Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Broad preparation for elementary teachers in thinking, communication, leadership.
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Pursue a Rewarding Career in Teaching
Teachers are in high demand across the country — even more so in California, which employs more elementary school teachers than any other state.1 At Concordia University Irvine, you can pursue your callings to guide and inspire young learners by choosing the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program.
As a Liberal Studies major within the School of Education, you will build a broad foundation in a variety of subject areas. Combined with the Elementary Teaching Minor, you will become equipped to help elementary school students develop their abilities to think, problem-solve, and interact with peers.
Many Concordia students earn their teaching credentials while they earn their bachelor’s degree. By doing this, you can finish both your major and credential in just over four years. And as a liberal studies major, you can combine your degree with a related minor, double major, or a pre-professional program.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Opportunity Awaits
Access internship and career opportunities across Southern CA.
Getting Started
The Liberal Studies major is the elementary subject matter preparation program approved by the State of California for students preparing to be elementary/multiple subject or special education teachers, in addition to your credentialing coursework. The course work is aligned to the California Content Specifications and is approved for the Elementary Subject Matter, which is one option per AB 130 for fulfilling the Subject Matter Competency requirement.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- CENG203 – Imagining Freedom and Citizenship in the West
- COM111 – Public Speaking
- EDLS435 – Linguistic Development and Second Language Acquisition
- ENG391 – Children’s Literature
- WRT102 – Writing and Research
OR WRT201 – The Art of the Essay
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Lutheran Educator Discount
For applicants currently serving as a teacher or administrator in a Lutheran school, Concordia offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue a degree through Concordia University Irvine’s School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to submit a signed letter from their school administrator verifying employment along with all application materials.*
Admission Requirements
View the Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
Career Outcomes
There are plenty of open roles in kindergartens and elementary schools in California as the demand for teachers is high. From 2023 to 2033, about 106,500 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year nationwide, on average, over the decade.1
With a teaching credential from Concordia, teaching internationally is also an option
Academic Opportunities
As a liberal studies major, you can combine your degree with a related minor, double major, or a pre-professional program. Many of our students choose to earn their California credential while they earn their undergraduate degree. Because our class sizes and enrollment are not impacted, you can finish both the Liberal Studies major and the California credential in just over four years.
Extracurricular Activities
Concordia University offers many opportunities for you to become involved with on-campus events, clubs, and organizations. In addition, our liberal studies students are encouraged to study abroad.
- Around-the-World Semester®
- Mission and Service Learning
- Study Abroad
- Concordia Cares
Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
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Kathy Mueller
Administrative Assistant to the Dean/Assistant Director of Events and Partnerships
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Sandra Mercier
Director, MAEd Learning, Design, and Technology & Curriculum & Instruction
FAQs
How can I become an elementary school teacher?
The most common way to become a teacher at the elementary school level is to earn a bachelor’s degree focused on elementary education
At Concordia, you can complete your B.A. in Liberal Studies, which is part of California’s Elementary Subject Matter Preparation (ESM) program. Your teaching credential coursework can be done as part of your bachelor’s degree, meaning you can finish your degree and credential at the same time.
Are elementary school teachers in demand in California?
Yes, very much so. In 2021-22, there were 25% fewer new multiple subject credentials issued than the previous year.2 Elementary school teachers make up the majority of those with the credential, as they’re the ones who teach multiple subjects in their classrooms.
Is an elementary education major worth it?
If you love learning – and want to share that same interest with young children – then enrolling in an elementary education program would be worth it.
Many teachers enjoy taking on a rewarding role that’s different every day. They prefer working with the same students all day throughout the year. And children typically remember these teachers – and the impact they’ve had on them – for the rest of their lives.
Related Programs
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Special Education Teaching
Prepare to teach diverse learners with developmental disabilities.
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Secondary Teaching
Gain the skills and knowledge you need to teach at…
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Elementary Teaching
Prepare to teach and support young learners.
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Administrative Services
Explore a credential-only route to your future in school leadership.
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Early Childhood – MAED
Create learning experiences that make an impact on young learners.
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Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics – MAEL
Specialize in SEL education practices essential to student well-being.
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Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Grant
Training and mentorship for leaders in education and teaching
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Leadership – Ed.D.
Earn your Ed.D. degree through hybrid or fully online classes.
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Teacher Credential Programs
Become a credentialed educator with confidence.
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Educational Leadership – MAEL
Transform educational policies, systems, and communities.
Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252021.htm#st (viewed Nov. 25, 2024).
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (viewed Nov. 25, 2024).
2EdSource, Number of new California teacher credentials declines after seven years of increases, on the internet, at:
- https://edsource.org/2023/number-of-california-teacher-credentials-down-after-seven-years-of-increases (viewed Nov. 25, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.