B.A. in Liberal Studies

Rocklin, California

 

INTAKE: Jan & Aug

Program Overview

The B.A. in Liberal Studies is a four-year, on-campus program that offers students a wide exposure to various fields of human knowledge, encompassing the humanities, sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. A significant pathway within this program is the preparation for a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, making it an ideal choice for aspiring K-8 elementary educators. Students can also opt for specific subject concentrations such as Child Development, English, History, or Psychology, allowing them to tailor their broad education to more focused interests. The program aims to develop students' ability to analyze complex questions, understand fundamental concepts across disciplines, and engage ethically with social justice issues, ensuring they are well-rounded and adaptable professionals.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Liberal Studies is designed to be comprehensive and interdisciplinary. While specific courses vary depending on the chosen pathway or concentration, core elements include foundational courses across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. For students pursuing the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential pathway, the curriculum integrates required education courses such as Multicultural Education, Foundations of Education, and various curriculum and methods courses (e.g., in PE and Health Science, Visual and Performing Arts, History and Social Science, Math and Science, Literature and Language). This pathway also includes significant field experiences and student teaching components. Other concentrations, like Child Development, English, History, or Psychology, include specialized courses within those disciplines, often culminating in a capstone project. The overarching goal is to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills across a diverse knowledge base.

Research Focus: While the B.A. in Liberal Studies is an undergraduate program, it emphasizes the development of strong research skills essential for interdisciplinary inquiry. The curriculum explicitly aims to equip students to "discover and analyze primary and secondary sources relevant to specific research questions in particular academic disciplines." Students are encouraged to "critically assess" foundational texts and "conduct research using peer-reviewed research in your chosen fields of study." The capstone course, particularly for the online liberal studies degree program at William Paterson University (a common model for liberal studies, though Jessup's specific capstone details would be similar), often involves an individual research topic that synthesizes learning across chosen tracks, demonstrating competence in interdisciplinary research through research projects. This focus prepares students to be informed and analytical thinkers capable of addressing complex problems.

Industry Engagement: William Jessup University is committed to preparing its Liberal Studies graduates for successful careers, particularly in education. For those pursuing the teaching credential, extensive field experiences and student teaching placements are mandatory components of the program, providing invaluable hands-on classroom experience and networking opportunities within schools. The university's School of Education boasts faculty who are experienced educators, bringing practical insights into the curriculum. For other concentrations, the broad skill set developed—including critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and ethical reasoning—is highly valued by a wide range of employers. The university's career services office also assists students with job placement and internship opportunities, leveraging Jessup's network to connect graduates with relevant professional experiences.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Liberal Studies program at William Jessup University inherently incorporates a global perspective by engaging with diverse fields of knowledge and encouraging students to "recognize and respond to social justice issues, locally and globally; enact ethics-based approaches in study and work." Courses like "Multicultural Education" (part of the teaching credential pathway) foster an understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and their impact on learning and society. The program's emphasis on "intercultural competence" and "ethical engagement" prepares graduates to serve in an increasingly interconnected world. By studying fundamental concepts across various disciplines, students gain a broader understanding of global challenges and the diverse human experiences that shape them, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to diverse communities worldwide.

Pollster Education

Location

Rocklin, California

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

USD 36000

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $150

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Overall band score of  6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.

William Jessup University is making high-quality Christian education accessible to students from around the globe. As part of this mission, the university offers a variety of scholarships for international students to help reduce financial barriers and support academic success. These scholarships are based on merit, leadership, and sometimes financial need, making it easier for qualified international students to afford a U.S.-based degree.

Academic Merit Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These are automatically considered upon admission and awarded based on high school or prior college performance. Awards vary depending on GPA, test scores (if submitted), and other academic achievements.

Leadership Scholarships: Students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in school, community, or church settings may qualify for Leadership Awards. These scholarships recognize students who align with William Jessup University's core values and mission.

Athletic Scholarships: International students who excel in sports may be considered for athletic scholarships through the university’s athletics department. Jessup competes in the NAIA and offers scholarships across several sports for both men and women.

Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments offer program-specific financial awards based on a student's choice of major, such as business, education, or ministry-related degrees.

Church Partnership Grant: Students affiliated with churches that partner with WJU may be eligible for additional financial support, including partial scholarships for those recommended by their church leadership.

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Studies from William Jessup University provides graduates with a broad and interdisciplinary education, fostering adaptable skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving within a faith-integrated context. While it offers a strong pathway for elementary education (K-8), its versatile nature prepares students for a diverse range of careers that value intellectual agility and a wide knowledge base. The program's emphasis on ethical reasoning and social justice further equips graduates for impactful roles in various sectors.

Elementary School Teacher (K-8): This is a primary and well-supported career path for Jessup's Liberal Studies graduates, especially those pursuing the California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential pathway. They are prepared to teach all subjects in self-contained classrooms, shaping young minds.

Paralegal/Legal Assistant: The strong research, analytical, and communication skills cultivated in a liberal studies program are highly valued in the legal field. Graduates can assist attorneys with legal research, document preparation, and case management.

Human Resources Specialist/Coordinator: Liberal Studies majors develop excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, making them well-suited for HR roles. They can assist with recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and training programs within various organizations.

Non-Profit Program Coordinator/Manager: With a broad understanding of social issues and strong organizational abilities, graduates can lead and manage programs within non-profit organizations, focusing on community development, advocacy, or service delivery.

Marketing/Communications Assistant: The program's emphasis on effective communication and critical thinking prepares graduates for roles in marketing, public relations, or internal communications, assisting with content creation, social media management, and strategic messaging.

Public Administrator/Government Worker: The interdisciplinary nature of Liberal Studies, often including coursework in social sciences and history, provides a strong foundation for various roles in local, state, or federal government, such as administrative assistants, policy support, or community outreach specialists.

Content Creator/Editor: Graduates with strong writing and analytical skills can work as content creators for websites, blogs, and social media, or as editors and proofreaders for publishing houses, corporate communications, or freelance clients.

Event Planner: The ability to manage multiple tasks, communicate effectively, and understand diverse needs makes Liberal Studies graduates well-suited for event planning roles, coordinating logistics for corporate events, conferences, or community gatherings.

Research Assistant: The emphasis on discovering and analyzing primary and secondary sources equips graduates for roles as research assistants in academic institutions, market research firms, or various industries that require data collection and analysis.

Sales/Customer Service Representative: Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills developed through a liberal studies degree are highly transferable to sales and customer service roles, where building relationships and effectively addressing client needs are paramount.


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