Liberal Studies Major

Why Study Liberal Studies?

Liberal studies encompasses a broad exploration of social sciences, natural sciences, humanities and the arts to help students become well-rounded, qualified teachers in early childhood and elementary education settings. As a student in this unique, interdisciplinary major, you will synthesize your learning to serve you as an educator. In addition, you will learn to communicate effectively and improve your critical thinking skills.

Why Study Liberal Studies at Eastern?

The Liberal Studies major at Eastern is offered exclusively to students who are preparing to become elementary or early childhood educators. Students may complete the undergraduate education program or enroll in the Early Start master’s degree program to earn their certification. The program offers concentrations in the Natural Sciences, History/Social Sciences, English, Mathematics and Environmental Earth Sciences to prepare students for certification as early childhood or elementary teachers and develop in-depth expertise in a single subject.

Concentrations

English

The English concentration in the Liberal Studies major prepares students for certification as early childhood or elementary education teachers. Students take an additional 18 credits in writing, reading, and literature. The Liberal Studies major helps students develop key skills and knowledge they will need in their future classrooms and on the required exams for teacher certification. Because the Liberal Studies major is explicitly geared toward future teachers, only students majoring in Elementary or Early Childhood Education may complete it; students who are not admitted by CARE after completing 60 credits will need to change majors unless they plan on entering the Early Start Masters Option their senior year. The concentrations simplify the process of changing majors; students in the English concentration can transition easily into the English major.

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Environmental Earth Science

The Environmental Earth Science concentration allows students to build in-depth knowledge in Earth and environmental sciences. Students earning elementary certification only need to pass the Praxis II Earth and Space Science exam to cross endorse in secondary Earth Science and teach at the middle and high school levels. Students who choose to leave the Liberal Studies major or who must do so because they are not admitted by CARE will be equipped to switch into the major in Environmental Earth Science.

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History and Social Science

The History and Social Science concentration in the Liberal Studies major prepares students for certification as early childhood or elementary education teachers. Students learn the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the social sciences—history, geography, political science and economics. Students earning elementary certification only need to pass the Praxis II History and Social Science exam to cross endorse in secondary social studies and teach at the middle and high school levels. Students who choose to leave the Liberal Studies major or who must do so because they are not admitted by CARE will be equipped to switch into the major in History or a social science.

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Mathematics

The math concentration in the Liberal Studies major prepares students for certification as early childhood or elementary education teachers. Students take additional courses in calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics. The Liberal Studies major helps students develop key skills and knowledge they will need in their future classrooms and on the exams they must pass to obtain teacher certification. Students earning elementary certification only need to pass the Praxis II mathematics exam to cross endorse in secondary mathematics and teach at the middle and high school levels. Students who choose to leave the Liberal Studies major or who must do so because they are not admitted by CARE will be equipped to switch into the major in mathematics.

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Natural Science

The Natural Science concentration in the Liberal Studies major teaches students to view the natural world with the questioning eye of a scientist. Students study scientific principles and the methods by which scientists develop and validate those principles and will gain hands-on experience in planning, making, analyzing and interpreting scientific observations. Students earning elementary certification only need to pass the Praxis II biology or general science exam to cross endorse in secondary biology or general science and teach at the middle and high school levels. Students who choose to leave the Liberal Studies major or who must do so because they are not admitted by CARE will be equipped to switch into the major in biology.

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Successful Alumni

Graduates of Eastern’s Elementary Education program are teachers and leaders in Connecticut’s schools, and many have been named teachers of the year within their school districts. Some graduates have continued their education in graduate programs offered by Eastern’s Department of Education, while others have pursued their graduate studies at Harvard University, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the University of Connecticut and other universities. Many graduates of Eastern’s Early Childhood Education program secure early childhood education positions shortly after completing the program, while others serve as reading consultants, technology coordinators and mentor teachers.