Program Options
The Liberal Studies Program offers two programs. One program concentrates on preparing students for getting a teaching credential. The other program allows students to be multi-discinplary and gain knowledge in several areas.
About the Liberal Studies Program
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The five core values of the Liberal Studies Department are:
- Liberal and Integrative Thinking
- Creative Thinking
- Applied Knowledge
- Civic Engagement & Social Justice
- Community and Social Diversity
The Liberal Studies Program at Cal Poly Pomona develops students' broad knowledge base along with critical and interdisciplinary (knowledge from different academic disciplines) thinking skills to develop a broader and deeper understanding of the pressing issues humans face. We seek for students to understand the multiple perspectives of human experience to consider and value these perspectives and actively engage in leadership and decision making in their communities.
Liberal Studies education also develops the very qualities employers desire for the fast and changing world we live in. Any student who actively and seriously engages in our Liberal Studies program can expect to develop these workplace skills, too: written communication skills, multicultural and social sensitivity/awareness, problem-solving/reasoning and a desire for life-long learning.
The department has a strong commitment to supporting students to complete their degree in a timely manner and dedicated faculty with years of teaching experience. The department also strives to develop a sense of community for students through the Liberal Studies Student Club, which offers students opportunities for leadership and volunteering, and an annual Liberal Studies spring community event.
If you want to become an elementary teacher or want to have a broad education with a 20-unit concentration in a single discipline, Liberal Studies is the major for you.
Non-Teaching Careers
The General Studies option is the most flexible degree on campus. Students who have a wide variety of interests can partially create their own degree through the selection of a 20 unit concentration and 32 unrestricted units as support courses. They will also complete 44 units of core courses, a few of which are electives, and 68 units of general education courses. The General Studies option provides the most flexibility and greater course choice than the other options.
Students have 44 units of core courses, 20 units of a concentration, 32 unrestricted units (students can choose any transfer credit or other CPP course to meet these) and 68 general education units to earn this degree.
General Studies majors should work closely with the Liberal Studies Student Advisor to select courses to make sure students gain the specific knowledge and academic experiences for their desired career or future academic goals. A version of this plan can also be used to satisfy the requirements for an elementary teaching career. See the Liberal Studies Student Advisor for more information. You can also access Liberal Studies Curriculum Sheets/Roadmaps through the link to the right.
For those wishing to be teachers, and who are proficient in Spanish or an Asian language commonly spoken in Southern California, you may earn the Bilingual certificate in addition to your teaching credential.
Teaching Careers
Those hoping to become elementary school teachers have four options. The first two are the traditional degree, where students complete a Liberal Studies bachelors degree followed by a one-year credential program. For those wishing to be teachers, and who are proficient in Spanish or an Asian language commonly spoken in Southern California, you may earn the Bilingual certificate in addition to your teaching credential.
- Pre-credential, for subject matter preparation for the multiple subjects teaching credential
- BCLAD Pre-Credential, for subject matter preparation for the multiple subjects teaching credential for bilingual (Spanish*) students
These two options are a combined or "blended" bachelors degree and teaching credential. Students graduate with both and enter the profession after graduation.
- BA/Credential (blended/integrated program), leading to the preliminary (Level 1) multiple subjects teaching credential
- BCLAD BA/Credential (blended/integrated program), leading to the preliminary (Level 1) multiple subjects teaching credential for bilingual (Spanish*) students.
