• A student teacher and an elementary-aged student in a classroom.
Attallah College of Educational Studies

BA in Liberal Studies

» BA in Liberal Studies

Liberal Studies is a new major for aspiring elementary school teachers. It prepares you to teach a range of subjects in a diverse classroom at the elementary level.

We’ve grown the program’s comprehensive curriculum from the ground up to match your passion for education with Chapman University’s commitment to graduating frontrunning elementary educators dedicated to student success.
Students working in a brightly lit classroom with a brick wall.

In this program, you will:

  • Build the skills and knowledge you need to teach a range of subjects at the elementary school level.
  • Put your coursework into practice and get real experience in the classroom at the K–8 level.
  • Learn how to be the best educator you can be and make an impact on student success.
A student working with an elementary aged student.

By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to:

  • Teach at the elementary level, after obtaining a teaching credential, with no need to take the CBEST or CSET.
  • Find employment as an educator in California and in other states.
  • Have a clear pathway to a master’s in teaching through our integrated master’s programs.

Planning on teaching in another state?
We’re here to help you every step of the way. Take it from alumna Jasmine Skipworth ‘16. In this blog post, she shares her story about returning to her home state of Washington to teach after graduation.

Learn to teach a wide variety of classes

In elementary education, range is key. Teachers need the knowledge and flexibility to switch between a variety of subjects every day.

Our comprehensive, cross-disciplinary curriculum helps you hone your skills and broaden your knowledge across academic subjects.

Sample curriculum:

  • 1 math class.
  • 1 science class.
  • 2 theatre classes.
  • 1 physical education class.
  • 2 history classes.
  • 1 art class.
  • 1 psychology class focused on child development.
  • 1 ethnic studies class.
  • 1 ethics class.
  • 2 English classes.
  • 1 engineering class.
  • And other classes related to education research.

Take a virtual tour of campus

Take a sneak peek at what the Chapman experience is like by exploring our campus in this interactive, 360° tour.

Launch tour


Our expertise. Your success.

Becoming an educator takes hard work and dedication. Chapman students are up to the challenge, and they’re never alone.

As a Liberal Studies student, you’ll have access to faculty advising, career assistance, a professional network of alumni and other resources to help you on your journey to becoming an educator.

Integrated programs to take your education further
Our integrated master’s degree programs are your path to earning a bachelor’s, master’s and teaching credential in an accelerated timeline. Check out our integrated programs page for more information on degrees available and where earning one can take your career as an educator.
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Minors for future teachers

Our education minors and humanities minors for educators give you the perfect pathway to hone in on your areas of interest and find your niche as an educator. They cover a wide range of possible specializations and add value to your degree.

Study abroad and away

Broadening your horizons helps you grow as an educator, and one of the best ways to do it is to travel abroad with one of our many study abroad programs. We offer travel courses around the globe and work closely with you to find one that aligns with your schedule and goals as an aspiring educator.

Student clubs and organizations

With hundreds of clubs and student-run organizations on campus, we’re a great place to meet new people, learn new skills and expand your network as an aspiring educator — or just have some fun when you need to recharge the batteries.

Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is an international honor society for future educators. Open to both men and women, KDP aims to provide opportunities for and foster a community of dedicated and passionate future educators.

Our chapter on campus is a great way to make friends and build professional relationships with other aspiring educators.

Admission and tours

Interested in taking the next step? Learn how to apply or check our transfer prerequisites.

Want to see all Chapman has to offer? Join us for a virtual or in-person tour of campus. We’d love to meet you!

Related programs

Community Educational Studies

Integrated master's programs

Minor in Leadership Studies

Education minors