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Preparing Future Educators
and Community Leaders

Liberal Studies at UC Merced is designed for students interested in careers in elementary education and early childhood education, nonprofit and community leadership, and other professions focused on advancing opportunity and social impact.

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Image of four adult students seated in a classrom with the title, "We Are Excited to Join the Grantee Cohort for the Unlocking Economic Mobility for Adult Learners Initiative"

Grant to Help Adult Learners Finish Degrees at UC Merced

May 21, 2026
UC Merced’s Degree Completion Program has received a grant of more than half a million dollars to energize efforts to expand opportunities for adult learners to return to academics and earn a...
A photo of the Classroom Building that houses the UC Merced School of Social Sciences, Humanties, and Arts. Cherry blossoms bloom to the left of the sign.

New Liberal Studies Major Expands Paths for Degree Completion and Future Teachers

April 16, 2026
A highly customizable degree that rewards curiosity, reaches out to a diverse set of learners and prepares scholars for people-centered careers has arrived at UC Merced.
Glass awards that read "Women's Luncheon Honoree" are lined up on a table.

Liberal Studies Staff, Faculty Honored at EJIE Women's Luncheon

March 31, 2026
Liberal Studies academic advisor Elizabeth Whitmyre and undergraduate program chair Prof. Catherine Koehler were two of thirteen campus honorees at the Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive...