Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Theory (CAGS)

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Within the context of a Christian worldview, the B.A. Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Theory degree provides a challenging, theory-based and application-oriented approach to education. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant-leadership in their field and in society.

The emphasis on becoming a master teacher enhances the student’s teaching abilities through the study of curriculum development, program assessment, psychological foundations of teaching methods, group dynamics, and critical thinking skills. These principles are then put into practical application with the student gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. This combination of conceptual knowledge applied in real-world classroom experiences contributes to the student’s development as a master teacher.

Upon successful program completion, graduates meet requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International. Students pursuing this degree are not eligible for Colorado State teaching licensure; however, this degree may meet educational requirements for teaching in private schools, international schools, or other agencies. No student teaching is required though students are required to complete two Field Experience courses and the field hours required for curriculum courses. In addition to the bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Theory program, students may apply to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) . Upon acceptance, two graduate level courses included in the B.A. professional core can be applied to the MACI degree.

Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Theory (120 credits):
General Education (22 credits)
Liberal Arts Major Core (26 credits)
Elementary Education Theory Professional Core (37 credits)
Electives (35 credits)

General Education Core Requirements (22 credit hours)

Integrative Studies (3 credit hours)

INT 211A - Adult Studies Seminar I (3) (required)

Behavioral, Social Science (3 credit hours)

PSY 101A - General Psychology (3)
Or Psychology equivalent

Communications (9 credit hours)

Written Communication

ENG 102A - English Composition (3) (required)

Additional Written Communication (choose one)

Oral/Interpersonal Communication (choose one)

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

MAT 110A - Math Concepts (3)
Or higher level Math. MAT 250A - Introduction to Research and Applied Statistics cannot be used to fulfill the general education requirement.

Natural/Physical Science (4 credits w/ lab)

BIO 102A - Biological Diversity (3)
Or other Science equivalent.
BIO 112A - Biological Diversity Lab (1)
Or other Science Lab equivalent.

Liberal Arts Major Core Requirements (26 credit hours)

INT 212A - Adult Studies Seminar II (3) (required)
ART 112A - Art Appreciation (3) OR
HUM 101A - Creative Arts (3)
Or Creative Arts/Fine Arts/Music Appreciation equivalent.
CIS 201A - Introduction to Computer Applications (3)
Or Computer Application equivalent. Only courses completed within the past 5 years will be accepted for Liberal Arts major core requirement.
HIS 201A - World Civilization I (3)
Or social Science equivalent.
HIS 204A - America since 1877 (3)
Or American History/Government equivalent. If American Government is chosen, then another Social Science course with HIS prefix must be completed.
HIS 111A - Old Testament (3) OR
HUM 114A - New Testament (3)
Or other equivalent Biblical Studies course may be used.
HUM 216A - Classic Christmas Films & Literature (3) OR
HUM 229A - C.S. Lewis in Film & Literature (3)
Or Literature equivalent.
PHL 205A - World Views (3)
This course must be taken at CCU.
Choose Natural/Physical Science elective equivalent for two (2) credit hours.

Elective Requirements (35 credit hours)

Complete 35 elective credit hours.

Requirements for Entrance into the Professional Core:

Completed background. (Required for program admission in order to be placed in a field experience.)
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 for courses completed at CCU. A minimum of 9 credit hours must be completed at CCU prior to admission into the education programs.
Interview with Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Education, Program Director or other education staff designee.
Writing sample completed at time of interview
Education theory applicants are not required to take and pass the state approved content exam in Elementary Education prior to enrolling in any education theory core courses. However, applicants who do not pass the test may NOT be admitted to any education licensure program.
Applicants must complete all general education, liberal arts, and elective requirements prior to enrolling in any education courses. Applicants may be admitted by the Program Director for conditional admission with a maximum of 9 credits outstanding in any of the above areas.
One non-family letter of recommendation.

Professional Core Requirements (37 credit hours)

All program admission requirements must be met before enrolling in the education core.

EDU 201A - Teaching as a Profession (3)
EDU 214A - Field I: Standards-Based Planning (2)
EDU 314A - Curriculum: Mathematics/Science (3)
EDU 324A - Curriculum: Reading/Language Arts/Literacy (3)
EDU 334A - Curriculum: Social Studies/Creative Arts (3)
EDU 340A - Assessment and Measurement (3)
EDU 401A - Classroom and Instructional Management (3)
EDU 403A - Special Needs Methods (3)
EDU 414A - Field II: Strategic Instruction (2)
EDU 505 - Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
EDU 580 - Integrating Technology into Education (3)
MAT 202A - Math Literacy (3)
RDG 447A - Diverse Reader: Intervention for Developing Readers (3)
Students must have a total of 60 earned credit hours prior to registration in a graduate-level course.

Graduation Requirements

The faculty recommends students in the B.A. in Liberal Arts with Elementary Education Theory to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements.

Completion of a total of 120 credits, including all general education, liberal arts, elective, and professional core requirements.
A grade of D or higher in all CCU non-education coursework, and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher in all CCU coursework.
Students must earn a C- or higher in all education core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses and field studies.
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.