Fresno Pacific University

Programme overview

The Liberal Studies B.A. at Fresno Pacific University provides an interdisciplinary liberal-arts curriculum intended to develop critical thinking, communication, and applied teaching skills. The major meets California elementary subject-matter requirements for entry into a credential program, offers a choice of concentration areas, and includes a senior capstone project. FPU also offers an Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) pathway that can shorten the combined bachelor’s-plus-credential timeline to four years (three years for the B.A. plus one year for the credential).

What you'll study

Students take a broad general-education core plus a set of required courses focused on elementary teaching content and pedagogy. Courses and topics cited in the programme include:

• General education: Principles of Biology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Ancient, Medieval and American history, Introduction to Literature, Dance Movement, Physical Science, General Psychology, and a lab component.
• Required pedagogy and content courses: Art for Elementary Teachers; California History and Politics; Theory of Elementary Physical Education; Paths to Teaching; Learning Communities; First and Second Language Acquisition or equivalent; Linguistics or Introduction to Linguistics; Literature for Children and Young Adults; Mathematics Concepts I & II; Music in the Classroom; Child Development; American Ethnicity and Pluralism; Creative Drama.
• Concentration: students select a 12+ unit concentration in one discipline (options include Art, Education, English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, Spanish, and Special Education). Concentrations may overlap with a minor, and seven concentrations are designed to prepare candidates to apply for supplementary authorizations through grade 9.

Entry requirements

The programme requires completion of the specified major and general-education coursework, a senior project in the final semester reviewed by faculty and professional educators, and—if entering FPU’s teacher education program—a minimum GPA of 3.0 during the baccalaureate. Students who complete the required courses in the liberal studies program have the CSET waived prior to beginning the California Multiple Subject Credential; supplementary authorizations are granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and are not guaranteed by FPU.

Career prospects

The primary vocational outcome is preparation for elementary teaching and qualification to enter multiple-subject credential programs in California. The programme also provides a rounded liberal-arts background appropriate for other education-related roles, community-building and service-oriented positions, or further study in specialized subject areas.

Scholarships & funding angle

The course page notes cost and financial-aid navigation but does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should contact FPU’s admissions and financial-aid offices for current scholarship offerings, institution-specific aid, and guidance on external grants and teacher-preparation funding streams.