Liberal Studies Major
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary major that offers a broad undergraduate experience in language arts, natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, visual and performing arts, and social sciences. We emphasize three important themes throughout our program:
- Collaboration: we integrate collaborative experiences, providing students with opportunities for engagement in schools, local communities, and international settings.
- Innovation: our faculty are recognized for their leadership in educational research and innovative instructional practices.
- Inclusion: we are committed to developing culturally sustaining educators through curriculum and pedagogical practices that address implicit and explicit bias, and promote inclusive learning environments.
Why Choose SDSU?
Tuition for California residents is much lower than the price tag for private universities.
In-demand Careers
A Liberal Studies major opens opportunities in elementary school teaching as well as graduate studies in education.
Social Justice
“I'm able to go into any field feeling confident that not only do I have the academic skills but I'm able to take the next generation and really educate them and make the curriculum fun. I want to inspire kids to follow their dreams.”
Pathway to Teaching
The Liberal Studies program provides the subject matter you need to become an elementary school, bilingual or special education teacher.
A bachelor's degree, like the B.A. in Liberal Studies, is required to be admitted into an SDSU credential program. A California Preliminary Teaching Credential is a state-issued license to teach in a public school. The credential program includes credential coursework and student teaching; this can be completed in two to three semesters.
The Accelerated Curriculum for Educators (ACE) minor is an accelerated pathway for enrolled Liberal Studies major students to earn their undergraduate degree and teaching credential in four years. Units earned in the ACE minor can be applied to the partial fulfillment of the requirements for a preliminary California teaching credential. Students in the minor will complete their undergraduate coursework in December of their fourth year and then complete the remaining credential program requirements in the spring semester. Students must declare their credential area by their third year.
Other Career Pathways
While many of our students use the Liberal Studies major to pursue careers in K-8 teaching, others seek careers in a variety of other professions within the field of education. Liberal Studies lets you explore literature, science, history, and more! This versatile degree prepares you for numerous other career directions or grad school, so you can find your perfect fit.
Education Careers
- Curriculum Designer
- Educational Technology
- Instructional Design
- Library and Information Science
- Reading Specialist
- School Administrator
- School Counselor
- School Psychologist
Other Career Directions
- Advertising account executive
- Anchorperson
- Archivist
- Copywriter
- Creative writer
- Customer service representative
- Editor
- Grant writer
- Journalist
- Legislative assistant
- Lobbyist
- Management personnel
- Medical communications trainer
- Minister
- Museum manager
- Non-profit organizational director
- Paraprofessional librarian
- Policy analyst
- Politician
- Publicist
- Public relations personnel
- Social services human relations officer
- Speechwriter
- Training specialist
- Urban planner/city manager
Completing the Major - Catalog Year
To complete the major, you must fulfill the degree requirements for the major and emphasis described in the university catalog at the time you are accepted into the pre-major at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).
Take the Next Step!
The Liberal Studies Major will open the doors to a rewarding career in education.
Get details on the application process and deadlines.
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We're excited to stay in touch as you learn more about SDSU!