Whitney Wall Bortz, Ph.D.
Explore Liberal Studies, B.A.
What is possible when your major challenges you to be critical and creative?
Anything.
Liberal studies is tailor made for the student who wants to explore it all. From social science to physical education, Spanish to science, you’ll gain a broad education in the humanities and an ability to communicate effectively to a broad array of audiences.
In wide-ranging courses you’ll participate in creative drama and group improvisation, explore how California became a political-trendsetter among states, understand how to analyze data and learn the Kodaly method for teaching music in the classroom.
This interdisciplinary program is especially designed to prepare you for teaching at the elementary school level. Regardless of the concentration in science or in Spanish, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge required to enter a multiple subject teacher credential program.
Program Highlights
- Choice of a concentration from an area of interest to you (see Concentrations below)
- Fulfill the subject matter requirements for both a Multiple Subjects Credential and also a Single-Subject Authorization to teach through grade 9
- Students who complete the required courses as part of our liberal studies program will have their CSET exam waived prior to beginning their CA Multiple Subject Credential
- Engage in off-campus summer and study abroad programs
- Work one-on-one with faculty to choose from a broad range of topics for your capstone research project
Concentrations
Students must choose an area of concentration. Concentrations permit the candidate to specialize in areas of interest and depth. All students must complete a concentration of 12 or more units in one discipline or area of study. Concentrations may overlap with a minor.
- Art Concentration
- Education Concentration
- English Concentration
- Mathematics Concentration
- Physical Education Concentration
- Science Concentration
- Social Science Concentration
- Spanish Concentration
Integrated Teacher Education Program Pathway
In addition to the traditional pathway to teaching (4 year B.A.+ 1 year credential), FPU is now offering Liberal Studies students the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Arts degree and multiple subjects teaching credential in four years (3 year B.A. + 1 year credential)! This takes at least one year off the current traditional path. A transfer option is also available. Learn more at fpu.edu/ITEP.
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Faculty
Catalog
Within the context of the Fresno Pacific Idea, the liberal studies major at Fresno Pacific University exists to prepare people with a foundation of knowledge needed to become community builders, peacemakers and advocates for change in roles requiring broad liberal arts scholarship. The major seeks to build:
- The ability and desire to understand, evaluate and communicate ideas.
- The ability and desire to discover ideas through disciplinary processes.
- The ability and desire to engage in intensive study and service.
- A sense of interrelatedness among knowledge, experience, responsibility and values.
- A respect for diversity.
The liberal studies major is an interdisciplinary major that provides the content background for multiple subject candidates wishing to enter teacher education programs for teaching at the elementary level in the state of California. Additionally, the liberal studies major provides a rounded course of study in the liberal arts appropriate for preparation in numerous vocations.
Students must prepare a senior project in their last semester prior to graduation that is reviewed by undergraduate faculty and professional educators. In addition, students planning to enter the FPU teacher education program must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better during their baccalaureate program.
The liberal studies major meets the elementary subject matter requirement for entry into a credential program in the state of California. Therefore, liberal studies majors no longer must pass the CSET prior to receiving a multiple-subject credential.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will use background knowledge and value structures to interact critically, appreciatively, and interpretively with oral, written, symbolic, and artistic language, expressing themselves clearly, persuasively, and creatively.
- Students will apply various modes of inquiry and disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge to the pursuit of comprehension of linguistic, artistic, technological, mathematical, scientific, historical, political, philosophical, theological, sociological, psychological, literary, and physical modes of inquiry and world views.
- Students will engage in intensive and orderly study within their concentration through use of significant literature of a field, application of sound methodological procedures, and possession of in-depth knowledge of the contributions of their concentration to the community.
- Students will develop a personal philosophy of life that gives meaning and wholeness to learning and promotes a life of service, peacemaking, and responsibility.
- Through community engagement students will actively promote an understanding of and respect for ethnic and cultural diversity, demonstrating flexibility and effectiveness in relating to and communicating with a variety of people in a variety of situations.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathway
Liberal Studies - Art Concentration, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Concentrations/Minors
Concentrations permit the candidate to specialize in areas of interest and depth. All students must complete a concentration of 12 or more units, a minor, or a double major. Once declared, the minor or double major replaces the need for a concentration.
Seven of the concentration options (art, English, math, physical education, science, social science, and Spanish) should prepare students to apply for a supplementary authorization in the subject area. This means that if the student goes on to apply for a multiple-subjects credential, these courses will allow the student to apply for an authorization to teach the chosen content area in a single-subject position through the ninth grade.
An eighth concentration in Education allows the student to begin taking credential classes during the B.A. This leads to the completion of a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a multiple-subject credential in only four years.
Note: The supplementary authorizations are granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Thus, FPU cannot guarantee that this authorization will be granted.
Liberal Studies Major
General Education Requirements (23 units)
- BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
- BIOL 100L - Principles of Biology Lab Credits 1
- GEOL 151 - Earth Science Credits 3
- GEOL 151L - Earth Science Laboratory Credits 1
- HIST 150 - American Civilization Credits 4
- LIT 180 - Introduction to Literature Credits 3
- PE 120 - Dance Movement Credits 1
- PHYS 106 - Physical Science Credits 3
- PHYS 106L - Physical Science Lab Credits 1
- PSY 120 - General Psychology Credits 3
Required Courses (46 Units)
- ART 300 - Art for Elementary Teachers Credits 3
- ENV 160 - Introduction to Environmental Science Credits 3
- HIST 440 - California History and Politics Credits 4
- KIN 320 - Theory of Elementary Physical Education Credits 3
- LA 180 - Paths to Teaching Credits 3
- LA 380 - Learning Communities Credits 3
- LANG 310 - First and Second Language Acquisition Credits 3
- LANG 340 - Linguistics & Modern Grammar Credits 3
- LIT 465 - Literature for Children and Young Adults Credits 3
- MATH 132 - Arithmetic and Data Analysis Credits 3
- MATH 134 - Algebraic Thinking and Geometry Credits 3
- MUS 305 - Music in the Classroom Credits 3
- PSY 350 - Child Development Credits 3
- SOC 410 - American Ethnicity and Pluralism Credits 3
- THTR 355 - Creative Drama Credits 3
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
- Recommended High School Courses for Admission
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- 4 years of college preparatory English
- 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
- 2 years of social studies
- 1 year of laboratory science
- 1 year of performing art
- 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
- Things to Keep in Mind
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Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information
Elementary Teacher Education (AA-T) to Liberal Studies, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
- All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
- BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
- BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology (4)
- HIST 150 American Civilization (4)
- LIT 180 Introduction to Literature (3)
- PHYS 106 - Physical Science (4)
- PHYS 150 Earth Science (3)
- LA 180 Paths to Teaching (3)
- MATH 132 Arithmetic and Data Analysis (3)
- PSY 350 Child Development (3) [Lower to Upper Division]
- This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Non-traditional Admission
- Steps for Re-application
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For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
- Fill out the re-application form
- Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
- Steps for Re-admission
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Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
- Fill out the re-admission form
- Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
- Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
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Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
- Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
- Personal essays are not required
- Auditing a class
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Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
- Personal essays are not required
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
- Incoming requirements
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This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
- Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
- This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
- The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
- Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
- The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
- Student responsibilities
- To qualify for the guarantee students must:
- Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
- Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
- Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
- Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
- Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
- Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
- Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
- Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
- Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
- 2023-2024
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960 Student body fee $598 Total Tuition and Fees $35,548 Room $5,018 Board $5,130 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,248 Summer Session $500 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2022-2023
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614 Student body fee $574 Total Tuition and Fees $34,188 Room and Board $8,884 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,218 Summer Session $400 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2021-2022
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954 Student body fee $498 Total Tuition and Fees $33,452 Room and Board $8,710 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,177 Summer Session $300 Private Music Instruction $400
Room & Board Rates
Freshman / Sophomore Housing
Module* Fall Spring Modules $4,313 $4,313 Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 * Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)
Junior / Senior Housing
Suites & Houses Fall Spring Room only $2,068 $2,068 Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719 Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276 Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400 Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694 Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345 Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902 Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026 Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306 Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958 Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514 Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639 Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring 70 Block $651 $651 140 Block $1,208 $1,208 Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332 * Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Notes about housing
- For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
- Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
- Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Paragon | Full Tuition | |
President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
Music | $400 to $10,000 |
Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work-Study
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
Work-study | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
With a degree in liberal studies, you'll gain the versatility to apply your studies to almost any desired career field. However, you'll also be well equipped to continue in your education to become an elementary school teacher, having met the course content required for the multiple subject teacher credential.
Career Possibilities
- Teacher
- Librarian
- Educational counselor
- Researcher
- Communication specialist
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more