Liberal Studies in Education

Bachelor of Arts

Discover the degree that makes a difference.

You’ll study a comprehensive curriculum, sharpen your teaching skills and leave ready to lead in the diverse world of education.

The Curriculum
Put theory into practice

Our emphasis on experiential, active learning and interdisciplinary coursework prepares future educators to work in elementary learning environments and beyond. You’ll master a range of subjects, study the ways children learn and develop, and apply your knowledge by completing more than 300 hours of field study at neighborhood schools.

Whether it’s through courses like “Career Decisions in Education” or by exploring different areas of the field, we’ll help you discover your passion and provide the tools to succeed in your chosen career path.

Connect with fellow educators

With Cal Lutheran’s small class sizes and the networking opportunities built into this program, you’ll walk away with a community you can lean on and look to for inspiration.

You’ll form ties with fellow students in your major, find close faculty mentors, and be able to participate in the student-run Club Teach. In addition, after serving in classrooms at a partner school or program of your choice, you can graduate with a set of connections in the educational community who know your talents and will be eager to support your career journey.

Fast track your journey to the classroom

You can save time and money by earning an expedited multiple-subject teaching credential or master’s degree through pathways developed in collaboration with the Graduate School of Education.

Cal Lutheran offers several program options to meet your needs, whether you are entering the university as a first-year student or transferring.

  • Four-year Bachelor of Arts — A traditional four-year undergraduate program to earn your bachelor’s degree with guaranteed admittance to the teaching credential program in our Graduate School of Education. The credential program typically takes two to three additional semesters to complete. You can also earn a master’s degree in teacher leadership by completing three additional graduate-level courses.
  • Integrated Credential Program — A combined four-year program where you will earn a bachelor’s degree and a multiple or single subject credential in four years. The pace of this program is more intense and will require you to take courses during the summer that may not be covered by your financial aid. After earning your credential, you can take three additional graduate-level courses to earn a master’s degree in teacher leadership.
  • Two-year Path to Credentialing for Transfer Students — This program is designed for students transferring to Cal Lutheran with an Associate’s Degree for Transfer (ADT) in education or child development (with a minimum of 60 credits) from a community college. You will complete the requirements in your first year at Cal Lutheran to move into our Graduate School of Education’s teaching credential program in your second year. Your credential program will be completed in one year, so you will graduate with your bachelor’s degree and a multiple or single subject credential at the end of your second year.


Programs

Offered as a major (BA) and a minor.


Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


The Experience

The Liberal Studies in Education program at Cal Lutheran is so unique because of the fact that you’re given the opportunity to be in class, doing field work with students every year. The hands-on experience, the close-knit community, the emphasis on active learning at Cal Lutheran – that’s not gonna be found anywhere else.

Malia Potter '21

Some of the most impactful classes I’ve taken in the IES program are “First and Second Language Acquisition”, “Creative Drama for Child/Youth”, and “Foundations of Education”. These courses have prepared me to create an extraordinary classroom environment that promotes student success through memorable and fun ways of learning.

Jocelyn Martinez '20
Your Future

Graduates from our program seek careers as teachers and administrators in public, private, and parochial educational institutions.


Our alumni study at:
  • California Polytechnic State University
  • California State Fullerton
  • California State Northridge
  • Colorado University, Boulder
  • John Hopkins University
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Seattle University
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Hawaii
  • University of Rhode Island
  • University of California Santa Barbara
Our alumni work for:
  • ATI American TESOL Institute
  • Conejo Valley Unified School District
  • Cornerstone Community Church
  • ELCA Division for Global Mission
  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
  • Los Angeles Unified School District
  • Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District
  • Rolling Oaks Child Development Center
  • Ventura Unified School District
Career paths:
  • Single Subject Teacher
  • Multiple Subject Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • ESL/Bilingual Teacher
  • Vice Principal/Principal
  • District learning specialist
  • School Guidance Counselor
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Coach/Athletic Director
  • Director of Recreation Programs
  • Director of Youth Programs

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

More Career Outcomes



I most enjoyed having the opportunity to shadow in a multitude of grades as a part of my Liberal Arts in Education major at Cal Lutheran. It helped prepare me for a career in education by exposing me to the unique needs of children at different educational stages. It was an amazing experience because it helped me discover what grade I am most passionate about. I also was able to shadow multiple teachers and learn what teaching style aligned with my own educational values.

Stephanie Fallon '18
Interdisciplinary Educational Studies 4+1 Credential Program Major
6th Grade Teacher, Simi Valley Unified School District

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