College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Liberal Studies has two pathways: the elementary teacher preparation pathway (ETPP), and the general studies pathway. The ETPP includes the option to take additional coursework to waive the CSET exam as well as a new option to integrate a BA and credential in two years (LS-ITEP). The general studies pathway allows you to choose 15 units in any minor as your area of emphasis.
LS has a student organization (LSSO) that:
- organizes the commencement celebration
- and funds an annual scholarship every spring to a deserving, meritorious student in the major
Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.
The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy-to-follow semester-by-semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you.
Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements. Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation.
To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below. You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.
School of Humanities and Liberal Studies
Humanities (HUM) Building, Room 409
Phone: (415) 338-1099
Email: ls@sfsu.edu
Website: https://humanitiesliberalstudies.sfsu.edu/, https://humanitiesliberalstudies.sfsu.edu/ba-liberal-studies
Director: Cristina Ruotolo
Freshmen Student Advising Information
After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.
Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.
Students focus on making progress on their GE’s during the first semester.
Students who have completed GE Area A2 should take LS 200 to satisfy GE Area E.
Students interested in teaching should take GE’s from the recommended list found on the lower left of the Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation Worksheet. Freshmen who know they are interested in becoming elementary school teachers are encouraged to meet with Kimberly Correa (kcorrea@sfsu.edu) to develop a lower-division GE roadmap that will allow for a CSET waiver. Roadmaps are also available on the LS website and the ARC.
All other liberal studies majors can select any approved GE courses to meet SF State’s graduation requirements.
A Liberal Studies Worksheet is available for those not interested in teaching.
Besides elementary school teaching, which is the career goal of around half of our students, our general studies students have gone on to careers in public service, resource policy, technology and innovation, library studies, creativity and communication, social media, higher education, health, and criminal justice fields.
Transfer Student Advising Information
Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.