Tania Tchakerian (Class of 2007) with her 2nd grade class.
Elementary Subject Matter
Teacher Preparation Options in Liberal Studies
Option II. Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation (180 units). This option leads to the B. A. in Liberal Studies and has been certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). As such, it provides students with the optimal preparation for the multiple subjects California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). Students in this option must complete 112-114 units of ESM Common Core courses, 20-28 units of additional GE classes and university requirements, 18 units of LBS major core courses, 8 units of required courses in Liberal Studies, 20 units in one depth area, and up to 2 units of electives (to reach the total of 180 units required for graduation).
Option II Degree Checksheet
Option III. Blended Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation (200-202 units). This option leads to the B. A. in Liberal Studies and the Preliminary Multiple Subject or Education Specialist Credential; accordingly, students take courses for their credential at the same time as they are completing their B. A. requirements. This option has been certified by the CCTC, and as such it provides the optimal preparation for the multiple subjects CSET. Students in this option must complete 112-114 units of ESM Common Core courses, 18 units of LBS major core courses, 4 units of required courses in Liberal Studies, 16 units in one depth area, and 50 units of professional education courses (which includes 6 units of prerequisites).
Option III Degree Checksheet
Option IV. Subject Matter Teacher Preparation: Directed Elementary (66 units). This option offers students who have not completed the ESM Common Core the opportunity to prepare for the multiple subjects CSET or, if they pass the CSET early enough, to acquire a second depth area. Accordingly, this option is appropriate for those who select the multiple subject teacher preparation program midway through their college careers, for those who need additional training to pass one or more sections of the CSET, or for those who wish to acquire a second depth area. This option offers students the most direct path to meeting the entrance requirements for the credential programs: a B.A. with a 2.75 GPA and successful completion of the CSET. Students in this option must complete 78-80 units of GE and university requirements, 18 units of LBS major core courses, 8 units of required courses in Liberal Studies, 20 units in one depth area, 20 units of directed electives that may be utilized for CSET preparation or for a second depth area, and up to 36 units of electives. Students who apply and are accepted into a credential program at CSULA can use their electives to take credential courses.