2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies, BS


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The mission of the BS in Liberal Studies program is to help students use interdisciplinary study to demonstrate an understanding for and appreciation of continued, life-long learning – an essential component in being a successful professional.  This major provides a path for a Bachelor's degree for students who will pursue licensure in Special Education PK-12 at the graduate level or who have decided not to pursue elementary or elementary/middle licensure.

In addition to the multi-disciplinary Civitae Core requirements, Liberal Studies students take advanced courses in English, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Social Science.  Liberal Studies students choose one of two concentrations: Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure or Non-licensure. 

Students in the Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration intend to seek teacher licensure as part of the Master in Education program, concentration in Special Education: General Curriculum 5th Year K-12.  Licensure occurs after completion of the Master's degree. Students who choose not to complete the fifth year of the program will not be licensed to teach. At the undergraduate level, the concentration includes a professional component comprised of an array of methods classes, Practicum, Partnership and Student Teaching.

Students in the Non-licensure concentration take additional coursework that includes specialized courses in a minor of their choice. 

Civitae Core Requirements (39-40 credits)


Liberal Studies majors must take the following courses to satisfy the Civitae Core requirements listed below. If a Civitae Core requirement is not listed below, majors can satisfy those with any of the choices listed in the Civitae Core options.

Students in the Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration:

Pillar Courses

Historical and Contemporary Insights - HIST 221   or HIST 222  
Human Behavior and Social Institutions - EDUC 245  
Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 135  
Scientific Reasoning - BIOL 114  

Perspectives Courses

SOCL 320  

 

Students in the Non-licensure concentration:

Six credits from two of the pillar courses below are counted in the Civitae total.

Pillar Courses

Human Behavior and Social Institutions - POSC 100  
Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 135  
Scientific Reasoning - BIOL 114  

Perspectives Courses

Some 300-400 level ENGL courses in the requirements below may be a Perspectives course.

Additional Degree Requirement


English (9 credits)


Non-licensure concentration (English)


  • 3 credits
  • Choose ONE 3 credit course from the following: ENGL 301, 302, 303, 319, 350, 376, 479, 483.

  • Choose ONE 3 credit course from the following: ENGL 310, 351, 356, 357, 358, 360, 361, 362, 372, 373, 378, 379, 381.

Mathematics (6 credits + 3 credits in Civitae)


Natural Science (8 credits + 3 credits in Civitae)


Social Science (9 credits)


Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration (Social Science)


Students in this concentration should additionally take one of these two courses. Either will fulfill the Historical and Contemporary Insights Pillar of Civitae.

Additional Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration requirements (44 credits)


Additional Concentration Requirement


These credits are counted in Civitae.

Professional Requirements for SPED PK-12 pre-Licensure


Students must be admitted to the Teacher Preparation program before they will be permitted to enroll in SPED 321  or SPED/EDUC courses above this level. Please visit the Office of Teacher Preparation website for more information.

Prior to Teacher Prep. Admission (6 credits + 3 credits in Civitae)


Senior Year (3 credits)


Student Teaching Semester (12 credits)


Note: Passing scores on Praxis II, VCLA, and RVE are required prior to beginning student teaching.

Additional Non-licensure concentration requirements (24 - 30 credits)


Liberal Studies majors in the Non-licensure concentration must declare a Minor in a separate discipline (18-24 credits).


Electives


Students in the Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration may need an additional 1-2 elective credits to fulfill degree requirements.

Students in the Non-licensure concentration may need an additional 17-24 credits of open electives to satisfy degree requirements.

Total Credits: 120


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