Liberal Studies majors are encouraged to consider choosing a minor, which is one way to satisfy their "emphasis" requirement. Minors typically require 18-21 units, which would mean adding only 3-6 units to your major. A minor (unlike an emphasis pattern) will show up on your diploma and on your transcript, and will make you a stronger candidate for future endeavors. To sign up for a minor, go see an advisor in your program of choice.
Otherwise, LS majors must choose an emphasis pattern from one of the options below. Those who plan to get multiple subject credentials are encouraged (but not required) to choose the Elementary Subject Matter emphasis.
Elementary Subject Matter Emphasis/Program
Other Emphasis Patterns
Elementary Subject Matter Emphasis
Take both:
- MATH 165 Concepts of the Number System
- MATH 565 Concepts of Geometry, Measurement, and Probability
Select three additional courses from the following list. Your courses must have at least two different prefixes. Courses used for the core may not double count in the emphasis:
CD 655 Dynamics of Language Development
HIST 114 World History to 1500
HIST 115 World History since 1500
HIST 120 History of the US through Reconstruction
MATH 265 Academic Number System
LS 309 Physical Sciences for Future Elementary School teachers (cannot double count with core)
BIO 100 Human Biology
BIO 310 Biology for Today's World (cannot double count with core)
E ED 655 Hands on Science
ERTH 110 Our Dynamic Earth
ERTH 365 Extreme Weather in Today's Warming World (cannot double count with core)
DANC 350 Dance Aesthetics: Cultural/Historical Perspectives
MUS 601 Music for Children
TH A 451 Storytelling and Folk Literature
E ED 450 Art and Learning
KIN 401 Elementary School Physical Education, K-5
CAD 210 Introduction to Applied Child and Adolescent Development
RPT 380 Developmental Play Processes
Other Emphasis Patterns
Area I: Communication, Language, and Literature
- English Language: Literature, Language, and Communication
- Literature and Oral Performance
- Languages and Literatures Other Than English: Chinese, German, Russian, Classical Languages, Italian, Spanish, French, Japanese
Area II: Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics
- Earth and Space Science
- Environmental Science
- Life Science
- Mathematics
- Physics and Astronomy
Area III: Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Economics (updated pdf)
- Ethnic Studies
- Geography (updated pdf)
- Health, Kinesiology and Recreation (updated pdf)
- History
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Urban Studies
Area IV: Creative Arts and Humanities
- Creative Arts
- Humanities
- Philosophy
- Philosophy and Religion
Integrated Studies
View the Integrated Studies PDF
- Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations
- California Studies
- Gender, Culture, and Representation
- Jewish Studies
- Multidisciplinary Ethnic Studies