Mission Statement
The Department of Liberal Studies offers a broad undergraduate liberal arts education with courses from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and visual and performing arts to fulfill its goal of producing socially responsible, informed and engaged individuals who value diversity.
About the Department
The Department of Liberal Studies offers state-approved subject matter programs for the multiple subject teaching credential required for elementary K-6 and special education teachers. The Department of Liberal Studies works closely with many departments from across campus, especially with the Department of Elementary Education, to prepare students to receive their B.A. and teaching credential in either Elementary Education or Special Education for mild/moderate or moderate/severe disabilities.
The department also offers a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Minor in Sustainability.
Academic Advisement
General Procedures for Making an Appointment
Students must attend an online workshop in the major in order to make an appointment to meet with an advisor. There are two different workshops: Teacher Preparation and the Interdisciplinary Studies (nonteaching) option. The Teacher Preparation workshop 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 workshop is designed for students interested in a broad liberal arts education.
Online Academic advisement is available by appointment Monday through Friday.
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 Freshmen 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 the 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.
Humanities 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 Department of Liberal Studies at (818) 677-3300. When scheduling an appointment, please identify as a student interested in declaring a minor.
Careers
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-8.
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.
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.
Contact
Department of Liberal Studies
Chair: Ranita Chatterjee
Education Administration (EA) 100
(818) 677-3300