B.A. in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education
As a liberal studies, elementary education major, you’ll be equipped with the academic foundation and practical skills you need to be an effective elementary school teacher. Biola's elementary education bachelor's degree is uniquely structured enabling you to complete the majority of the requirements for a California Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential as an undergraduate student as part of your coursework in completing your elementary education degree. The 12 credits you earn during student teaching can be applied towards the Master of Arts in Teaching or Master of Arts in Education, if completed after graduation.
In this major, you’ll have the opportunity for deeper training and knowledge to promote your future work as a teacher and educational leader in a specific subject.
- A biblically centered curriculum that teaches you how to integrate your faith into your teaching in practical ways.
- While earning your bachelor’s degree, you simultaneously work toward a California Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential, starting as early as your sophomore year in the liberal studies program. You can also receive your ACSI Teacher Certification while earning your California preliminary teaching credential by meeting additional requirements.
- Earn a California Child Development Permit by completing coursework within the Early Childhood minor (available starting Fall 2025).
- Biola’s strong relationships with local schools in Southern California facilitate your ability to network with local educators and administrators across the area.
- Choose from over 80 countries in which to do half of your student teaching.
- Over 130 hours of fieldwork in diverse classrooms will prepare you to teach students from a broad range of cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Complete a special education minor toward earning a special educational credential at the graduate level.
Rankings
Biola's education program was recently ranked 3rd overall on Niche's list of "Best Colleges for Education in California," based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education.
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Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education?
With proper credentials and permits, including initial teacher licensure, many career opportunities in education, child development, curriculum design, children's ministry and public service await future graduates of Biola's liberal studies elementary education degree program. As a well-equipped professional, you can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ in rewarding professions such as:
- Elementary school teacher (some alumni have received prestigious awards, such as the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science; and California and district Teacher of the Year)
- Charter or homeschool elementary teacher
- International or missions school teacher
- School principal (some alumni have been Principal of the Year honorees)
- Preschool teacher or site supervisor
- District administrators (our alumni have even become superintendents of schools)
- Educational research analyst
- Curriculum writer and editor
- Curriculum designer
- Government education specialist
- Instructional materials sales representative
- Children's ministry director
- Cross-cultural education consultant
- Educational consultant or trainer
It is important to note that the Multiple Subject Credential is primarily appropriate for elementary school teachers (as this is the one credential required for elementary school teaching), but can also sometimes be appropriate for middle or junior high school teachers.
My program taught me not only terminology and theories, but the practical application excellent educators need.
I really love the aspect of fieldwork hours in the elementary education major. During these hours you get to observe a classroom and see all of the things you have learned about put into action.
