College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

The Liberal Studies program is an interdisciplinary major, which encompasses a wide variety of areas of knowledge in a multidisciplinary curriculum. The program provides a broad academic program that encourages academic excellence, diversity, community, and collaboration. There are two tracks in the Liberal Studies Program: Pre-credential and General.

• The Pre-Credential program is a multidisciplinary major designed for students who intend to become K-8 or special education teachers in California, and it has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Its purpose is to provide beginning teachers with a strong grounding in the wide ranging subject matter that will be needed to be effective teachers. The major compromises the core section, with courses in reading, language and literature, mathematics, natural science, history and social sciences, visual and performing arts, physical education, human development, and health. The pre-credential program requires a 12-unit area of focus.
• The General program is designed for students who are interested in a multidisciplinary major, but who do not necessarily plan to become teachers. The Liberal Studies major is an excellent preparation for careers in government service, public administration, business, management, community service, counseling, law, librarianship, public health, as well as professional or graduate school. This major requires students to include a minor. 

The Liberal Studies major is a complex program requiring early and continuing contact with an advisor. Advisors meet with an advisor at least once each semester with students to provide a hands-on approach to learning. Students must complete 120 units and meet the University foreign language requirement in order to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students are urged to obtain advice as early as possible to avoid delays in the completion of these requirements. The Liberal Studies program director and faculty and staff advisors are located in Lassen Hall 2008, (916) 278-6342.

Degree Program

BA in Liberal Studies

Accreditation

In addition to California State University, Sacramento's full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (pre-credential) is also individually accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Early planning is strongly advised to prepare students to apply to the professional education program. Details about multiple subject credential programs and regular information sessions are provided by the Teaching Credentials Office in Eureka Hall 401, (916) 278-6639. 

Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certification

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a California State University program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Career Possibilities

The Liberal Studies major provides students with a wide variety of career opportunities and options.  Liberal Studies provides essential learning employers want for workforce readiness: knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and integrated learning.