Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies
Samantha A. | Class of 2013
Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies
Overview
Broaden your horizons through Liberal Studies
Gain the subject proficiency and teaching preparation you need to pursue multiple subject credentialing with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. This program is designed to prepare students with no prior teaching experience for initial teacher licensure in California. Field experiences are integrated throughout the program, concluding with a student teaching requirement that’s above and beyond program coursework.
Students in the BS in Liberal Studies will learn to:
- Design and implement effective elementary classroom instruction
- Apply professional ethics to teaching practices
- Meet the instructional needs of diverse elementary student populations
- Create innovative strategies and incorporate technology into the classrooms
- Gain knowledge, skills and dispositions to meet California Teaching Performance Expectations
You can complete your degree in four years. And most courses are just 5 weeks long, so you can balance work and life on the path to your degree.
Courses
Course length:
5 weeks*
*Some course lengths vary
Total credits required:
121
Max. number of transfer credits:
90
Requirements and prerequisites
You’ll need 121 credits to complete this program. These may be earned through a combination of required and elective courses. Required courses may vary based on transferable credits.
Course alignment
This program is aligned with California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. The program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Transfer credits
Earn your degree faster by transferring eligible college credits. Contact an enrollment representative at 844.YES.UOPX for more information.
Core courses
Careers & Outcomes
Job opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to be 7 percent between 2016 and 2026. A Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies can help prepare you to be an:
- Elementary education teacher
- Elementary school teacher
- Elementary teacher
Networking opportunities
Access powerful networking tools through our PhoenixLinkTM career services platform. Take advantage of personal career coaching. Search and apply for jobs, or make your resumé visible to employers. And connect with employers and alumni through career fairs and mixers. It’s all about connections. And we help you make them.
Learning outcomes
Along with the knowledge and skills related to the University Learning Goals, graduates should gain program-specific knowledge, skills and abilities. Each college or school creates a set of Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) to describe the knowledge, skills or attitudes students will possess upon completion of the program of study. By the time you complete your Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies, you should be able to perform these learning outcomes.
Program purpose statement
The Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies is an undergraduate degree program intended to prepare students with no prior teaching experience for initial teacher licensure in California. The program includes a clinical component requiring field experiences and student teaching above and beyond program coursework. There may be additional qualifications and/or disqualifications applicable in order to work as a teacher with any local, state or federal entity.
View state licensure requirements for more information.
Accreditation
The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. Accreditation is your assurance the University meets quality standards.
Institutional accreditation
Regional accreditation is an institution-level accreditation status granted by one of six U.S. regional accrediting bodies. Accreditation by more than one regional accrediting body is not permitted by the U.S. Department of Education.
University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org. Since 1978, University of Phoenix has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
Download program info
Save this program information as a PDF to share or read at a later time.
What sets us apart?
When you choose our Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies program, you’ll benefit from:
Learn one course at a time through a curriculum that includes fieldwork and student teaching to give you real-world experience.
Gain skills needed to be a successful elementary grade teacher from courses that align with California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs).
You’ll work with dedicated education staff who will help you through state licensures and other credential processes.
Take the next step
It’s time to let your education prepare you for the next phase of your career. You’ve got the will. And, with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree, you’ve got the way.
Or call 844.YES.UOPX for more details.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.
