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The foundation of the Liberal Studies major is rooted in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, founders of Mount Saint Mary’s University. Beginning in Le Puy, France, more than 350 years ago, the CSJs have assisted young women in need of education and prepared them to help the world become a better place. 

Credential candidates meet the state-mandated Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) before enrolling in supervised teaching either through the completion of Liberal Studies major coursework directly aligned with the content domains of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), by passing three Multiple Subject CSET subtests, or through a combination of coursework and passing scores on one or more Multiple Subject CSET subtests. The Mount provides the guidance, support, and encouragement to meet the various requirements future teachers must satisfy while earning a credential.

Most students who pursue the Liberal Studies major also choose to complete the California Elementary Teacher Preparation Program. This allows students to complete both their bachelor’s degree and their teaching credential requirements as an undergraduate student. 

The concurrent Liberal Studies and Teacher Preparation Program: 

• Remains open to all qualified students (minimum high school or transfer GPA of 2.5) 
• Provides opportunities to take courses in the Education Department that require observation and participation in public school classrooms in the Los Angeles area. 
• Connects what you teach with how you will teach those subjects to schoolchildren. 
• Enables you to graduate with a BA degree and a preliminary elementary teaching credential. 
• Enables some students to complete an area of emphasis qualifying for teaching middle school (depending on district regulations, school structures and need). 
• Qualified Liberal Studies candidates may apply to earn an education specialist: mild/moderate teaching credential during their undergraduate years.