Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies, Preparation for Teaching, BA


This major is designed for students interested in teaching in elementary school or middle school. The following course work, offered by the Department of Humanities , satisfies San José State University’s requirements for a BA in Liberal Studies and is a program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) for waiver of the subject matter examination (CSET for Multiple Subjects) required to earn a teaching credential.

Maintaining a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 and completion of the program will not guarantee admission to the credential program. Like all other applicants, students must meet credential program standards and undergo screening for admission. See Teacher Preparation : How To Become a Teacher for information on application and admission to credential programs.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 8
Major Core Requirements 99-105
University Electives 7-13
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (6 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 33 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education


Of the 9 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions


The 6 units of American Institutions (US123)  requirement may be satisfied in the major (if identified below) or by transfer from a community college or university. Other courses meet the American Institutions requirement, but may not include additional GE areas. The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ) programs both offer larger integrated packages that meet this requirement.

Consult major advisor for department recommended coursework to meet GE requirement.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Requirements (99-105 units)


Reading, Language and Literature (18 units)


Complete one course:


Visual and Performing Arts (9 units)


Physical Education and Health (3 units)


Human Development (3 units)


Complete one course from:

Introduction to Liberal Studies (3 units)


Area of Specialization (12 units)


Specialization Electives (9 units)


Complete 9 units from the following. Six units may be lower division.

Capstone Course (3 units)


University Electives (7-13 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)