Sonoma State University
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Blended LIBS B.A. + Multiple Subject Credential Program

 Blended Liberal Studies BA and Credential Program

This accelerated track combines the LIBS BA degree with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Students entering as First Time First Year complete a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, as well as fulfill requirements for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in just four years (or 2.5 years for transfer students).

For those students eager to start teaching in California public elementary schools immediately after graduating, Track 3 is ideal. If you know you want to become an elementary school teacher and want to save time and money on college, Track 3 is for you.

The Blended Program incorporates the coursework for the Elementary Teaching Pre-Credential major concentration with courses from the School of Education beginning in a student's junior year, allowing students to complete a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential simultaneously.

Students in the Blended Program commit to a unit-intensive, course-prescriptive, accelerated plan. Blended Program students are held to the same credential program requirements as traditional credential candidates. These include maintaining a 2.67 GPA, completing the Basic Skills Requirement, and completing a BA in Liberal Studies in order to meet Elementary Subject Matter Preparation requirements. Students in good standing with the Hutchins School who choose not to continue in the Blended Program have the option to switch into the Track 2 Elementary Teaching Pre-Credential major at any time, in which students start the credential program after completion of their Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies.

To see a sample plan for a BA in Liberal Studies through Blended Program, please refer to the Sonoma State University Catalog.

One of the unique features of the blended program is that it allows students to earn post-baccalaureate units during their last semester in the EDMS credential program at SSU, which enables educators to start at a higher compensation scale than if they obtained only undergraduate units.

Overview of First Time First Year Blended Student Pathway:

  • Years 1 and 2: Students start Track III Blended their first semester and complete the Hutchins Lower Division GE Program, other teacher preparation coursework, and EDMS program pre-requisites.                        
  • During 2nd year: Apply to the EDMS credential program using the Blended Program application.
  • Year 3: Complete upper division GE, LIBS major courses, and EDMS coursework. Summer after third year, re-apply to EDMS credential program through CSU. Apply to be admitted as post-baccalaureate student for your final spring semester at SSU.
  • Year 4: Students graduate from LIBS in Fall semester of their senior year and complete the EDMS credential Spring of their senior year.

Overview of Transfer Student Blended Pathway:

Before starting SSU, complete AAT-Elementary Teacher Education or 60 units of appropriate teacher preparation coursework (including lower division GE) before  
admission to SSU as a Hutchins Blended Program major.

  • Year 1, complete upper division GE, LIBS major courses, and EDMS program pre-requisites.
  • During first year, apply to the EDMS credential program using the Blended Program application.
  • Year 2, complete LIBS major courses and EDMS coursework. Students graduate from LIBS in Spring semester.
  • During second year, re-apply to EDMS credential program through CSU. Apply to be admitted as post-baccalaureate student for your final Fall semester at SSU.
  • Last semester, complete EDMS credential coursework.

The Blended program is more intensive than programs that lead to a typical Bachelor’s degree. Plan to work closely with the Blended Program Advisor and to complete 15-19 units per semester.

Program Requirements:

  • First time First Year students must declare the Blended Program during the first semester at SSU.
  • Transfer students with an Associate Degree for Transfer in Elementary Teacher Education at a California Community College or those who have completed 60 units of appropriate teacher preparation coursework (including GE) are eligible for the program.
  • After admission, transfer students interested in declaring the Blended Program must have a transfer credit evaluation by the Hutchins Blended Advisor to ensure they have completed the appropriate coursework in order to successfully join the program.
  • Transfer students who have not taken the appropriate coursework to join the Blended Program can still join Hutchins as a Track 2 teacher preparation major and complete the EDMS credential program after receiving their LIBS BA. This pathway typically requires one additional semester at SSU.
  • Students must maintain a minimum 2.67 GPA and complete the Basic Skills Requirement (Writing, Reading, Math) for admission to the EDMS credential program as a Blended Program student.
  • Blended Program students meet the degree requirement to obtain a CSET Multiple Subjects Exam Waiver for admission to the EDMS credential program. 

For more information on the major pathway, contact Hutchins Blended Program Advisor Dr. Stephanie Dyer at dyers@sonoma.edu

Track Three Forms:

Hutchins blended program (129.39 KB)
Blended 4 year plan 2021 (117.55 KB)
Blended 4 year plan 2017-18 (89.85 KB)
Blended transfer (66.57 KB)