Bachelor of Arts

Liberal Studies (Teacher Prep)

An accelerated teaching degree designed for prospective elementary school and special education teachers.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program at LAPU is an innovative accelerated teaching degree program designed to help prospective elementary school and special education teachers complete their bachelor’s degree while gaining valuable subject matter preparation for a successful teaching career. The program equips experienced adult students, many of whom are working in classrooms as paraeducators, to draw upon their rich experiences in school settings.

Program Highlights

A Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies provides integrated courses in language arts, math, science, art, music, and social science that focus on K–8 content
Waives CSET Multiple Subjects requirement! Program meets CTC subject-matter requirements without having to take the CSET.
Getting a Liberal Studies degree at LAPU integrates a Christian world view and focuses on professional skills, practical experience, cultural literacy and ethical decision making
Use your understanding of strengths, learning styles, and temperaments to assess K–8 student needs

REQUIRED MAJOR CREDITS

$515

COST PER CREDIT

$21,630

ESTIMATED MAJOR COST

Potential Careers

Graduates of the program are armed with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in a variety of roles in related industries:

K-8 Teacher

School Counselor

Child Welfare
Social Worker

Course Requirements

Students must complete the following degree components at LAPU or via applicable transfer credits.
See the catalog for more details.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 31 CREDITS

General Education (31): see catalog for more details

31 CREDITS

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 42 CREDITS

ARTS 400 \|\| Visual Arts for the Elementary Teacher	3 CREDITS
ARTS 410 \|\| Performing Arts for the Elementary Teacher	3 CREDITS
EDUC 300 \|\| Introduction to Elementary Education	3 CREDITS
EDUC 310 \|\| Human Growth and Development for Educators	3 CREDITS
EDUC 410 \|\| P.E., Health, and Safety for Elementary Teachers	3 CREDITS
ENGL 420 \|\| Principles of Language	3 CREDITS
ENGL 450 \|\| Children’s Literature	3 CREDITS
HIST 202 \|\| World Civilizations	3 CREDITS
HIST 420 \|\| United States History and the Constitution	3 CREDITS
HIST 440 \|\| California History	3 CREDITS
MATH 301 \|\| Math for the Elementary Teacher I	3 CREDITS
MATH 302 \|\| Math for the Elementary Teacher II	3 CREDITS
NSCI 301 \|\| Life Science	3 CREDITS
NSCI 325 \|\| Physical, Earth, and Space Sciences	3 CREDITS

ELECTIVES 47 CREDITS

Electives (47): choose 100-400 level courses from the catalog

47 CREDITS

TOTAL CREDITS

120 CREDITS

VIEW OUR CATALOG

Recommended
Concentrations

A concentration is similar to a minor, but more integrated and with no extra units added to the degree. Each
program allows you to choose a concentration to sharpen your skills and specialize in a focused area of study.

Child and Adolescent Psychology

Providing a framework for working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings.

The Child and Adolescent Psychology concentration provides a framework for working with children and adolescents, as opposed to concentration areas that may focus on other populations. Students have the opportunity to observe children and apply psychological theory, principles, and methodology within assignments geared toward this population. Graduates of the concentration may choose to pursue a master’s degree and beyond, and potentially a marriage and family therapy license.

PSYC 425 – Crisis Counseling and Intervention (3 Credits)

PSYC 440 – Child Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 445 – Adolescent Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

Cultural Psychology

Preparing for a profession associated with human services working with diverse populations.

The Cultural Psychology concentration provides a foundation to study, through the lens of psychology, the world’s rapidly changing culture. Psychological cultural sensitivity and training are critical when working with diverse populations. Students in this concentration engage material to guide thinking and skill related to cultural phenomenon impacting society at large, as well as particular populations. Fundamental psychological theories, concepts, and strategies will prepare students for a profession associated with human services working with diverse populations.

PSYC 435 – Gender Issues in Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 – Group Processes (3 Credits)

BUSN 485 – Management and Organizational Behavior (3 Credits)

Educational Psychology

Hones in on particular concepts, theories, and methodologies that are fundamental for working in the fields of education and social services.

The Educational Psychology concentration provides students with specific knowledge related to special needs and educational advocacy, in addition to the child, adolescent, and family needs. This concentration hones in on particular concepts, theories, and methodologies that are fundamental for working in the fields of education and social services. This concentration also sets a solid foundation if students want to pursue a master’s degree in teaching education but want job opportunities broadened by having degrees in two fields, rather than getting an undergraduate education degree.

PSYC 360 – Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (3 Credits)

PSYC 440 – Child Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 445 – Adolescent Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 460 – Motivation (3 Credits)