You are in the official 2007-2008 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
You are in the official 2007-2008 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
The mission of the Liberal Studies Program is to provide a strong knowledge-based education in the liberal arts that will provide subject matter preparation for elementary teaching or foundation preparation for other professions such as law, medicine, journalism, and various fields of public service.
Students completing the requirements with the appropriate grade point average, passing the appropriate sections of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), and meeting other credential program requirements can proceed directly into the Multiple Subject Credential Program. Consult the Multiple Subject program adviser in ED 100.
The blended program allows students the opportunity to blend subject matter preparation and teacher preparation by offering coursework in both areas concurrently.
The liberal studies degree program faculty represent a broad cross-section of academic disciplines. At present many different departments offer courses that can be applied toward this major. The initial point of contact is the Liberal Studies Office in ED 100.
Robert Monke, Coordinator
Janell Tatsumura, Lead Adviser
Pat Christensen, Adviser
Jane Moosoolian, Adviser
Esther Rodriguez, Adviser
Liberal studies majors preparing for careers in elementary teaching should expect to find a favorable job market. Recent statistical reports for the Central Valley show that the area population and the number of school-aged children continue to grow. This pattern of growth, along with anticipated attrition from the teaching profession will require additional well-prepared, credentialed elementary teachers.
Liberal studies majors not planning careers in teaching will find that a number of area employers are seeking prospective employees with a broader vision of the world, not normally provided by a narrow specialization. Opportunities are available in people-oriented jobs such as public relations, personnel, medicine, etc.
As liberal studies candidates prepare for entrance into the teaching profession or other careers, they are provided expert assistance from the campus Career Services Office. Assistance in preparing placement files, preparing for job interviews, and searching for suitable employment is readily available for each candidate.
Liberal studies majors who plan to obtain a Multiple Subject Credential (elementary teaching) or Education Specialist Credential (special education) must earn a high GPA and meet other prerequisite requirements as conditions for admission to a teacher education program. For additional information regarding admission to the credential programs, contact the Education Student Services Center in ED 100 or visit the KSOEHD Web site at http://education.csufresno.edu.
Liberal studies students who wish to complete a credential program that will lead to authorization to teach in an elementary school must follow a specific course of study. Students may wish to use their electives to begin work on one of the following preliminary credential programs:
Liberal studies majors are expected to attend a group orientation describing the program before their first semester on campus. Dates for orientation sessions are posted at http://www.FresnoStateDogDays.com. These orientations, which are scheduled regularly each term, enable students to understand major requirements and ensure effective planning of their coursework. Students seeking individual advisement (customarily following the group orientation) can call the Education Student Services Center at 559.278.0300. In addition, all students should purchase the Liberal Studies Handbook, available in the Kennel Bookstore.
Freshmen. Follow the catalog description for General Education and select from appropriate categories.
Transfer Students. Select upper-division courses from the liberal studies major requirements. An official university evaluation of your prior work (DARS Report) will be completed and you will be notified by mail. Attend a group orientation as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition into the Liberal Studies Program.
Liberal
Studies Degree