Program Description
The Liberal Studies Major aims to provide a rich educational experience through coursework in a broad range of academic disciplines. The student is guaranteed a breadth of academic experience, as well as depth in a single field. The Bachelors Plus Early Pathway (BPEP) Liberal Studies/Credential Program offers selected students interested in a teaching career an opportunity for concurrent subject matter and professional preparation. See the “Bachelors Plus Early Pathway Liberal Studies/Credential Program” section later in this chapter.
The broad-based, interdisciplinary nature of Liberal Studies provides a knowledge base and the communication and analytical skills appropriate to many careers and occupations. Hence, the Liberal Studies major is excellent preparation not only for teaching, but for graduate work, for law school, and for employment in business and government.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- apply the broad knowledge of an educated generalist and the critical methods of different disciplines to contemporary issues of self, society, and nature;
- demonstrate deep understanding of the principles and methods of one specialized subject area or discipline;
- communicate ideas clearly and persuasively orally and in writing;
- demonstrate independent thinking tempered by respect for others and the environment;
- work individually and collaboratively to promote social justice through an appreciation of diversity and a commitment to democratic values.
Career Opportunities
- Administrator
- Business Executive
- Civil Servant
- Customer Service Representative
- Foreign Service Officer
- Human Resources Administrator
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Manager
- Personnel Representative
- Salesperson
- Stockbroker
- Teacher (K-6)
- Writer
Features
The primary function of the Liberal Studies Office is to provide proper advising for completing the major. Friendly, experienced office staff, including two full-time academic advisors, are available to help at every step. Advising is available through individual appointments and on a “drop-in” basis.
Although the Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway is a multiple subject matter preparation program, there is no longer an exemption from the multiple subject test, which is now the CSET or “California Subject Exam for Teachers” (no longer the MSAT). The Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Degree Pathway is aligned with Content Standards for K-6 curriculum and the CSET, and is, therefore, the best preparation for future K-6 teachers.
The Liberal Studies major is offered both day and evening, and on both the Hayward and Concord Campuses. However, Concord Campus and evening-only students may not find a full range of courses and options available to them.
Liberal Studies is also one of the majors available through the Cal State East Bay Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE). For information on PACE, see the PACE section of the College and Department Information chapter of this catalog or call the PACE office at (510) 885-PACE (7223).
Other Degree Requirements
In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements chapter in the front of this catalog. These include the General Education-Breadth requirements; the second composition () requirement; the cultural groups/women requirement; the performing arts/activities requirement; the U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and California state and local government requirement; the University Writing Skills Requirement; and the residence, unit, and grade point average requirements.
