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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 section titled "Writing Competency Requirement" under the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section.

Torrey Honors College

Please refer to the footnotes regarding the Core Curriculum courses that are covered by the Torrey Honors College. 

Curriculum Requirements

Program Courses Meeting Core Curriculum Requirements
Behavioral Science:
PSYC 200Introduction to Psychology3
English:
ENGL 3134Writing in the Disciplines for Educators3
Fine Arts: 1
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
Film Appreciation
Music Appreciation
Theatre Appreciation
Integration Seminar:
BBST 4652Integration Seminar: Christian Philosophy of Education3
Kinesiology & Health Science:
KNES 107Lifetime Wellness1
KNES 201Elementary Physical Education Methods and Activities2
Philosophy: 1
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Logic
Introduction to Philosophy
Introduction to Ethics
Science/Math:
BIOS 105Biology for Educators4
MATH 117Fundamentals of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I3
U.S. History: 1
HIST 100World Civilizations I3
HIST 200United States History To 18653
Program Courses - Major
ARTS 306Elementary Art Workshop3
HIST 101World Civilizations II3
HIST 201United States History Since 18653
HIST 403California History3
LEDU 301Introduction to Teaching 23
LEDU 309Elementary Math/Science Methods2
LEDU 324Performing Arts in Education1
LEDU 330Psychological Foundations of Education3
LEDU 335Child Development: Birth through Adolescence 33
LEDU 336Elementary Health Curriculum and Methods1
LEDU 337Elementary History-Social Science Curriculum and Methods1
LEDU 341Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students3
LEDU 380Children's Literature3
LEDU 420Elementary Reading/Language Arts3
LEDU 434Elementary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment3
MATH 118Fundamentals of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II3
MUSC 310Elementary Music Workshop2
PHSC 101Physical Science Survey: Lecture3
PHSC 102Physical Science Survey Laboratory1
Program Course Requirements: 78 credits
Concentrations
In addition to the program courses, each student must complete a concentration, which consists of approved coursework in one of the following subject areas: Biology, Early Childhood, English, Health and Exercise, History, Human Development, Mathematics, Sociology, Spanish, Special Education, TESOL or Visual Arts. Please see requirements listed below.12-13
In addition to the program and concentration courses, students must complete the Professional Teacher Preparation Program for a Multiple Subject Credential as detailed after Concentrations.
Core Curriculum Requirements 445
Total Credits135-136
1

Courses covered by the Torrey Honors College.

2

This course is a prerequisite to the Early Childhood and Special Education concentration courses.

3

This course is a prerequisite to Early Childhood concentration courses.

4

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Concentrations

Biology

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 Credits12

Early Childhood

Concentration Courses
LEDU 356Early Childhood Curriculum3
LEDU 357School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings3
LEDU 358Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings3
LEDU 359Observation and Assessment of Young Children3
Total Credits12

English

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
Creative Writing: Fiction
Studies in American Literature
Studies in British Literature
Studies in Shakespeare
Total Credits12

Health and Exercise

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 Credits12

History

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 Credits12

Human Development

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 Credits12

Intercultural Studies

As of Spring 2024, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

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 Credits12

Mathematics

Concentration Courses
Select 12 credits from the following, 3 of which must be upper-division:12
Precalculus Mathematics
Fundamentals of Calculus
Calculus I
Calculus II
Discrete Structures
Introduction to Abstract Math
Linear Algebra
Biostatistics
Classical Geometry
Number Theory and the History of Mathematics
Total Credits12

Sociology

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 Credits12

Spanish

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
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
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 Credits12-13
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

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 Credits12

TESOL

As of Summer 2024, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

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 Credits12

Visual Arts

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 19
Total Credits12
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.

RICA Exam

Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) exam is required for candidates earning a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. This requirement must be met prior to applying for a Preliminary Teaching Credential.

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.

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:

LEDU 301Introduction to Teaching3
LEDU 341Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students3
LEDU 420Elementary Reading/Language Arts3
or LEDU 425 Secondary Content Area Reading
LEDU 330Psychological Foundations of Education3
LEDU 434Elementary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment3
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 Credits15

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.

Secondary Candidates:
LEDU 433Single Subject Pedagogy2
Elementary Candidates:
LEDU 309Elementary Math/Science Methods2
LEDU 336Elementary Health Curriculum and Methods1
LEDU 337Elementary History-Social Science Curriculum and Methods1
LEDU 380Children's Literature3
ARTS 306Elementary Art Workshop3
KNES 201Elementary Physical Education Methods and Activities2
MUSC 310Elementary Music Workshop2
Total Credits16

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.

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.

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:

Select 6 credits of Bible courses6
Select one of the following:3
Integration Seminar: Christian Philosophy of Education
Philosophy and Values in Schools and Society
Total Credits9

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