About the Program
Why This Major is Relevant
As technology, outsourcing, and intertwined national economies make our world smaller, the education of our youth in the United States has become an important issue. It is critical that American children gain the foundational education they need to compete for jobs and resources in a global marketplace. Public and private elementary and middle school teachers play a critical role in the education of our future professionals. Christian teachers also have the opportunity to equip students with personal character and ethical and moral standards. An APU liberal studies major is uniquely prepared to meet this need, developing their students for future success.
Gain In-depth Learning Experiences
Students in this program participate in 100+ hours of teacher-oriented service-learning field experience through several core liberal studies/undergraduate education K–8 courses.
Students who wish to go on to earn a teaching credential can do so in only one additional year through APU’s teacher education programs.
The liberal studies program at APU has molded me into the teacher I am today. It has provided me with multicultural teaching opportunities, which not only helped me grow as a teacher but also developed and shaped my inclusive worldview. This program challenged me to ask questions about ethics behind education, to discover ways to foster an accepting classroom environment, and to cultivate educational practices that encourage and support students to be the best they can be.
GPA Requirement
Core and concentration courses require a minimum of a C grade (2.0), however, please note that students must maintain an overall B average (3.0 GPA) in all core courses.
Four-Year Plan
The minimum number of units required for graduation is 120. Transfer students should contact the Liberal Studies/Undergraduate Education Office for appropriate advising and course requirements that may differ from the program below. Please see the Liberal Studies/Undergraduate Program Office for a four-year plan.
Please contact the Office of Liberal Studies/Undergraduate Education K-8 Program at (626) 387-5717 for details.
Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.