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FAQs

What is a concentration?

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary degree program designed for students whose needs or interests require a more broadly based liberal arts curriculum than is possible through existing disciplines. Most students pursuing this major intend to become teachers in K-8 classrooms. To facilitate achieving this goal, the Liberal Studies program provides three different paths, or concentrations, for students to cover the subject matter content required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). 

The Integrated Concentration leads to both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Credential. It is designed for students who plan to become elementary, K-8, school teachers and who want to save time and money by working on the credential along with their B.A. degree. (Credential).

The General Concentration prepares students to enter the Multiple Subject (Elementary School) teaching credential program, generally during a fifth year of post-graduate study in the College of Education. This option is best for those seeking credentials other than the Multiple Subject Credential, such as special education. (Pre-Credential).

The Spanish Studies Concentration prepares students to enter the Multiple Subject (Elementary School) teaching credential program, generally during a fifth year of post-graduate study in the College of Education. This concentration is especially designed for those students interested in teaching English as a second language to children whose first language is Spanish. This concentration also prepares students to work in a bilingual/Spanish classroom setting. (Pre-Credential).

What is a specialty?

The General Concentration prepares students to enter the Multiple Subject (Elementary School) teaching credential program, generally during a fifth year of post-graduate study in the College of Education. This option is best for those seeking credentials other than the Multiple Subject Credential, and therefore includes a specialty option. For their specialty, students get to choose the theme of study which best fits their future professional or academic goals. Each specialty was developed specifically for Liberal Studies students by departments or multidisciplinary partnerships throughout the CSUSB system. 

For a full list of Specialties, please visit the bulletin for the Liberal Studies Program and scroll down to the General Concentration: https://bulletin.csusb.edu/colleges-schools-departments/arts-letters/liberal-studies-office/liberal-studies-ba/

What is a focus field?

​​​​​The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts represents a broad, interdisciplinary approach to earning a higher education degree. The BA in Liberal Arts is designed for students, who might not necessarily desire a career in education, to obtain a multidisciplinary degree that is transferable to many of the needs of the twenty-first century. This degree requests that a student declare a focus field as part of their program requirements. Students must complete nine units of course work from any single discipline other than their declared minor field. A minimum of five units must be upper-division. While the requirements of a minor are set by their administering department, the courses taken to complete a focus field can be student lead with the collaborative recommendations of a staff or faculty adviser.

Some Questions about MyCAP

What is MyCAP?

MyCAP is a tool that all students at CSUSB have access to, students use it to plan what term they would like to take their courses in. MyCAP allows you to plan on the right-hand side of the program while the left has your PAWS open showing you which classes you need as well as which courses you have taken and are in progress with. You can plan out from the upcoming term all the way to the term you are planning on graduating in.

What's in it for Me?

Well... have you ever been so frustrated during registration time because you keep searching up classes that you need and you see that red circle with a "x" inside of it, letting us know that the course is filled up and there is no waitlist? Does that happen a lot? MyCAP is the tool that can help you and your fellow classmates. Why is that? Creating a MyCAP will help departments to plan course offerings to coincide with students' MyCAP planned course progression. This will make more courses available when students need and want them.

How can I create and fill out a MyCAP?

If you were not able to attend any of our MyCAP tutorial sessions, here is a video that can help you out - CSUSB - MyCAP tutorial

What is a minor?

​​​​​The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts represents a broad, interdisciplinary approach to earning a higher education degree. The BA in Liberal Arts is designed for students, who might not necessarily desire a career in education, to obtain a multidisciplinary degree that is transferable to many of the needs of the twenty-first century. This degree requires that students complete a minor within the College of Arts and Letters. With some exceptions, all minors must include a minimum of 9 units at the 3000-level or above. Minors vary in size and range beginning at 18 units in a single discipline. Minor exceptions must be approved by Liberal Studies Programs Coordinator.

To receive advising for your CAL minor you can reach out to:

1.) Your Liberal Studies Adviser

        a.)Access EAB with this link: https://csusb.campus.eab.com/

        b.)Click the blue button labeled Schedule an Appointment at the top right of the screen.

        c.)For Type, select Academic Advising; for Service, select Academic Advising and click Next.

        d.)For Location, select CAL Liberal Studies.

        e.) Select Arturo Gutierrez from the Pick a Staff Member list.

        f.)Finally, click on the blue arrows until you find an open slot that matches your availability.

2.) The CAL Advising 

         a.)Access EAB with this link: https://csusb.campus.eab.com/

         b.)Next, click Schedule an Appointment.

         c.)For Type, select Academic Advising; for Service, select Academic Advising.

         d.)For Location, select CAL Advising Center.

         e.)Select your program advisor from the Pick a Staff Member list.

         f.)Finally, click on the blue arrows until you find an open slot that matches your availability.

3.) Your Programs Coordinator, Kelly Dortch

         a.)Email daiana.rodriguez@csusb.edu with your Name, your Student ID, your availability over the                   next two weeks, and a short summary of everything you'd like to cover during your session. 

Advisors and the Coordinator are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to meet with students. 

How can I get my certificate of clearance?

1. You will need to fill out the request for livescan form with all required fields which have asterisks. Request For Live Scan Form

2. Take this form to any livescan location. UPS stores are pretty common to get them done, at the Campus Police Station (Live Scan), or Live Scan Locations website. Cost is about $70.00.

3. Then student will need to go onto the CTC website and apply for a Certificate of Clearance . This should be completed within a week after you process your livescan. It cost about $50.00.

4. Finally the student should be able to print their certificate.*Students should do this ASAP because each document has its own wait time.

Which classes require a permit?

The classes that require a permit are: CAL 4970, 5951, 5952, 5953, 5954, 5955, 5956, and 5970. Please inquire via email at liberalstudies@csusb.edu.

Why can't I enroll in MATH 3011?

Complete LD (Lower Division) math requirement. If transfer credit appears on your PAWS as fulfilling your LD math contact Daiana Rodriguez at daiana.rodriguez@csusb.edu or email liberalstudies@csusb.edu to receive more information regarding permits.

What is the CBEST?

California Basic Education Skills Test. This test is needed to enter into the credential program, but this exam, along with your BA, allows you to substitute teach. For more information about the CBEST, visit CTC Exams - CBEST.

What is the CSET?

California Subject Examinations for Teachers. The CSET you take is CSET Multiple Subjects. This test is also needed to enter into the credential program. It's recommended to take your CBEST first and then your CSET's. For more information about the CSET, visit CTC Exams - CSET.

Some Questions about Credentialing.

When do I apply for credentialing?

Multiple Subject-Fall 2021 Deadlines:

February 8th, 2021- Early Consideration

March 31st, 2021- Priority Consideration 

April 21, 2021- Late Consideration/Final Deadline 

Who should I contact for more information about credentialing?

For more information on:

  1. Multiple Subject Credentialing, please email Arlene Allende at aallende@csusb.edu or call at 909-537-5291. 
  2. Special Education Credentialing, please email Shelia Braggs at sbraggs@csusb.edu  or call at (909) 537-5621.
  3.  PDC Admissions Counselor, please call Brenda Machuca at 909-537-8109 or 760-341-2883 x78111

*Information Sessions have not been updated for 2021 

When do I need to file a grad check?

Visit the website provided for more information on grad checks. Graduation Requirement Check 

What's a PAWS Audit?

A PAWS Audit is a manual review of transferred credits from another college or university for the purpose of determining if credit can fall into an outstanding requirement. Audits are completed by a faculty advisor or the programs coordinator after the initial evaluations of a transcript by the Registrar's Office are completed. Community college courses can only be considered for a lower-division (2999-level and below) CSUSB requirement. Four-year university courses can be considered for both lower-division 2999-level and below) an upper-division (3000-level and above) CSUSB requirements. 

 

Please note: Designation requirements can only be fulfilled by courses completed at CSUSB.