Hutchins School Admissions

Interested in Studying at Hutchins?

If you're considering the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies at Sonoma State University, this page will help you find the program that fits your interests and understand how to apply.

Hutchins offers several Liberal Studies programs, whether you're entering college for the first time, transferring from another institution, or returning to finish your bachelor's degree.

Students come to Hutchins for different reasons. Some are interested in studying a variety of subjects, while others are preparing for a career in elementary education. We also offer degree completion programs for students who need to balance college with work, family, and other responsibilities.

Below you'll find information about each option, along with admission requirements and application instructions.

First-Year Students

Starting College at Sonoma State

If you're coming to Sonoma State as a first-year student, you can choose from several Liberal Studies programs.

Hutchins classes are generally small and discussion-based, giving students opportunities to get to know their professors, participate in class, and explore different academic subjects.

Choose Your Program

Interdisciplinary Studies

This program allows you to explore different subjects and develop an individualized Area of Emphasis based on your academic interests and goals.

Subject Matter Preparation (Pre-Credential) Plan

If you're interested in becoming an elementary school teacher, this program provides coursework in the subjects you'll eventually teach and prepares you for the next step toward a teaching credential.

Blended Program: BA + Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

The Blended Program combines a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with teaching credential preparation through an accelerated course sequence.

How to Apply

First-year students apply to Sonoma State University through Cal State Apply.

Visit Cal State Apply.
Select Sonoma State University.
Choose your intended Liberal Studies program or concentration.
Complete your application and submit it before the deadline.

View Sonoma State Application Deadlines

Transfer Students

Transferring to Hutchins

If you've completed coursework at a community college or another university, you may be able to continue your education through one of the Hutchins Liberal Studies programs.

Transfer students can choose from Interdisciplinary Studies, Subject Matter Preparation (Pre-Credential), or the accelerated Blended Program.

Transfer Admission Requirements

Transfer applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

Complete at least 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
Complete required coursework in communication, critical thinking, and mathematics.
Meet applicable CSU and Sonoma State GPA requirements.
Meet any additional requirements for their intended program.

Students interested in the Blended Program may need to complete specific teacher preparation courses and credential prerequisites before entering the program.

How to Apply

Submit your application through Cal State Apply, select Sonoma State University, and choose your intended Liberal Studies program.

Review Sonoma State Transfer Admission Requirements

If you're considering the Blended Program, we recommend meeting with a Hutchins advisor before applying. An advisor can help you review your previous coursework and understand the program's requirements.

Liberal Studies–Ukiah

Complete Your Degree Close to Home

The Liberal Studies–Ukiah Degree Completion Program is designed for eligible transfer students living in Mendocino or Lake County.

Students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University through a combination of in-person and hybrid classes offered at Mendocino College.

The program provides an option for students who want to complete their bachelor's degree locally while continuing to manage work, family, and other responsibilities.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Liberal Studies–Ukiah Program, students must:

Residency: Live in Mendocino County or Lake County.
Transfer Units: Have completed at least 60 transferable semester units. Up to 70 applicable units may count toward the degree.
Communication and Critical Thinking: Complete 9 units of required General Education Category A coursework.
Mathematics: Complete General Education Area B4.
GPA: Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
University Admission: Be admitted to Sonoma State University as a Liberal Studies–Ukiah major.

How to Apply

Visit Cal State Apply.
Select Sonoma State University.
Choose Liberal Studies (Ukiah) as your intended major.
Complete your application and submit it before the deadline.

Important: When selecting your major, choose Liberal Studies (Ukiah), not Liberal Studies (Hutchins). These are separate program options in the application.

Learn More About Liberal Studies–Ukiah

Liberal Studies Online

Complete Your Bachelor's Degree Online

The Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program is designed for eligible transfer students who want to finish their bachelor's degree without regularly traveling to campus.

Students complete their coursework online and earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University.

The program offers two pathways with different tuition structures, course schedules, and student support services.

SSU Stateside

The Stateside pathway follows Sonoma State's standard CSU tuition structure and offers a cohort-based learning option.

This pathway may be a good fit for students who prefer a more structured course sequence.

Extended Education

The Extended Education pathway offers per-unit tuition, flexible course loads, and additional support for adult learners.

This option may be worth considering if you're working full-time, returning to college after several years, or need more flexibility in how many courses you take each semester.

Both pathways lead to the same Sonoma State University Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.

Compare Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Pathways

How to Apply

Visit Cal State Apply.
Select Sonoma State University.
Look for Liberal Studies Online (LIBS-BA-OL) and confirm the pathway you're applying to.
Review the admission requirements and submit your application.

Current Sonoma State Students

Interested in Changing Your Major?

If you're already attending Sonoma State and are considering changing your major to Liberal Studies, we encourage you to review the available programs and speak with a Hutchins advisor.

An advisor can help you understand how your completed coursework will apply to the new major and which requirements you'll still need to complete.

How to Change Your Major

Review the Hutchins programs. Choose the Liberal Studies program that interests you.
Meet with an advisor. Discuss your completed coursework, degree requirements, and graduation plans.
Submit the Change of Major Form. Complete the university's online form to request the change.

Complete the Sonoma State Change of Major Form

Students interested in the accelerated Blended Program should speak with a Hutchins advisor before submitting a change of major request.

Questions About Admissions?

If you're not sure which Liberal Studies program to choose or have questions about degree requirements, we encourage you to contact a Hutchins academic advisor.

An advisor can help you understand the differences between the programs, review your academic interests, and determine which option may be appropriate for you.

Find Your Hutchins Academic Advisor

For questions about university admission requirements, application deadlines, or the status of an application, please contact Sonoma State Admissions.

Ready to Apply?

Once you've selected your program and reviewed the admission requirements, you can begin your application through Cal State Apply.

Apply to Sonoma State University Through Cal State Apply

We look forward to welcoming you to the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies.