Adding a minor to your Liberal Studies major can add value to your degree, accelerating your progress toward earning your teaching credential or expanding your credentialing options. Up to twelve upper division units can satisfy both major and minor degree requirements.
**Note: Transfer students can delcare a minor degree after completing their first semester (or summer session) and establishing an academic record at UC Merced. Transfer students can still take coursework that applies to a minor degree before declaring.
Natural Sciences Education (NSED) minor
The Natural Sciences Education minor is for all students interested in teaching careers and is open to all majors—in fact, most NSED minors are SSHA majors! Courses in the major include the fieldwork required to apply to a teacher preparation program and courses that can count toward your Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (NSED 100 and NSED 120). Additional courses in the minor satisfy other required credential coursework if students decide to pursue a single-subject credential to teach at the high school level. If you are interested in learning more about the NSED minor, connect with CalTeach Advisor Melissa Amarillas.
Natural Sciences Education Minor Requirements
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA) minor degree programs
Students who plan to pursue a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential can also complete 10 units of upper-division coursework (or 20 units of combined lower- and upper-division coursework) to qualify for Supplementary Authorization added to their credential to teach single-subject matter grades 9 and below, including Art, Business, Dance, English, Music, Social Science, Theater, and Spanish. If you are interested in learning more about qualifying coursework and relevant SSHA minor programs, please feel encouraged to contact Liberal Studies program chair Prof. Catherine Koehler.
Child Development minor (expected Fall 2028)
Stay tuned for more information regarding the Child Development minor, expected Fall 2028 (coursework is already available). This minor offers coursework for future teachers who are interested in working in early childhood education, as well as real-world experience working with young children. Currently, students who earn a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential can add a PK-3 Credential with 24 units of child development coursework, making this minor a great choice for students who want expanded opportunity to teach preschool-8th grade. Interested students can reach out to Prof. Alex Main.
