Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies + Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Hutchins Blended Program
One Program. Two Achievements. Your Teaching Career Starts Sooner.
Dream of Becoming an Elementary School Teacher? Why Wait?
If you already know that teaching is your passion, why spend extra years in college when you could be preparing for your own classroom sooner?
The Hutchins Blended Program offers an accelerated opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and complete the requirements for a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in one coordinated program.
- First-Time First-Year Students: Complete the program in as little as 4 years.
- Transfer Students: Complete the program in as little as 2.5 years, depending on previously completed coursework.
By combining undergraduate studies with professional teacher preparation, the Blended Program helps students save time, potentially reduce college expenses, and move toward their teaching careers sooner.
Two major achievements. One clear goal. A future in teaching.
Why Choose the Hutchins Blended Program?
Earn Your Degree and Teaching Credential in Less Time.
Traditionally, students complete a bachelor's degree before beginning a separate teaching credential program.
The Hutchins Blended Program brings these two important steps together.
Beginning in your junior year, you'll combine Liberal Studies coursework with professional teacher preparation courses offered through Sonoma State's Literacy Studies & Elementary Education (LSEE) department.
This coordinated approach allows you to work toward your bachelor's degree and teaching credential requirements simultaneously.
Less time preparing. More time making a difference.
Get a Head Start on Your Teaching Career.
Imagine graduating from college ready to take the next step into your own elementary school classroom.
The Blended Program is designed for students who want to begin teaching in California public elementary schools as soon as they complete their degree, credential requirements, and state credentialing process.
You'll develop the subject knowledge, teaching skills, and classroom experience needed to support young learners and create meaningful educational experiences.
Your future students are waiting. Start preparing to inspire them today.
Small Classes. Big Connections. Real Support.
In Hutchins, you'll experience small, discussion-based seminars where your ideas matter and your professors get to know you.
You'll develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while learning alongside students who share your passion for education.
You'll also work closely with the Blended Program Advisor to plan your courses, understand program requirements, and stay on schedule toward graduation.
A challenging program doesn't mean you have to navigate it alone.
Save Time. Make the Most of Your Investment.
College is an investment in your future, and the time it takes to earn your degree matters.
By combining a bachelor's degree with teaching credential preparation, the Blended Program may help students reduce the time and expenses associated with completing the two programs separately.
Another unique benefit is the opportunity to earn post-baccalaureate units during the final semester of credential preparation.
These additional units may help graduates qualify for a higher starting salary placement in California school districts that recognize post-baccalaureate coursework on their teacher salary schedules.
A smart approach to college. A strong foundation for your future.
Your Path to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher
The Hutchins Blended Program offers structured course plans for both first-time first-year students and eligible transfer students.
First-Time First-Year Students: Your Four-Year Plan
Year 1 — Build Your Foundation
Begin your Hutchins experience by declaring the Blended Program during your first semester.
You'll start completing lower-division General Education requirements, introductory teacher preparation coursework, and prerequisites for the Multiple Subject Credential Program.
Year 2 — Explore, Learn, and Grow
Continue your Hutchins Lower Division General Education coursework while developing the academic foundation needed for elementary teaching.
You'll explore subjects that future teachers need to understand, including communication, mathematics, science, history, and the arts.
Year 3 — Take the Next Step Toward Teaching
Begin combining upper-division Liberal Studies coursework with Multiple Subject Credential Program courses.
You'll deepen your understanding of education while developing professional knowledge and teaching skills.
Year 4 — From College Student to Future Teacher
Complete your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies during the fall semester of your senior year.
During the spring semester, finish your remaining Multiple Subject Teaching Credential requirements.
Four years. A bachelor's degree. Teaching credential preparation. A future full of possibilities.
Transfer Students: An Accelerated Route to Teaching
Already completed coursework at a community college? You may be closer to your teaching career than you think!
Eligible transfer students can complete the Hutchins Blended Program in approximately 2.5 years, depending on their previous coursework and academic preparation.
Before Transferring
Complete an Associate Degree for Transfer in Elementary Teacher Education or approximately 60 units of appropriate teacher preparation coursework, including lower-division General Education.
Year 1 — Build on What You've Accomplished
Complete upper-division General Education requirements, Liberal Studies major coursework, and prerequisites for the Multiple Subject Credential Program.
Year 2 — Focus on Your Teaching Career
Continue Liberal Studies coursework while beginning professional Multiple Subject Credential preparation.
Final Semester — Complete Your Credential Requirements
Finish the remaining Multiple Subject Credential coursework and take the final steps toward becoming a credentialed elementary school teacher.
Your previous college experience can help you move forward faster.
What Does It Take to Succeed?
The Hutchins Blended Program is an accelerated and academically demanding option designed for students who are committed to becoming elementary school teachers.
Because students are completing bachelor's degree and credential requirements within a shorter period, careful planning and dedication are essential.
Students should be prepared to:
- Complete approximately 15–19 units per semester.
- Follow a structured course sequence with guidance from the Blended Program Advisor.
- Maintain a minimum 2.67 GPA.
- Complete California's Basic Skills Requirement in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Meet all admission and completion requirements for the Multiple Subject Credential Program.
- Successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and applicable elementary subject matter preparation requirements.
Additional Information for Transfer Students
Transfer students interested in the Blended Program must complete a transfer credit evaluation with the Hutchins Blended Program Advisor.
This evaluation helps determine whether previously completed courses satisfy program requirements and whether the accelerated schedule is appropriate.
What About the CSET?
The Hutchins Blended Program includes approved elementary subject matter preparation coursework.
Students who meet the applicable requirements may qualify for a CSET Multiple Subjects exam waiver, allowing them to demonstrate subject matter competency through approved coursework rather than taking the corresponding exams.
Your Future Classroom Starts Here.
Great teachers inspire curiosity, build confidence, and make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
If you're ready to turn your passion for teaching into a career, the Hutchins Blended Program offers a focused, accelerated way to work toward your goals.
With a combination of personalized learning, professional preparation, and a carefully planned course sequence, you'll have the opportunity to move from college student to future educator in less time.
One Program. Two Achievements. Countless Lives to Inspire.
Ready to Begin Your Teaching Journey?
Learn more about the Hutchins Blended Program and find out how you can begin preparing for your future classroom.
Contact the Hutchins Blended Program Advisor:
Giselle Perry
Email: perryg@sonoma.edu
Your Future Students Are Waiting. Start Your Journey in Hutchins!