Bachelor of Arts
Liberal Studies (Teacher Prep)
An accelerated teaching degree designed for prospective elementary school and special education teachers.
Program Overview: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
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.
Liberal Studies Degree 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
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:
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 400Visual Arts for the Elementary Teacher
3 Credits
ARTS 410Performing Arts for the Elementary Teacher
3 Credits
EDUC 300Introduction to Elementary Education
3 Credits
EDUC 310Human Growth and Development for Educators
3 Credits
EDUC 410P.E., Health, and Safety for Elementary Teachers
3 Credits
ENGL 420Principles of Language
3 Credits
ENGL 450Children's Literature
3 Credits
HIST 202World Civilizations
3 Credits
HIST 420United States History and the Constitution
3 Credits
HIST 440California History
3 Credits
MATH 301Math for the Elementary Teacher I
3 Credits
MATH 302Math for the Elementary Teacher II
3 Credits
NSCI 301Life Science
3 Credits
NSCI 325Physical, 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
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)
