professor guiding students during a class activity

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

  • Saturday, November 8, 2025
  • Friday, December 5, 2025

Application Deadline

Early Action        (Freshmen Only)

  • November 15

Regular Decision

  • March 1 priority application deadline
  • June 1 final deadline
  • August 1 final transfer deadline

Apply Now

Program Information

  • Program Units: 106-107

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
Yellow ribbon icon

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)

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

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

Emily Kemp, MSW, director of admissions and student services, [email protected], (626) 857-2400

Allison Galindo, program coordinator, [email protected], (626) 815-5082

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

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and 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.

Related Programs