The mission of the School of Education is to equip Christian teachers and administrators in public, private, mission, and homeschools through biblically centered education, scholarship, and service.

What will I study?

The Liberal Studies, Elementary Education major prepares students for a ministry in elementary teaching in a self-contained classroom by focusing on methods of instruction that promote human development and learning. A wide range of classes required in this major prepare the student in the areas of reading, language, history, math, science, art, and physical education. The major is also designed for students who desire a broad liberal arts education but may not be interested in a teaching credential. Every Liberal Studies, Elementary Education major is required to choose one Concentration (12 units) from the list below.

[Degree Requirement Sheets]

Concentration

• Biology
• Early Childhood
• English
• Human Development
• Intercultural Studies
• Math
• Physical Education
• Spanish
• Special Education
• U.S. History
• Visual Arts
• World History

Admissions Requirements

General Admissions Requirements apply to the Liberal Studies, Elementary Education major. However, those who also wish to obtain a California Teaching Credential must have a 2.75 cumulative GPA by the time they take their Introduction to Teaching course (usually taken in the sophomore year).

Interesting classes I might take

• Psychological Foundations of Education
• Elementary Reading/Language Arts
• Elementary Music Workshop
• Child Development: Birth through Adolescence
• School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings

What can I do with a degree in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education?

• Elementary School Teacher (Multiple Subject Teaching Credential)
• Childcare and After School Programs (Child Development Assistant and/or Associate Teacher Permits)
• Pursue a career in business, government or continue with graduate school

Why choose Liberal Studies, Elementary Education at Biola?

Education focuses on methods of instruction that promote human development and learning. The Liberal Studies, Elementary Education major is the program in which best prepares Biola students for elementary teaching and a multiple-subject teaching credential. The Liberal Studies, Elementary Education major will also prepare the student for the required subject matter exam (CSET) if earning an elementary teaching credential. The multiple-subject credential authorizes the holder to teach grades K through 12 in self-contained classrooms. Employment is usually at the elementary level.

Students completing the Early Childhood concentration within the Liberal Studies, Elementary Education major will be eligible to apply for the Child Development Assistant Permit and/or Associate Teacher Permit.  These permits authorize the holder to assist and/or provide childcare and instruction in early childhood settings and after school programs.

What are BU Liberal Studies, Elementary Education graduates doing now?

Biola graduates from the Liberal Studies, Elementary Education major have gone on to study at the following graduate schools:

Claremont University, University of Southern California, California State University Fullerton, Biola University, California State University Long Beach , UCLA, University of Minnesota, University of Kentucky, University of Oklahoma, University of North Texas, University of Iowa, Liberty University, Azusa Pacific University, Talbot Seminary, Wheaton College