B.A. in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education
As a liberal studies, elementary education major, you’ll be equipped with the academic foundation and practical skills you need to be an effective elementary school teacher. Biola's elementary education bachelor's degree is uniquely structured enabling you to complete the majority of the requirements for a California Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential as an undergraduate student as part of your coursework in completing your elementary education degree. The 12 credits you earn during student teaching can be applied towards the Master of Arts in Teaching or Master of Arts in Education, if completed after graduation.
In this major, you’ll have the opportunity to choose an academic concentration that will provide deeper training and knowledge to promote your future work as a teacher and educational leader in a specific subject.
- A biblically centered curriculum that teaches you how to integrate your faith into your teaching in practical ways.
- While earning your bachelor’s degree, you simultaneously work toward a California Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential, starting as early as your sophomore year in the liberal studies program. You can also receive your ACSI Teacher Certification while earning your California preliminary teaching credential by meeting additional requirements.
- Earn a California Child Development Permit by completing coursework within the Early Childhood concentration.
- Biola’s strong relationships with local schools in Southern California facilitate your ability to network with local educators and administrators across the area.
- Choose from over 80 countries in which to do half of your student teaching.
- Over 130 hours of fieldwork in diverse classrooms will prepare you to teach students from a broad range of cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Complete a special education concentration toward earning a special educational credential at the graduate level.
Concentrations
- Biology
The biology concentration features coursework in biological science, with studies in topics such as environmental science, nutrition and marine biology.
- Early Childhood
The early childhood concentration includes coursework in early childhood curriculum, child development, classroom management and assessment of young children, and can lead to earning a Child Development Permit.
- English
The English concentration includes coursework in grammar, composition, creative writing and classic literature.
- Health and Exercise
The health and exercise concentration includes coursework in kinesiology, including public health, health promotion and enhancement, psychology in exercise and health, and leadership in exercise, sports, and fitness.
- History
The history concentration features coursework in American government, history from the colonial period to the present day and global history.
- Human Development
The human development concentration includes psychology courses in areas such as human sexuality, marriage and family and cross-cultural issues.
- Intercultural Studies
The intercultural studies concentration includes coursework in such areas as anthropology, intercultural competence and diversity, intercultural communication, and world religions.
- Mathematics
The mathematics concentration includes coursework in areas such as calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics and number theory.
- SociologyThe sociology concentration includes coursework in areas such as social problems, American culture and values, sociology of disabilities and social inequality.
- Spanish
The Spanish concentration offers a track for second language learners and for heritage learners. Courses cover Spanish language and culture, conversation and composition, and Spanish applied linguistics and pedagogy. The Bilingual Education in Spanish track can lead to a bilingual Spanish teaching authorization.
- Special Education
The special education concentration is composed of coursework on topics such as teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities in inclusive settings, autism spectrum disorders and classroom management for students with special needs. Students can receive a Special Education Certificate and apply this coursework toward a Special Education (Mild/Moderate) Credential at the graduate level.
- TESOLThe TESOL concentration features coursework in grammar, pedagogy and strategies to teach English to students whose first language is not English, as well as methods for teaching English to young learners.
- Visual Arts
The visual arts concentration includes coursework in such artistic disciplines as drawing, 2D and 3D design, sculpture, ceramics, painting and photography.
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Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education?
With proper credentials and permits, including initial teacher licensure, many career opportunities in education, child development, curriculum design, children's ministry and public service await future graduates of Biola's liberal studies elementary education degree program. As a well-equipped professional, you can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ in rewarding professions such as:
- Elementary school teacher (some alumni have received prestigious awards, such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science; and California and district Teacher of the Year)
- Charter or homeschool elementary teacher
- International or missions school teacher
- School principal (some alumni have been Principal of the Year honorees)
- Preschool teacher or site supervisor
- District administrators (our alumni have even become superintendents of schools)
- Educational research analyst
- Curriculum writer and editor
- Curriculum designer
- Government education specialist
- Instructional materials sales representative
- Children's ministry director
- Cross-cultural education consultant
- Educational consultant or trainer
It is important to note that the Multiple Subject Credential is primarily appropriate for elementary school teachers (as this is the one credential required for elementary school teaching), but can also sometimes be appropriate for middle or junior high school teachers.
4% job growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to be as fast as average between 2021 and 2031.
BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.
I really love the aspect of fieldwork hours in the elementary education major. During these hours you get to observe a classroom and see all of the things you have learned about put into action.
My program taught me not only terminology and theories, but the practical application excellent educators need.
