Bachelor of Art in Liberal Studies (General) in Bakersfield United States | California State University, Bakersfield

The Liberal Studies program offers a comprehensive liberal arts foundation, primarily designed for aspiring K-8 educators and educational specialists. Following California's AB-130 legislation enacted in July 2021, graduates who complete this degree fulfill the subject matter competency needed for Multiple Subject or Educational Specialist Teaching Credentials in California, eliminating the requirement for the Multiple Subjects CSET Exam. Six of the seven Liberal Studies tracks have earned recognition from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as Elementary Subject Matter (ESM) Preparation Programs - considered the gold standard for equipping future K-8 teachers with essential subject knowledge and pedagogical foundations. The program features two Integrated Teacher Education Programs (ITEP): IBEST (Multiple Subjects) and ISPED (Special Education), enabling undergraduates to complete credential requirements. It also offers Subject Matter Authorization pathways in English, Mathematics, and Science, qualifying graduates to teach these subjects in grades 6-9 while pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. As these teacher preparation tracks lead to state-licensed credentials, requirements may change per state regulations.
Rooted in cultivating well-rounded, culturally competent individuals, the Liberal Studies Program explores fundamental ideas, investigative methods, frameworks, and values across disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes broad conceptual understanding and principles that illuminate human learning and the role of educators in our diverse democratic society. While not solely for future elementary educators, the program builds substantial foundational knowledge in core elementary subjects: language arts, reading, mathematics, science, social studies, history, arts, and physical education. Given California's diverse student population, the program emphasizes human development understanding and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism principles for future educators.