Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that the Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Options have been modified effective Fall 2006?
Yes. The Liberal Studies Program has been slightly modified effective Fall 2006.
How will these changes affect our students?
These changes will not affect continuing students who have established catalog rights for Spring 2006 or prior. Beginning Fall 2006, new CSUN and community college students must follow the modified version of the program, Plan "H".
What is the Lower Division Transfer Pattern (LDTP)?
LDTP identifies a set of lower division California Community Colleges courses student should take with a guarantee that they will count toward major requirements for graduation purposes. LDTP has two parts: 45.0 units that are common to all California State University (CSU) campuses offering the major, and 15 units that are specific to a particular CSU campus.
Students who complete the LDTP will be given priority admission into a California State University campus. The ultimate goal of LDTP is to improve transfer from California Community Colleges to CSU campuses. For more information please visit www.calstate.edu/AcadAff/agreements.shtml
How will the new Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Options, Plan H be affected by LDTP?
The new Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Options, Plan H, match the lower Division Transfer Pattern (LDTP) exactly. LDTP will make the transfer process seamless and it will also provide students with priority admission into a CSU campus.
Must students who are following Plan "H", Pre-Credential/ITEP-Junior Option also complete IGETC or CSU General Education Plan?
No. Liberal Studies students pursuing one of the teacher preparation options in the major are exempt from completing either general education plan. Please advise your students to complete the specific lower division Liberal Studies requirements for the major.
What is the concentration requirement under Plan "H", Teacher Preparation Options?
The concentration area enables students to gain in depth knowledge in a subject area taught at the elementary schools. It consists of 12.0 units; however, with careful planning, one of the courses (3.0 units) may be double counted in the major. We have streamlined the number of concentrations we offer. Also, we have revised the concentrations so that in most cases, students will have the opportunity to begin their concentration requirement at the community college.
What other courses can I have students take if they need 60 transferable units?
The lower division major requirements under Plan "H" will consist of 56.0 units. Students who will need 4.0 additional units for transfer purposes should be advised to take elective courses in an area where they need to improve or in an area of interest. It is also important to note that some of the new concentrations will include several lower division courses. Therefore, additional concentration courses may be completed at the community college depending on the student's concentration choice.
What is ITEP-Junior Option?
The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)-Junior Option is designed for future elementary or special education teachers. This option is for students who would like to earn their BA and credential simultaneously. Students interested in this option should complete the lower division Pre-Credential requirements at the community college and apply to the Credential Program for ITEP once at CSUN.
How and when can a student join ITEP-Junior Option?
Students who have completed their lower division major requirements may join ITEP by applying to the Credential Program as early as their first semester at CSUN.
What is CSET: MS?
CSET: MS stands for the California Subject Examination for Teachers: Multiple Subject. CSET replaced the MSAT (Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers) as proof of subject matter competency. The CSET: MS measures students' knowledge in various subject areas, such as: Reading, Language, and Literature; History and Social Science; Science and Mathematics; Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts. For more information, please visit www.cset.nesinc.com.
What is "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) and how does it affect students?
The "No Child Left Behind" federal legislation requires that classroom teachers be certified as "subject matter competent." The competency may ONLY be certified by passage of an approved examination-currently, CSET:MS. Students pursuing ITEP-Junior Option must pass the CSET prior to student teaching. Students planning to pursue a Credential after graduation must pass the CSET for admission to a post-baccalaureate Credential Program.
Are students required to have a "C" or better in their major courses?
For admission to CSUN as an upper division transfer, students must have a "C" or better in their four basic skills requirements: Freshman Composition, Critical Reasoning, Speech, and Math. At this time, students are not required to have a "C" or better in the rest of their major requirements. The "No Child Left Behind" federal legislation has essentially done away with the approved "subject matter waiver programs" (with a few exceptions). In the past, to obtain the "Waiver", students had to meet certain grade and GPA requirements. Since it is no longer possible to obtain a "Waiver", students are not held to those standards. However, please note, students must still keep up their GPAs, if they plan to pursue ITEP-Junior Option or a credential after graduation.
What is CBEST? When should students take it?
CBEST or California Basic Educational Skills Test is an exam that measures students' basic skills in reading, writing, and math. Generally speaking, students should take the CBEST as soon as they have completed their lower division English and Math requirements. Students must attempt all three parts of the test in order to be considered for admission into the ITEP/Credential Program. Passage of CBEST is a requirement prior to student teaching. For information on the CBEST, please visit www.cbest.nesinc.com.
I find the Liberal Studies Program to be very complex. I want to be sure I am providing accurate information to our students. How can I get the most up-to-date information about major requirements?
The Liberal Studies website (www.csun.edu/liberalstudies) is the best resource for students and advisors alike. It is comprehensive and is updated frequently. It also contains a link to all program handouts, such as transfer charts and advisement forms.
Can community college students receive academic advisement through the Liberal Studies Office?
Anyone interested in the Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Options may attend a Liberal Studies Workshop to learn more about the program. However, only students who have applied to CSUN are eligible to receive an evaluation of their previous coursework and then meet with an advisor individually.
Whom should an advisor contact if there is a question about the Liberal Studies Program?
Please contact Fariba Farzan, Special Programs Director at fariba.farzan@csun.edu should you have any questions. She can also be reached at (818) 677-3300.
Can I refer students to a Liberal Studies advisor if I am unable to answer their questions?
Please refer students to the Liberal Studies website first. After checking the website, if the student still needs assistance, please have him/her contact the Liberal Studies office at (818) 677-3300 to reserve a seat for the Liberal Studies workshop.
What is the difference between Liberal Studies and Liberal Arts?
Liberal Studies and Liberal Arts are often confused. Both Liberal Studies and Liberal Arts are interdisciplinary in nature and enable students learn general knowledge and intellectual skills. However, the Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Options at CSUN are intended to prepare future educators.
Are you offering a new non-teaching track program for students interested in a broad Liberal Arts education?
We currently offer the Plan H General Studies Option to students who are interested in a broad Liberal Arts education instead of teaching as a career goal. This new program offers more flexibility to the late decider. Students pursuing this option will complete their general education requirements outside of the major. In addition to completing the lower and upper division major requirements, students will select and complete an area of specialization.
