holds and to discuss a plan to guide the student back to good academic standing. Subsequent appointments are suggested to monitor the student’s academic progress.

Qualified First-Time Freshman Who Pursue the ITEP-Freshman Option

Students begin this program in the Fall semester of their freshman year only. A CSUN application must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records in November for the following Fall. Once admitted to CSUN, the Liberal Studies Office will invite eligible students to join the program.

It is not possible to complete a bilingual credential in ITEP-Freshman option. Students seeking other elementary credentials should complete the Liberal Studies Pre-Credential option and apply for a post-baccalaureate credential program.

For eligibility into the program and first-time advisement, please contact Jonathan B. Martinez, Assistant Director of Liberal Studies, at (818) 677-3300.

First-Time Freshman Who Are Not Participating in the ITEP-Freshman Option

First-semester and second-semester freshmen at CSUN who are declared Liberal Studies majors will be advised by the College of Humanities Student Services Center/EOP advisement office. Those wanting to change their major or declare Liberal Studies during their first two semesters should seek advisement in the College of Humanities, Student Services Center/EOP advisement office. Students may schedule an appointment in person by visiting Jerome Richfield (JR) 240 or by calling (818) 677-4784.

In the middle of the second semester, students will be directed to transition from the College of Humanities, Student Services Center/EOP advisement office to the Liberal Studies Program. Before scheduling an advisement appointment with Liberal Studies, students must complete one of the online student workshops.

Humanities, Russian and Sustainability Minors

Students interested in pursuing one of these minors are not required to complete an online workshop. To schedule an appointment, call the Liberal Studies Program at (818) 677-3300. When scheduling an appointment, please identify as a student interested in declaring a minor.

The Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation option programs are designed for students interested in teaching children in grades K-6 or special education students in grades K-12. Traditionally, elementary school teachers function in self-contained classrooms and teach a variety of subjects. The Liberal Studies major provides students with a broad undergraduate education to prepare them to teach “multiple subjects.”

The Interdisciplinary Studies option is designed for students interested in a broad liberal arts education. Students take courses in the language arts, natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. As part of this option, students are required to complete a specialization track. The Interdisciplinary Studies option leads to a variety of career options. Students may pursue graduate education in fields such as law, public administration, social services, the arts and urban planning.

Liberal Studies students are eligible for most jobs that require a college degree. A Liberal Studies degree signifies to others that the student is a capable, well-rounded individual, who can accomplish complex tasks and communicate well with others. The CSUN Career Center is available to explore many career options.

Literacy Scholars for the Future of Los Angeles (LSLA)

Literacy Scholars for the Future of Los Angeles (LSLA) is a 9-unit specialization in early literacy and language acquisition, which gives teacher candidates classroom and field experience in developing and implementing age-appropriate instructional materials, activities and lesson plans. Participants also gain direct experience engaging families in high-need districts in shared activities that promote lifelong literacy learning in children. Participation is by application only, with scholarship assistance made possible with generous support from the Mara W. Breech Foundation.