Liberal Studies, B.A.

Overview

Ask Big Questions. Find Connections. Build a Career That Makes a Difference.

Are you curious about big questions like what makes a community equitable, inclusive, and thriving? How can schools and educators support diverse learners in meaningful ways? And how can understanding of people, culture, and society help drive positive change?

Liberal Studies at UC Merced gives you the freedom to explore big ideas across multiple disciplines—and turn them into meaningful action. This flexible, interdisciplinary major is designed for students interested in education, social change, and people-centered work, especially if your interests don’t fit neatly into a single field.

Why choose liberal studies?

Whether you're a first-year student, transferring in credits, or returning to complete your degree, Liberal Studies lets you customize your path while building a strong foundation in skills that matter across careers, including critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration.

Through your coursework and experiences, you’ll develop the ability to think deeply, connect ideas, and solve complex problems.

As a Liberal Studies major, you will:

Examine big questions at multiple levels—from personal stories to global issues—understanding how history, culture, and society shape lives and communities.
Develop the knowledge and experience needed to understand and address complex challenges—such as advancing educational equity, creating inclusive learning environments, and supporting youth development and success.
Build a foundation for diverse careers, including education, social services, health care, and community engagement.
Follow a clear, streamlined pathway to a teaching career, including coursework that satisfies requirements for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and hands-on opportunities in elementary education.

This major helps you turn curiosity into impact—whether that means becoming a K–8 teacher, leading initiatives in your community, or pursuing graduate school in education, policy, or the liberal arts.

Thinking about teaching? You’re already on the right path.

If you’re interested in becoming a K–8 teacher, Liberal Studies offers one of the most efficient pathways. The program is designed with future educators in mind and offers built-in advantages that can remove obstacles and save time and money on the path to a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

As a Liberal Studies major, you can:

Satisfy the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) requirement through your major—no additional exam needed.
Take credential-aligned courses that count toward both your degree and credential program.
Add a Natural Sciences Education (NSED) minor to meet even more credential requirements—especially helpful if you plan to teach science or math.
Build hands-on experience through coursework and undergraduate research focused on education, equity, and diverse communities.

You’ll graduate not only qualified to lead a classroom but equipped with the tools to support all learners, collaborate across communities, and make a lasting difference in students’ lives.

Thinking about returning to college to finish your degree?

Have you started your degree but stepped away, and are now ready to finish strong? Are you looking for a program that values what you bring, helps you build on past credits, and prepares you for a meaningful career?

Liberal Studies at UC Merced is designed with flexibility in mind—so you can explore your interests, reconnect with your goals, and prepare for diverse careers. Whether you’re returning to pursue your dream of teaching or to use your experience to support others, this major equips you with the tools to succeed.

Visit https://degreecompletion.ucmerced.edu/ to connect with a re-entry advisor and explore how Liberal Studies can fit your goals.

What can you do with a Liberal Studies Degree?

A degree in Liberal Studies opens doors to a variety of fulfilling careers. You'll be prepared for people-centered roles in schools, nonprofits, public service, health care, and more—and gain transferable skills that employers across sectors value.

Here’s what the job market looks like in California: