Complementary Minor Programs

Liberal Studies, B.A. ยท Pre-Teaching Credential Pathway

Complementary Minor Programs

Many minor programs can complement a Liberal Studies major for students pursuing teaching careers.

Units that satisfy both major and minor requirements

Unlimited

Unlimited lower-division units can satisfy both major and minor requirements, as applicable.

Up to 12

Up to twelve upper-division units can satisfy both major and minor degree requirements, as applicable.

Three options

Minors that pair with the major

Open to all majors

Natural Sciences Education (NSED) minor

Most NSED minors major in social sciences, humanities, or arts.

View minor requirements

How it supports a teaching career

  • Courses in the minor include the fieldwork needed to apply to a teacher preparation program.
  • Some courses count toward the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
  • Additional minor courses satisfy other required coursework for a Single Subject credential to teach high school.

Who to contact

Eight subject areas

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA) minor degree programs

How it supports a teaching career

  • Qualify for a Supplementary Authorization on a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, which allows you to teach single subjects in grades 9 and below.
  • Requires 10 upper-division units, or 20 units combining lower- and upper-division coursework.

Subjects

ArtBusinessDanceEnglishMusicSocial ScienceTheaterSpanish

Who to contact

  • Contact Liberal Studies program chair Prof. Catherine Koehler at ckoehler@ucmerced.edu.
  • Ask about qualifying coursework and related SSHA minors.
Expected Fall 2028

Child Development minor

Coursework is already available. More information is coming.

How it supports a teaching career

  • Coursework for future teachers interested in early childhood education.
  • Real-world experience with young children.

Who to contact