BA in Liberal Studies

Online Degree Completion Program

Liberal Studies is the major that prepares students for elementary school teaching in California. The Liberal Studies major is among the oldest and largest majors on campus and continues our longstanding tradition of preparing future teachers and teacher leaders for educational careers. As an interdisciplinary major, Liberal Studies students develop a strong knowledge base in multiple disciplines: English, math, science, history/social science, art, music, theatre, physical education, and psychology. Courses are taught by faculty who have expertise in these disciplines, many of whom have been recognized for their outstanding teaching abilities.

Overview

Chico State's Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Online degree completion program is consistently ranked among the best online bachelor’s in Liberal Studies programs. Students who complete an online BA in Liberal Studies are well-prepared to enter Multiple Subjects credential programs with the goal of teaching in elementary, self-contained classrooms, and special education K-12 school settings. After completing a BA in Liberal Studies, students will need to complete a Multiple Subjects Credential Program in order to receive a teaching credential. At this time, Chico State does not offer any online credential programs.

Attend an Online Information Session!

For detailed information from Liberal Studies Advisors and an Admissions Counselor about the program, what prospective students can expect, how to apply, and the many student services available to online Chico State students, please feel free to watch a recording of a recent information session. You can also submit the request for information form on this page to be notified of upcoming live-online info sessions.

Coursework

Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program The General Education (GE) requirements for the Liberal Studies major are specific to the California State Content Standards for K-8 Teachers and the waiver for the Multiple Subjects California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) exam.

As a degree completion program, not all lower division courses are available fully online from Chico State. Additionally, GE courses taken at other institutions may not satisfy Liberal Studies major requirements at Chico State. Visit www.assist.org to view equivalencies at your California Community College.
Students who are transferring from other CSUs will be required to take at least 30 units from Chico State to meet the Residency Requirement for graduation.
There is no articulation between CSU campuses. Courses taken at other CSUs may not be required or transferable to Chico State.
View the Liberal Studies online Major Academic Plan (MAP)

Application Process

Students who meet Chico State admission requirements are eligible to apply to the Online Liberal Studies program.

Application Periods:

Fall '25 Admission: Applications are open until June 1, 2025

Spring '26 Admission: Applications open August 1, 2025

Complete the Request for Information form in the sidebar for additional application and program information and to be notified about online information sessions.

View complete application and admissions information.

Program Advising

Rena Marino, Lead Program Advisor
Leanne Woods, Program Advisor
530-898-5802 | lsonadv@csuchico.edu
http://www.csuchico.edu/lbst

* The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Knowing the Cost of Attendance is important because the budget helps determine your Financial Need and your financial aid award. Financial Need is defined as the difference between your Expected Family Contribution and the standard Cost of Attendance calculated for each academic year. For an estimated moderate standard of living budget, please refer to the Chico State Cost of Attendance.

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