Liberal Studies
Liberal studies is an excellent choice for those planning to become elementary school teachers. Success in this program will lead you to our school’s teaching credential program. Other reasons for choosing this major is to consider careers in law, seminary or public service.
What Makes Us Unique
- Engage in hands on classroom opportunities to work with children from culturally diverse communities
- Develop and gain knowledge on faith-based approaches to teaching
- Gain full exposure to all the potential educational careers that will help you to become a teacher, school psychologist, counselor, administrators and other important educational roles
- Acquire strong knowledge in all the elementary subjects with the opportunity to develop specialty in a field (Psychology, Special Education, etc.)
Liberal Studies Major
Liberal studies is also an excellent choice for those planning on entering graduate school. Examples of students who should consider the major are those planning on law school, seminary, elementary education, or a public service career.
Multiple Subject Matter Program
Students who follow the current Core Requirements of the Liberal Studies program may utilize their coursework to meet the Elementary Subject Matter Competency requirement for Teacher Credentialing instead of taking the Multiple Subject CSETs.
Single Subject Matter Programs
The single subject matter programs allow students to complete their subject matter competence through undergraduate coursework, in preparation for pursuing a teaching credential.
Pathway to Graduate Education
Deciding to major in Liberal Studies or enrolling in Vanguard University’s teacher credentialing program is a pathway to making a difference in the lives of others. Based on current economic outlooks, students who choose to enter the teaching profession can anticipate a stable, rewarding career in education. Our programs prepare education professionals for Christ-centered service in the classroom or leadership in administration, where your impact on young minds, curriculum development and school systems can be measured for generations to come.
A Sampling of Liberal Studies Courses
EDUC 100
Introduction to Education
Introduction to Education
This course explores the role of education and teaching in modern American Society. Current political and social issues and their impact on schools will be addressed. Career opportunities and expectations for teachers will be discussed. Students will be encouraged to assess and reflect upon their own educational experiences, skills, and learning styles as they interact with current practitioners and education literature. Students will complete a 15-hour fieldwork component.May not be taken concurrently with EDUC 315. Must be passed with a “C” (not “C-“) or better to fulfill the Liberal Studies major requirement.
EDUC 315
Teaching in a Multicultural Setting
Teaching in a Multicultural Setting
Prerequisite: EDUC 100. This course provides the philosophical background and classroom experience necessary to introduce a person to the teaching profession in a public or private school in a multicultural environment. The purpose of the class is to assist the student to gain an understanding of the resources and challenges facing a teacher serving a linguistically and culturally diverse student population. Discussion will focus on educational research and the philosophical, historical, and demographic developments of American education. Students will complete a 30-hour fieldwork component to observe classroom management and organization, Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE) instructional practices, and the curricula of grades K-12. The role and function of Christian beliefs and values in the public school will be integrated throughout the course. Must be a Junior or Senior to register. May not be taken concurrently with EDUC 100.
EDUC 330
Intregrating Technology into Classroom Teaching
Integrating Technology into Classroom Teaching
A study of the nature and use of technology in the educational process. An emphasis is placed on both teachers and students utilizing a variety of technology to enhance a content standards based curriculum. Topics studied include: computers, interactive white boards, scanners, digital cameras, PDA's, digital projection, software, word processing, PowerPoint, and other technology that assists educators or is currently used with students in K-12 classrooms. This course meets the Level One technology standards for a California teaching credential.