BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching

Whether you're laying the groundwork to earn a teaching credential for elementary education in California, or you simply seek a bachelor's degree with a broad liberal studies foundation, the UMass Global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is the perfect choice.

Earn a Broad-Based Bachelor's Degree

Build a strong foundation for a future in education with UMass Global’s online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Designed for working adults, this flexible degree supports diverse career goals while offering a Multiple Subject Teaching Emphasis for students planning to pursue a California teaching credential. Study the subjects commonly taught in elementary schools and prepare for the next step toward a post-baccalaureate Multiple Subject Credential program, including the knowledge and experience needed for future classroom success.

  • Build subject expertise: Study language arts, math, science, social science, the arts, health and human development—key subjects taught in California elementary schools.
  • Prepare for classrooms: Complete teaching-focused coursework and in-person fieldwork that help connect your studies to future elementary classroom practice.

Under Assembly Bill (AB) 130, effective July 9, 2021, the B.A. in Liberal Studies program meets the multiple subject competence requirement for the state of California.

At a Glance

Online: Instructor-Led
120 Credits
Next Start Date
Fall II (Oct 26, 2026)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Finish faster

Transfer up to 90 credits — up to 75% of your degree — and earn your bachelor’s in as few as 10 courses.

Flexibility + real-world learning

Online coursework allows you to keep working while earning your degree, while in-person fieldwork provides valuable experience.

Prepare for credentialing

UMass Global is California’s second-largest issuer of new teaching credentials, supporting your next step toward becoming an educator.

Next Session Starts

29Days
20Hours
20Hours
56Minutes
54Seconds
Already Started

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Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process and submit required documents. Documents required vary based on the number of transferable credits and include:

12 OR MORE TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended

0 – 11 TRANSFERABLE CREDITS

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Official high school transcript indicating the date of graduation
  • Provide official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended

Students with fewer than 12 credits or below a 2.0 GPA will take LBSU 100 (Student Success Strategies) during their first session to build a solid foundation for college success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Liberal arts is an educational approach that emphasizes broad, transferable knowledge and skills across subjects such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It values the development of critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates for success in a variety of careers and industries.

Many elementary school teachers teach every core foundational subject, including English/language arts, mathematics, natural sciences, history, social science, physical education, and the visual/performing arts. A liberal studies degree provides broad, multi-disciplinary subject mastery across these exact content areas rather than focusing on a single academic discipline. It builds both content knowledge and an understanding of child development, learning theories, and language acquisition.

UMass Global’s liberal studies includes a teaching emphasis that involves in-person fieldwork to prepare you for your future in the classroom. The courses are aligned with subject matter requirements for multiple subject credential candidates and the Common Core state standards.

A liberal arts education builds a foundation of knowledge across multiple disciplines and develops in-demand skills such as communication, collaboration, analysis, and adaptability. Graduates become well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including business, education, media, public service, and more. 

No. In California, earning a bachelor’s degree and earning a teaching credential are two distinct steps.

Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies fulfills your undergraduate degree and subject-matter competency requirements. After completing your degree, you’ll need to complete a CTC-approved teaching credential program. UMass Global’s School of Education offers several credentialing options:

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