B.A. in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education
Overview
This degree is for those seeking to understand how students learn and how teachers help them guide their academic, social and spiritual growth during the elementary years. Through the study of learning theory, literacy, curriculum and instructional practice, you'll learn to teach across subject areas while meeting the needs of students with different backgrounds, abilities and learning styles. Hands-on field experience will prepare you to translate educational theory into classroom practice, fostering curiosity, critical thinking and academic growth in elementary learners. By graduation, you'll be prepared to pursue a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and serve students during a formative stage of their educational journey.
- Faith integration. Grounded in a biblical worldview, the curriculum integrates theological reflection with the study of education and human development, shaping your understanding of teaching and learning through a Christ-centered perspective on human flourishing and relational life. You will engage faith as a framework for interpreting educational practice and serving diverse learners.
- Professional Preparation. While completing your bachelor’s degree, you progress toward a California Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential and an ACSI Teacher Certification, with opportunities to begin credential coursework as early as your sophomore year. There are also opportunities to include a California Child Development Permit and/or a PK-3 Credential through the Early Childhood minor, or a Special Education minor leading to a Special Education Credential at the graduate level.
- Relational emphasis. Through partnerships with local schools and community organizations in Southern California, you will engage in field-based learning experiences that connect academic study with classroom practice and educational settings.
- Innovative Courses. The curriculum integrates learning theory, literacy development, and instructional practice with extensive elementary classroom experience. Through more than 130 hours of fieldwork in diverse classrooms, you will learn to translate educational theory into effective instruction across elementary subject areas.
- Diverse Competence. Through classroom experiences with students from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, you will develop the ability to adapt instruction and support learning across diverse educational contexts. You may also complete up to half of your student teaching internationally, gaining cross-cultural classroom experience.
Rankings
Biola's education program was recently ranked 8th overall on Niche's list of "Best Colleges for Education in California," based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education.
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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. 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.
My program taught me not only terminology and theories, but the practical application excellent educators need.
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.
