Courses | B.A. in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.
Writing Competency
Every Biola student must fulfill the Writing Competency Requirement (WCR). Liberal Studies, Elementary Education students fulfill the WCR by passing ENGL 3134 with a C+ or better. If they fail to meet this requirement, they must consult with their major advisor for an alternative WCR pathway. For more information, see the Writing Competency Requirement section.
Torrey Honors College
Please refer to the footnotes regarding the Core Curriculum courses that are covered by the Torrey Honors College.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses Meeting Core Curriculum Requirements | ||
| Behavioral Science: | ||
| PSYC 200 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| English: | ||
| ENGL 3134 | Writing in the Disciplines for Educators | 3 |
| Fine Arts: 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Film Appreciation | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Integration Seminar: | ||
| BBST 4652 | Integration Seminar: Christian Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| Kinesiology & Health Science: | ||
| KNES 107 | Lifetime Wellness | 1 |
| KNES 201 | Elementary Physical Education Methods and Activities | 2 |
| Philosophy: 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Logic | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| Science/Math: | ||
| BIOS 105 | Biology for Educators | 4 |
| MATH 117 | Fundamentals of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I | 3 |
| U.S. History: 1 | ||
| HIST 100 | World Civilizations I | 3 |
| HIST 200 | United States History To 1865 | 3 |
| Program Courses - Major | ||
| HIST 101 | World Civilizations II | 3 |
| HIST 201 | United States History Since 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 403 | California History | 3 |
| LEDU 301 | Introduction to Teaching | 3 |
| LEDU 306 | Elementary Art Workshop | 1 |
| LEDU 309 | Elementary Math/Science Methods | 3 |
| LEDU 324 | Performing Arts in Education | 1 |
| LEDU 330 | Psychological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| LEDU 335 | Child Development: Birth through Adolescence | 3 |
| LEDU 336 | Elementary Health Curriculum and Methods | 1 |
| LEDU 337 | Elementary History-Social Science Curriculum and Methods | 1 |
| LEDU 341 | Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students | 3 |
| LEDU 380 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| LEDU 420 | Elementary Reading/Language Arts | 3 |
| LEDU 434 | Elementary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment | 3 |
| MATH 118 | Fundamentals of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II | 3 |
| MUSC 310 | Elementary Music Workshop | 2 |
| PHSC 101 | Physical Science Survey: Lecture | 3 |
| PHSC 102 | Physical Science Survey Laboratory | 1 |
| Program Course Requirements: 77 credits | ||
| Students pursuing a Multiple Subject Credential must complete the Professional Teacher Preparation Program in addition to the Baccalaureate degree requirements. | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 45 | |
| Total Credits | 122 | |
- 1
Courses covered by the Torrey Honors College.
Concentrations
Concentrations are no longer offered for this program.
Biology
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following, 3 of which must be upper division: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
| Current Topics in Biology | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Botany | ||
| Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Vertebrate Biology | ||
| Ecological Agriculture | ||
| Global Development and Ecological Sustainability | ||
| Invertebrate Biology | ||
| Marine Biology | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Seminar in Advanced Biology | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Early Childhood
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| LEDU 356 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 3 |
| LEDU 357 | School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings | 3 |
| LEDU 358 | Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings | 3 |
| LEDU 359 | Observation and Assessment of Young Children | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
English
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following, 3 of which must be upper division: | 12 | |
| Introduction to English Studies | ||
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Studies in Grammar and Language | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
or ENGL 344 | Creative Writing: Fiction | |
| Studies in American Literature | ||
| Studies in British Literature | ||
| Studies in Shakespeare | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Health and Exercise
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Public Health Principles and Practice | ||
| Health Education and Health Promotion | ||
| Health Behavior and Health Promotion | ||
| Psychology of Exercise and Health | ||
| Leadership in Sport and Human Movement | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
History
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Studies in British History | ||
| American Democracy, Civil War and Reconstruction, 1800–1877 | ||
| History of Latin America | ||
| Ancient Greece | ||
| Roman History | ||
| The Rise of Modern America, 1877–1920 | ||
| The United States Since 1920 | ||
| The American West | ||
| Renaissance and Reformation | ||
| Early Modern Europe | ||
| War and Civilization | ||
| Survey of American Government | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Human Development
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Psychology and Christian Thought | ||
| Statistics with Computer Applications and Statistics with Computer Applications Lab | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Psychological Testing and Assessment | ||
| Introduction to Psychopathology | ||
| Cross-Cultural/Ethnic Issues in Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology: Lifespan | ||
| Seminar in Therapeutic Techniques | ||
| Psychology of Marriage and Family | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Intercultural Studies
As of Spring 2024, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Linguistic Anthropology | ||
| Intercultural Competence & Diversity in the Global Workplace | ||
| Intercultural Adjustment | ||
| Ethnicity and Diversity in America | ||
| Area and Ethnic Studies | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| World Religions and Pluralism | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Mathematics
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following, 3 of which must be upper-division: | 12 | |
| Precalculus Mathematics | ||
or MATH 140 | Fundamentals of Calculus | |
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Discrete Structures | ||
or MATH 204 | Introduction to Abstract Math | |
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Classical Geometry | ||
| Number Theory and the History of Mathematics | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Sociology
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Social Problems | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Unequal Justice: Race, Class, Gender and Crime | ||
| Ethnic and Minority Groups | ||
| Social Inequality: Race, Class and Gender | ||
| American Culture and Values | ||
| Sociology of Wealth and Poverty | ||
| Sociology of Disabilities | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Spanish
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select one of the following tracks: | 12-13 | |
| Second Language Learners | ||
| Select one or two of the following (based upon language assessment): | ||
| Spanish Language and Culture III | ||
| Advanced Spanish Communication I | ||
or SPAN 301 | Advanced Spanish Communication II | |
| Select one or two of the following (based upon language assessment): | ||
| Hispanic Civilization and Culture | ||
| Hispanic Studies: Culture, Language, or Literature | ||
| Topics in Hispanic Culture | ||
| Spanish Applied Linguistics and Teaching Pedagogy | ||
| Heritage Learners | ||
| Select one or two of the following (based upon language assessment): | ||
| Basic Spanish for the Heritage Learner | ||
| Advanced Spanish for Heritage Learners I | ||
or SPAN 311 | Advanced Spanish for Heritage Learners II | |
| Select one or two of the following (based upon language assessment): | ||
| Hispanic Civilization and Culture | ||
| Hispanic Studies: Culture, Language, or Literature | ||
| Topics in Hispanic Culture | ||
| Spanish Applied Linguistics and Teaching Pedagogy | ||
| Bilingual Education in Spanish 1 | ||
| Select one of the following (based upon language assessment): 2 | ||
| Advanced Spanish Communication I | ||
| Advanced Spanish Communication II | ||
| Advanced Spanish for Heritage Learners I | ||
| Advanced Spanish for Heritage Learners II | ||
| Complete the following: | ||
| Latina/o Diversity in a U.S. Context | ||
| Socio-historical Context for Bilingual Education – Spanish | ||
| Bilingual Methodologies - Spanish | ||
| Total Credits | 12-13 | |
- 1
Requires 12-13 credits depending on language assessment.
- 2
If one of these courses is not required based upon language assessment, a 3-credit elective approved by the School of Education must be completed.
Special Education
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Issues in Special Education | ||
| Assessment and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners | ||
| Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs in Inclusive Settings | ||
| Behavior and Classroom Management for Students with Special Needs | ||
| Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
TESOL
As of Summer 2024, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Grammar for English Teachers | ||
| Materials Evaluation and Preparation | ||
| English Language Teaching Methods | ||
| Ethics, Values, and Intercultural Communication for TESOL Professionals | ||
| Teaching English to Young Learners | ||
| Topics in TESOL | ||
| Practicum in TESOL I | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Visual Arts
As of Fall 2025, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Drawing I | ||
| Figure Studies I | ||
| Digital Tools | ||
| 2-D Foundations | ||
| 3-D Foundations | ||
| Sculpture I | ||
| Ceramics I | ||
| Painting I | ||
| Photography I-Introduction to Darkroom and Digital Processes | ||
| Select 9 credits of ARTS elective courses, 3 of which must be upper division 1 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Courses must be selected in consultation with a department advisor in order to create a focus area.
Professional Teacher Preparation Program
Preliminary Credentials
The SB2042 Professional Teacher Preparation Programs are available for Multiple Subject and Single Subject Credentials and are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Multiple Subject Credentials
The SB2042 Multiple Subject Credential authorizes instruction in any self-contained classroom for grades K–12, preschool, and classes organized primarily for adults, but is especially appropriate for grades K–6. This credential also includes authorization to teach English Language Learners in English within the subject area and grade level authorization of the Multiple Subject teaching credential.
Single Subject Credentials
The SB2042 Single Subject Credential authorizes instruction in the subjects listed on the credential in departmentalized classes at any grade level including preschool, grades K–12 and classes organized primarily for adults, but is especially appropriate for middle school and high school. This credential also includes authorization to teach English Language Learners English within the subject area and grade level authorization of the Single Subject teaching credential. All students should regularly see advisors in their major as well as the School of Education.
Teacher Preparation Requirements
Admission Application
Students who wish to complete the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program must formally apply for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program during LEDU 301.
The student applicant must demonstrate a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 grade scale). Students for whom English is not a primary language must have a TOEFL score of 100 iBT.
Teacher Preparation Courses
All candidates for the Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential must complete the following undergraduate teacher preparation courses in sequence. Courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher and the overall GPA in the teacher preparation courses must be a 3.0 or higher.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEDU 301 | Introduction to Teaching | 3 |
| LEDU 341 | Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students | 3 |
| LEDU 420 | Elementary Reading/Language Arts | 3 |
| or LEDU 425 | Secondary Content Area Reading | |
| LEDU 330 | Psychological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| LEDU 434 | Elementary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment | 3 |
| or LEDU 438 | Secondary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment | |
| Elementary/Secondary Student Teaching I and II (12 credits) may be taken as a graduate student and are not required for undergraduate graduation. Please meet with an advisor in the School of Education. | ||
| Elementary Student Teaching I and Elementary Student Teaching II | ||
| or | ||
| Secondary Student Teaching I and Secondary Student Teaching II | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Pedagogy Courses
In addition to the teacher preparation coursework, subject-specific pedagogy classes are required of each candidate. Pedagogy courses must be passed with a grade of B- or higher and the overall GPA in the pedagogy courses must be 3.0 or higher.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Candidates: | ||
| LEDU 433 | Single Subject Pedagogy | 2 |
| Total Credits | 2 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Candidates: | ||
| LEDU 306 | Elementary Art Workshop | 1 |
| LEDU 309 | Elementary Math/Science Methods | 3 |
| LEDU 336 | Elementary Health Curriculum and Methods | 1 |
| LEDU 337 | Elementary History-Social Science Curriculum and Methods | 1 |
| LEDU 380 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| KNES 201 | Elementary Physical Education Methods and Activities | 2 |
| MUSC 310 | Elementary Music Workshop | 2 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Taskstream Subscription
Candidates must have a paid subscription to Taskstream while taking teacher preparation courses, pedagogy courses, and student teaching.
Certificate of Clearance and Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Candidates must obtain a Certificate of Clearance prior to taking LEDU 301 course in order to participate in the required fieldwork sequence. Fees required.
Candidates must also submit valid TB tests results prior to taking LEDU 301 course and annually in order to participate in the required fieldwork sequence in the Teacher Preparation Program. Fees required.
Minimum Grades and GPA Requirements
All teaching credential candidates must maintain an overall cumulative 2.75 grade point average (GPA) in their major. A 3.0 cumulative GPA must be achieved in the teacher preparation course sequence and pedagogy courses. Students must receive a grade of B- or higher in all teacher preparation and pedagogy courses and score an 83% or higher in all key assignments in order to be formally recommended for a Preliminary Teaching Credential. These minimum grade and GPA requirements are credential requirements and are not a degree requirement.
Basic Skills Requirement
Candidates must satisfy the basic skills requirement by an approved California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) option. This requirement must be be met prior to applying for student teaching.
Subject Matter Competency Requirement
Candidates must satisfy subject matter competency by an approved California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) option. This requirement must be met prior to applying for student teaching.
Literacy Performance Assessment
Pursuant to SB 488, beginning July 1, 2025, all newly enrolled credential candidates in Preliminary Multiple Subject, Education Specialist, and PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction credential programs must pass a Commission-adopted performance assessment that includes literacy instruction in order to be recommended for their credential. This means that current and prospective candidates who wish to take the RICA examination to meet the credential requirement for literacy instruction must take and pass either all three subtests of the written examination or the video performance assessment by July 1, 2025. The RICA examination will be retired as of July 1, 2025, and will no longer be available. Candidates who attempt or have attempted RICA but do not pass either all three subtests of the written examination or the video performance assessment by July 1, 2025, will be required to instead pass the Commission-adopted performance assessment that includes literacy instruction.
CalTPA
Candidates must meet or exceed the minimum standards for passing the two state-mandated California Teaching Performance Assessments (CalTPAs). Cycle 1 of CalTPAs must be passed prior to applying for student teaching. Cycle 2 of CalTPAs must be passed prior to applying for a Preliminary Teaching Credential.
Recommendation
Candidates must be recommended by the faculty of the School of Education as having all requisite professional qualities to be successful as a teacher.
Professional Dispositions and Competencies Evaluations
Candidates must demonstrate high performance in each Professional Dispositions and Competencies Evaluation for teacher preparation and pedagogy coursework in order to remain in the Teacher Preparation Program. Evidence of unaddressed concerns (scores of 1 or 2), or failing to meet a professional disposition may lead to dismissal.
Fieldwork Evaluation
Candidates must obtain good to excellent scores in each fieldwork evaluation for teacher preparation coursework, including student teaching.
U.S. Constitution Requirement
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that a teaching credential candidate must have completed a minimum 2-credit course that covers the U.S. Constitution or fulfill this requirement by examination.
Biola University students may complete this requirement by taking either HIST 200 or POSC 225 with a grade of C or better. Students receiving AP college credit for either HIST 200 or POSC 225 will also meet this requirement. Transfer coursework must be reviewed by a credential analyst in the School of Education.
CPR
Candidates must show verification of current training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) — infant, child and adult — that meets the standards of either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross CPR course when applying for the Preliminary Teaching Credential.
Advisor Contact
Candidates are required to meet regularly with an advisor in their major to ensure that all requirements are met.
Applying for a Credential
Credential candidates complete their student teaching the second semester of their senior year or the semester after they graduate with their bachelor's degree. After successfully completing student teaching and the associated requirements, candidates make an appointment with a credential analyst in the School of Education at Biola University and apply for the Preliminary Teaching Credential from the State of California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The Professional Teacher Preparation Program leading to a California Teaching Credential at Biola University is subject to change in response to new legislation and for accreditation/reporting purposes. Please see a credential analyst for current information on completing the requirements for a teaching credential.
Teaching, ACSI
Application information may be obtained from the ACSI liaison in the School of Education Office. The credential program at Biola University meets the requirements for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Certificate. Requirements are identical to the California Preliminary Credential Program as well as:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of Bible courses | 6 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Integration Seminar: Christian Philosophy of Education | ||
| Philosophy and Values in Schools and Society | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |