Degrees & Programs Liberal Studies
Mission of the Department of Education
Westmont's Department of Education provides a supportive collegial community in which to acquire a rigorous, practical, and professional preparation for K-12 teaching. Building on teacher-candidates' liberal arts education, our program is designed to develop exemplary instructional skills, habits of reflection, and moral and cultural sensitivities that promote lifelong learning of diverse students.
Your Path to Teaching Elementary School
If you desire to pursue a career in elementary education, the Liberal Studies major is a great choice. The major helps you develop expertise in all subjects normally taught in the elementary classroom and prepares you for the CSET (subject-matter exams) required for entrance into a California Teacher Credential Program.
With a Liberal Studies degree, you are well-positioned to earn a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. On the regular track, you return for a fifth year to earn a teaching credential. With careful planning and hard work, you may be able to complete both the Liberal Studies major and earn a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at in four years at Westmont’s Teacher Credential Program.
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Teacher Credential Program
Due February 15
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Sample Tracks
Regular Track |
Fast-Track |
Fall (13 units)
SprinG (13 units)
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Fall (17 units)
Spring (17 units)
Mayterm (3-4 units)
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| Regular Track Sample Plan | Fast Track Sample Plan |
Regular Track |
Fast Track |
Fall (16 units)
Spring (16 units)
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Fall (19 units -- overload)
Spring (18 units)
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| Regular Track Sample Plan | Fast Track Sample Plan |
Regular Track |
Fast Track |
Fall (14 units)
Spring (15 units)
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Fall (18 units)
Spring (19 units -- overload)
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| Regular Track Sample Plan | Fast Track Sample Plan |
Regular Track |
Fast Track |
Fall (18 units)
Spring (15 units)
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Fall (18 units)Graduate with 124 units in December
Spring (15 units )Post graduate units
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| Regular Track Sample Plan | Fast Track Sample Plan |
Students in the Cultural Diversity class pair up with students at a largely Latino elementary school to build relationships, listen to one another’s stories, and ultimately write the stories in a class book.
Students in the Children’s Literature class host a Prairie Day (story telling, games, dancing, prairie picnic, craft-making) for local elementary students.
In the Explorations in Teaching class, students engage in a real-world discussion about selecting scholarship recipients. Students also complete a 40-hour fieldwork placement at a local school.
Faculty Highlights
Meet the Staff
Career Paths
Most Liberal Studies majors pursue a teaching credential
"Teaching cultivates my own love of learning. I seek to inspire students with innovation, collaboration, and perseverance in learning."
"I love guiding curious young minds as they grow and develop with new exciting challenges."
"My favorite aspect of teaching is the relationships I build with students and seeing how this positively influences their learning."
The Westmont Teaching Credential Program provided me with relevant and engaging tools, and research-based strategies. I developed into a professional educator through hands-on learning, dynamic instruction, and immense faculty support.
"Eager hands waving and minds full of thoughtful wonder about the world is why I love to teach."
Students Receive Awards
Outstanding Liberal Studies Seniors 2020
Kate Chase models being a lifelong learner, she will make a difference with children and will be a change agent for good.
Katie Judson is pursuing a teaching credential at Westmont in 2020-21. She brings resilience, fresh ideas and passion to the teaching profession.
Outstanding Student Teacher 2020
Delta Kappa Gamma