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Liberal Studies Major with Integrated Mild to Moderate or Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential

Earn a Liberal Studies Degree with Integrated Education Specialist Credential at Azusa Pacific University

Earn a bachelor’s degree and a mild to moderate support needs, or extensive support needs, education specialist credential in just four years in this integrated bachelor’s/credential program. Gain field experience and complete credential courses as an undergraduate, working alongside teacher mentors as you prepare to teach and guide special-needs students.

Program at a Glance

The School of Education equips educators to lead and champion students within diverse educational settings.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • Friday, May 9, 2026
  • Saturday, June 13, 2026
  • Saturday, July 11, 2026

Application Deadline

We are rolling admission.

Apply Now

Program Information

  • Program Units: 106-107

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Teacher and a student

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Complete a full-time, supervised student teaching or internship in a TK-12 public school classroom.
  • Learn to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
  • Become proficient in helping children who have learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other health impairments.
  • Learn how to integrate Christian faith in the field of education.

By the Numbers

37000 + projected special education job openings nationwide per year from 2024-34 –U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

jessica logan smiling

As a liberal studies graduate, Jessica Logan ’21 hopes to inspire students to love learning through teaching math.

Program Details

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an integrated Mild to Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential prepares you to teach and advocate for students with a broad range of special needs—learning, mental, emotional, and physical.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

Requirements for the Integrated Bachelor’s/Credential Programs

  •  APU undergraduate students may apply to the IBC program once they have completed at least 32 semester hours of undergraduate credit.
  • The following documents must be submitted with the application:

    1. Completed application

    2. Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC) from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

    3. Registration for CSET 215 (for allied health majors only)

    4. Two letters of recommendation from supervisors, former professors, or other professionals. A third letter of recommendation from a current professor is also encouraged.

    5. GPA of 3.0 or above

    6. 1-2-page personal statement addressing the following topics: a) experiences from your background that enhance the teaching experience, b) the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working with youth, c) why you want to teach, d) preferred grade level or content area and why, and e) how you envision supporting the success of all students and contributing to the profession.

    7. Proof of valid TB test (with application or before clearance for clinical practice)

For more information, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid, meaning they do not require repayment. These awards may come from federal, state, institutional, or private sources. Scholarships are often merit-based and awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or other demonstrated talents.

While APU does award scholarships, you can also find external scholarship opportunities through websites such as Finaid and Fastweb. Contact the Student Services Center about scholarships offered through APU departments or local organizations.

Student Employment

Along with gift aid and student loans, you can apply for on-campus student employment opportunities to earn additional income to pay for education-related expenses. As an APU student, you can also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Military and Veterans Benefits

If you are a veteran, serve in the military, or qualify as a spouse or dependent, you may access financial assistance that helps cover the cost of tuition, housing, and books. As a Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School, APU offers the support and flexibility needed to help you complete your bachelor’s degree.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping you understand the value of the APU experience early in the college search process. Once you’ve explored the financial aid opportunities available, take the next step by estimating your cost to attend. The Net Price Calculator provides a personalized estimate based on the information you share, so you can start planning today!

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

For more information about the liberal studies major, you can call, email, or visit using the contact information below.

Additional Program Contacts

Liberal Studies Office

Phone

Phone: (626) 387-5717

Mail

Liberal Studies Office
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
 

Student Services Center

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 812-3016

For details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration, visit apu.edu/ssc/.

International Services

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (626) 812-3055

Visit apu.edu/international/.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The credential portion of the programs is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Featured Faculty

Tammy Bachrach

Tammy Bachrach

Professor, Department of Teacher Education

Amber Lynwood

Amber Lynwood

Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education

Note: This information is current for the 2025-26 academic year, but all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current academic catalog for more information.

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