« Back to full program listing
BA Liberal Studies
About the Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is an innovative accelerated teaching degree program designed to help prospective elementary school and special education teachers complete their bachelor’s degree while gaining valuable subject matter preparation for a successful teaching career.
The program equips experienced adult learners, many of whom are working in classrooms as paraeducators, to draw upon their rich experiences in school settings.
Providing multiple pathways to earn your degree, University College offers the B.A. in Liberal Studies online, and on-campus at APU’s main campus and at six Southern California locations.
Learn more about the career opportunities available with a B.A. in Liberal Studies.
Career Opportunities
The B.A. in Liberal Studies enhances the student’s marketability and helps them gain the potential to increase their current salary. While most students who earn this degree pursue K-12 teaching or counseling credentials, liberal studies graduates can also choose from a variety of fields, including consulting, counseling, customer service/sales, government jobs, human resources, librarianship, public relations, and social work.
Graduates will be well prepared to sit for the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
Graduates of the B.A. in Liberal Studies program are eligible to enter a teaching credential program, including those offered at APU. They may also soon begin teaching in their own classroom by enrolling in APU’s unique Intern Credential Program.*
*Applies only to students seeking certification in the state of California. Students seeking credentials in other states must comply with that state’s department of education requirements.
Program Highlights
- Develop their own philosophy of education based on their understanding of ethical and worldview theories
- Integrate principles of Christian faith and learning into a variety of subject matter
- Demonstrate subject-matter competence by passing the CSET (Multiple Subjects)
- Use their understanding of their strengths, learning styles, and temperament to assess K-6 student needs
- Analyze problems, assess information representing a variety of perspectives, and present solutions through skillful oral and written communication
About Our Students
Students in the B.A. in Liberal Studies program are:
- Prospective elementary school teachers or special education teachers
- Paraprofessionals, such as instructional aides, drawing upon their rich experiences
- Students with interests in the fields of clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, counseling, and social work
- Adults interested in or currently teaching in private school settings or workplace staff development positions
- Adults seeking a general liberal arts bachelor’s degree
