BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching

Whether you're laying the groundwork to earn a teaching credential for elementary education in California, or you simply seek a bachelor's degree with a broad liberal studies foundation, the UMass Global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is the perfect choice.

Earn a Broad-Based Bachelor's Degree

A liberal studies bachelor’s degree provides the diverse education that can be applied to myriad career paths. For aspiring teachers, the UMass Global BA in Liberal Studies offers a Multiple Subject Teaching Emphasis that prepares you to enter the post-baccalaureate Multiple Subject Credential Program. For those seeking Education Specialist or Single Subject Credentials, a BA in Liberal Studies program will provide a broad base of diverse and relevant resources and activities.

The Multiple Subject Teaching Emphasis encompasses college instruction in the subjects commonly taught in California elementary schools. These courses are aligned with subject matter requirements for multiple subject credential candidates and the Common Core state standards. 

  • Multiple subject courses include English/language arts, natural sciences, mathematics, visual and performing arts, history and social science, human development, physical education, and health.
  • Online coursework allows you to keep working while earning your BA in Liberal Studies. The teaching emphasis will involve some fieldwork to prepare students for their future in the classroom.
Under Assembly Bill (AB) 130, effective July 9, 2021, the B.A. in Liberal Studies program meets the multiple subject competence requirement for the state of California.

Next Session

Spring I (Jan 6, 2025)

Estimated Tuition

$500/Credit

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Ways to Learn

Online

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Imagine Your Future In Liberal Studies: Multiple Subjects Teaching

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    I felt very comfortable completing my program and never doubted I could because of the supportiveness of the school, teachers, and staff.
    Amber W.
    BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching
    Leonard testimonial image for Brandman
    Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself. 
    Leonard W.
    MA in Special Education, Behavior Analysis
    WSCUC

    University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

    University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process and submit required documents. Documents required vary based on the number of transferable credits and include:

    0 - 11 TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

    • High school diploma or GED equivalent
    • Official high school transcript indicating the date of graduation

    12 OR MORE TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

    • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
    • Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
    active military?

    Admissibility and minimum transfer credit awarded will be determined based on the Community College of the Air Force, SMART, AARTS or JST transcripts.

    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT UNDERGRADUATE REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

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    Program Curriculum

    • Bachelor degrees require students to complete a minimum of 120 semester units which include a combination of General Education requirements and program specific requirements. In the absence of sufficient transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the 120 total units for the degree which a UMass Global Academic Advisor will help you evaluate.

       

      Code Course Name Credits
      Basic Skills 12
      ENGU103 Writing Communication I: Writing and Rhetoric 3
      ENGU 104 Written Communication II: Writing About Literature 3
      MATU 103 Applied Mathematics 3
      COMU 101 Public Speaking 1 3

      		Quantitative reasoning 3

      		Oral communication 3
      Breadth Requirements 24
      Humanities Select from 3 different areas: Communications, English, Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, Humanities, Liberal Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies 9
      Natural Sciences Select 6 credits 6
      Social Sciences Select from 3 different areas: Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Economics, History, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Political Science/Legal Studies, Psychology, Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology 9
      Liberal Education Foundations 6
      LBSU 302 Information Fluency and Academic Integrity 3
      LBSU 304 Liberal Arts Core Foundations 3
      Total Credits 42

    • Code Course Name Credits
      Education Foundations

       
      LBSU 250  Education and Society in the 21st Century

      3
      EDUU 451  Educational Applications of Computers Level I

      3
      LBSU 403  Liberal Studies Multiple Subjects Capstone

      3
      Education Foundations Subtotal

      9
      Subject Matter Courses

       
      English/Language Arts:

       
      ENGU 420  Language Development and Acquisition

      3
      ENGU 450  Literature of Children and Young Adults

      3
      Natural Sciences:

       
      NSCU 302  Life Science

      3
      NSCU 304  Earth and Physical Science

      3
      Mathematics:

       
      MATU 206  Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I

      3
      MATU 207  Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II

      3
      Visual & Performing Arts:

       
      ARTU 450  Creativity and the Visual Arts

      3
      LBSU 310  Music, Movement and Drama: The Human Expression

      3
      History and Social Science:

       
      HISU 358  United States History and Democracy

      3
      HISU 360  World History and Geography

      3
      HISU 372  California History

      3
      Child Development/Health and PE:

       
      PSYU 323  Child Development

      3
      LBSU 350  Teaching and Learning

      3
      LBSU 413  Student Health and Safety *

      2
      LBSU 414  Physical Education for Elementary Teachers *

      1
      Subject Matter Courses Subtotal

      42
      Total Credits

      51

      *     Students in the BA Liberal Studies program, regardless of class level, are allowed to enroll in required 500 graduate level courses without Dean approval.















































    Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

    Have questions about enrollment, degree programs or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.

    Meet Our Faculty

    TamiLincoln

    arts-sciences

    Tami Lincoln Ed.D.

    Associate Professor of Liberal Studies

    Specialty

    Liberal Studies

    Language Acquisition, Children’s Literature, Education and Society in the 21st Century
    LeighAnnWilson

    arts-sciences

    Leigh Ann Wilson, Ph.D.

    Professor of History and Communications

    Specialty

    History

    Liberal Studies

    Want More Information About Teaching?

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Teaching Credentials

    What is the Single Subject Teaching Credential?

    If you have your sights set on teaching a particular subject, you should pursue the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Educators holding this credential are authorized to teach a specific subject to students ranging in age from preschool to 12th grade, and less commonly, adult students. See possible subject areas.

    What is the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential?

    A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential is the primary requirement for teaching in California's elementary schools, grades K-6, but may authorize the holder to teach in higher level grades as well. It includes course work to allow teachers to support students who are learning the English language (ESL). Get more info.

    What is the Education Specialist Instruction Credential?

    The Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes educators to teach and support students with identified disabilities and provide special education support for students in a particular area of focus such as autism and language development. They can also conduct educational assessments to identify how to best help students progress toward achieving their academic goals. See more specialties. 

    Can teaching credentials transfer between states?

    Even if a teacher meets a different state’s requirements, they will still need to apply for a new license to teach there. See the specific guidelines and dig deeper into earning your credential with our resource, "The California educator's guide to choosing the right teaching credential."
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