professor and students hanging out at the segerstrom science building

BA in Liberal Studies with Integrated Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Earn a BA in Liberal Studies with Integrated Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Earn a bachelor’s degree and a preliminary multiple subject credential in just four years, and gain the knowledge and skills to teach a wide range of subjects in a self-contained classroom. With built-in field experience and a curriculum aligned with California Common Core standards, you’ll graduate confident and prepared to teach K-8 students and impact the next generation of learners.

For the bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, choose from a wide variety of concentrations:

  • English
  • Human Development:
    - School Psychology
    - Special Education
  • Math
  • Music
  • Science
  • Social science
  • Spanish

Program at a Glance

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

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

  • 100-101

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
Student taking notes

Program Benefits

  • Fast-track your teaching career, saving time and money: Earn your bachelor’s degree and teaching credential at the same time and be classroom-ready faster than with traditional programs.
  • Real-world experience, from the start: Focus on hands-on learning through early and consistent field placements.
  • Personalized support and mentorship: Dedicated faculty mentors and a supportive community give the guidance and resources you need in order to thrive academically and professionally.
  • Make a real impact: Become a highly qualified and effective educator who inspires the next generation.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

Program Details

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)

Four-Year Curriculum Map

 

Fall Semester

  • GE: Cornerstones – 3 units
  • MATH 110: College Algebra (meets GE requirement) – 3 units
  • GE: Writing 1–3 units
  • Writing 1 Lab (placement) – 1 unit
  • CORE 101: Cultivating Wellness – 2 units
  • GE: Ancient or Modern Language 1–3 units

Total Units: 14-15

Spring Semester

  • PHYC 125: Earth Science Concepts – 3 units
  • GE: Understanding the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Exile – 3 units
  • PHIL 150 (Fulfills Visions of the Good Life requirement) – 3 units
  • COM 111: Public Communication (meets GE requirement) – 3 units
  • GE: Ancient or Modern Language 2–3 units

Total Units: 15

Summer Semester

  • GE Requirement–3 units

Total Units: 3

Fall Semester

  • EDLS 260: Shapes, Stats, and Stories: Unveiling God’s Design in Mathematics – 3 units
  • GE: Understanding the New Testament: Christ, Community, Redemption – 3 units
  • HIST 201: World Civilizations and Geography to 1648 / Crosslist with EDLS Course (May meet GE requirement) – 3 units
  • EDLS 210: Learning from A to Z: Launching Your Journey in Education – 3 units
  • PSYC 290: Human Growth and Development (meets GE requirement) – 3 units
  • Concentration course – 3 units

Total Units: 15 units

Spring Semester

  • BIOL 101 / 151: Natural Sciences (meets GE requirement) – 4 units
  • GE: Theology and the Christian Life – 3 units
  • ENGL 111: Studies in Literature (meets GE requirement) – 3 units
  • GE: Seeking Shalom Seminar – 3 units
  • Concentration course – 3 units

Total Units: 16 units

Summer Semester

  • GE/History Requirement – 3 units
  • GE/History Requirement – 3 units
  • TESP 507: Multilingual Learners – 3 units

Total Units: 9 units

Fall Semester

  • GE: Upper-Division Bible elective (two OT options and two NT options): – 3 units
  • HIST 202: US History to 1930 – 3 units
  • EDLS 420: Fostering Creativity: Unlocking the Arts for Children (Meets GE requirement) – 3 units
  • EDLS 310: Mind Matters: Exploring the Science of Learning – 3 units
  • HIST 338: History of California – 3 units
  • Concentration course – 3 units

Total Units: 15-18

Spring Semester

  • EDLS 315: Building Future Scientists: Foundations of Physical Science for Children – 3 units
  • ENGL 403: History and Structure of English – 3 units
  • EDLS 360: AEIOU: Principles of Inclusive Education – 3 units
  • EDLS 465: Once Upon a Page: Connecting Children’s Literature and Literacy – 3 units
  • Character and Calling Seminar – 3 units
  • Concentration course – 3 units

Total Units: 15-18

Summer Semester

  • GE/History Requirement – 3 units
  • GE/History Requirement – 3 units
  • TESP 507: Multilingual Learners – 3 units

Total Units: 9

Fall Semester

  • PE 450: PE in Elementary Schools – 3 units
  • TESP 501: Art of Teaching 1 – 3 units
  • TESP 512: Science of Teaching 2 – 3 units
  • TESP 508: Literacy and Humanities – 3 units
  • TEP 540: Math and Science – 3 units
  • Concentration course – 3 units

Total Units: 15-18

Spring Semester

  • TEP 555: Clinical Practice – 8 units
  • TESP 557: CalTPA & LPA – 2 units
  • TESP 553: Schools & Systems – 2 units

Total Units: 12

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/.

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Teacher and students outside

Showing What’s Possible in Public Education

Amy Alzina, MA ’02, EdD, believes in the power of public education. Driven by a desire to make an impact in the lives of students and communities, Alzina’s leadership of Cold Spring School District was recognized when she received the 2024 Superintendent/Principal of the Year Award from the Association of California School Administrators.

 

Related Programs

Liberal Studies Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Art, English, Human Development: School Psychology Concentration, Human Development: Special Education Concentration, Math, Music, Science, Social Science, Spanish

Single Subject Teaching Credential

  • Azusa
  • Orange County
  • High Desert
  • Murrieta

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

  • Azusa
  • Orange County
  • High Desert
  • Murrieta