Prospective Students
Welcome to the Liberal Studies 'Prospective Students' Informational Page!
This page is designed specifically for those who are interested in applying to California State University, Long Beach for the Liberal Studies Undergraduate Program within the College of Education. For detailed information on the Liberal Studies major, you are welcome to refer to our Liberal Studies Program Overview Website and/or browse through this overall website. Applying to CSULB and navigating the program for understanding to ensure this is the right decision can be a little overwhelming at first, but we're here to support and make this process as smooth as possible.
Are you interested in a College of Education Tour on campus, and/or would like to explore the other programs offered within the College of Education? Refer to our College of Education Prospective Students Overview Website.
Are you interested in a University Tour, available to families/groups or individuals, as well as self-guided? Refer to the University Outreach & School Relations Website.
Freshmen Applicants
CSULB has an amazing number of undergraduate programs to choose from and apply to, depending on your interests, future goals, and competencies. We highly recommend browsing a few key websites for information that will hopefully assist you in understanding the program better and making sure this is the program you want to join/pursue. Most students who pursue the Liberal Studies undergraduate major are often interested in Elementary and/or Special Education Careers in K-12 settings; however, students do not have to major in this program to pursue those career options - you can major in anything to become a K-12 teacher, so make sure this is the right fit for you!
- Visit the University High School Students Website. Through University Outreach, students can register for a "CSULB Highlights" Presentation as well as review helpful tips and planning guides for each year of high school to ensure best chances for admission.
- Review the Liberal Studies Program Overview Webpage for details on the types of classes required and the different graduation pathways offered.
- Review the Liberal Studies Student Opportunities Webpage for details on the types of experiences students can have outside of the classroom in our program.
CSULB accepts applications from entering freshmen students each year from October 1 through December 15 for admission to the following Fall semester. Freshmen applicants must meet minimum CSULB eligibility requirements to be considered. Students may only be considered for one application per academic year.
- For information on Freshmen Admissions Eligibility Requirements & How to Apply, refer to the University's Freshmen Admissions Eligibility Website.
- For information on the Eligibility Index, refer to the Freshmen CSULB Index Website.
- For information on “local preference” for admission consideration, refer to the Local Preference Admission Consideration Website.
CSULB has a variety of special freshmen admission programs that allow students to attend CSULB, with additional admission criteria.
The following is a short list of special programs our students have been part of historically:
- University Honors Program (UHP)
- Beach Pledge Program (California Promise)
- Beach Pathways
- BMAC (Bob Murphy Access Center) formely 'DSS'
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
- Athletics
For more information on any of these program opportunities, refer to the University's Freshmen Special Programs Website.
Once an incoming Freshmen applicant has been admitted to CSULB and the Pre-Liberal Studies undergraduate program, they will then be invited to accept their admission decision and complete university orientation.
SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) is a comprehensive orientation program designed to support newly admitted undergraduate students as you transition – both academically and socially – to California State University, Long Beach. All new, incoming students admitted to the university complete the orientation and registration process prior to the start of their first semester. University staff and student employees are part of a huge effort each Summer and Winter to ensure that all of our incoming students receive excellent support with navigating the new campus, understanding the resources offered, and registering for an ideal first-semester schedule.
For parents and family of newly accepted Freshmen, the university provides Parent and Family Orientation (PFO).
We understand that you may have some questions as you read through university and program information. Below are some helpful referrals in case you'd like to speak with someone further.
Admissions and/or Financial Inquiries
- Admissions: Join the Queue" with Beach Central or call 562-985-5471
- Financial Aid or Tuition: "Join the Queue" with Beach Central or call 562-985-8403.
University Housing Inquiries
- Housing: University Housing Contact Information and Instructions are listed on the University Housing Website.
University Outreach Inquiries
- University Outreach & School Relations: The Outreach Office Contact Information is listed on the University Outreach & School Relations Contact Webpage.
Liberal Studies Program Inquiries
- Liberal Studies Program: Feel free to email the Liberal Studies Advising Team directly at Ced-LibSt@csulb.edu or you can stop by for 'drop-ins' with the Teacher Preparation Advising Center. For weekly hours and directions on joining drop-in advising, refer to the Liberal Studies Main Website under 'Drop-in Assistance for All Students'.
Transfer Applicants
CSULB has an amazing number of undergraduate programs to choose from and apply to, depending on your interests, future goals, and competencies. We highly recommend browsing a few key websites for information that will hopefully assist you in understanding the program better and making sure this is the program you want to join/pursue. Most students who pursue the Liberal Studies undergraduate major are often interested in Elementary and/or Special Education Careers in K-12 settings; however, students do not have to major in this program to pursue those career options - you can major in anything to become a K-12 teacher, so make sure this is the right fit for you!
- Visit the University Transfer Students Website. Through University Outreach, students can register for a "Transfer Admission Workshop" and Transfer Student Panels, as well as review information on admission requirements.
- Review the Liberal Studies Program Overview Webpage for details on the types of classes required and the different graduation pathways offered.
- Review the Liberal Studies Student Opportunities Webpage for details on the types of experiences students can have outside of the classroom in our program.
Transfer applicants are highly encouraged to refer to www.assist.org for official, direct articulation of coursework between the California Community College(s) and California State University, Long Beach.
Local transfer applicants in partnered nearby institutions can also refer to our Liberal Studies Forms and Documents Website for the Community College Transfer Credit Guide (PDF). This document outlines all approved articulation and substitutions commonly accepted by the Liberal Studies Program, from the following California Community Colleges:
- Cerritos College
- Coastline College
- Compton College
- Cypress College
- East Los Angeles College
- El Camino College
- Fullerton College
- Golden West College
- Irvine Valley College
- Los Angeles Harbor College
- Los Angeles Southwest College
- Los Angeles Valley College
- Long Beach City College
- Mt. San Antonio College
- Orange Coast College
- Rio Hondo College
- Saddleback College
- Santa Ana College
- Santa Monica College
- Santiago Canyon College
Students transferring with coursework from these institutions can refer to the Transfer Credit Guide for their own personal transfer evaluation, to see which course(s) go towards meeting specific program requirements.
The College of Education has strong partnerships with a number of community colleges across southern California, though we accept and admit students from all over. Below are two examples of community college programs that historically have partnered closely with the College of Education at CSULB for specific, direct curiculum planning for transfers.
Cerritos College
Cerritos College’s Teacher TRaining ACademy (Teacher TRAC) is a national award winning teacher preparation program that serves students interested in teaching early childhood, elementary, secondary or career technical education (CTE). The Teacher TRAC Center and Counseling Team are dedicated to assisting students on their path to becoming a teacher. Each pathway has program counselors that help students with their educational planning and needs.
If you are planning to attend and/or attend Cerritos College and want to learn more, visit the Cerritos College Teacher TRaining ACademy Website.
Students who are interested in the Liberal Studies undergraduate program at CSULB would pursue the Elementary Teaching Pathway at Cerritos College.
Long Beach Promise
The Long Beach College Promise (The Promise) extends the promise of a college education to every student in the Long Beach Unified School District to create a more vibrant community. This innovative and award-winning initiative is transforming the lives of students and the city’s economic future by placing higher education within reach for all. The Promise offers guidance and continuous support along every step of the student experience, from pre-K through college and onto career and life. Fueling The Promise is a dynamic partnership between Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach City College, California State University, Long Beach and the City of Long Beach.
If you are planning to attend and/or attend Long Beach City College and want to learn more, visit the the Teacher Preparation Program Overview website and/or Teacher Education Degree and Certificates website.
Students who are interested in the Liberal Studies undergraduate program at CSULB would pursue the Elementary Teacher Education Program at Long Beach City College.
All transfer students who meet minimum criteria for university and program admissions are eligible to apply. CSULB accepts applications from upper-division transfer students each year from October 1 through December 15 for admission to the following Fall semester and from August 1 through August 31 for the Spring semester.
- For information on Transfer Admissions Eligibility Requirements & How to Apply, refer to the University's Transfer Admissions Eligibility Website.
- For information on the Associate Degree for Transfer Program (ADT), refer to the Associate Degree for Transfer Program Website.
- For information on “local preference” for admission consideration, refer to the Local Preference Admission Consideration Website.
CSULB has a variety of special programs that allow students to attend CSULB, with additional admission criteria.
The following is a short list of special programs our students have been part of historically:
- University Honors Program (UHP)
- Beach Pledge Program (California Promise) with Associate Degree for Transfer Program (ADT) Contract
- Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC) formely 'DSS'
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
- Athletics
Once an incoming Transfer applicant has been admitted to CSULB and the Liberal Studies undergraduate program, they will then be invited to accept their admission decision and complete university orientation.
SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) is a comprehensive orientation program designed to support newly admitted undergraduate students as you transition – both academically and socially – to California State University, Long Beach. All new, incoming students admitted to the university complete the orientation and registration process prior to the start of their first semester. University staff and student employees are part of a huge effort each Summer and Winter to ensure that all of our incoming students receive excellent support with navigating the new campus, understanding the resources offered, and registering for an ideal first-semester schedule.
For parents and family of newly accepted Transfers, the university provides Parent and Family Orientation (PFO).
We understand that you may have some questions as you read through university and program information. Below are some helpful referrals in case you'd like to speak with someone further.
Admissions and/or Financial Inquiries
- Admissions: Join the Queue" with Beach Central or call 562-985-5471
- Financial Aid or Tuition: "Join the Queue" with Beach Central or call 562-985-8403.
University Housing Inquiries
- Housing: University Housing Contact Information and Instructions are listed on the University Housing Website.
University Outreach Inquiries
- University Outreach & School Relations: The Outreach Office Contact Information is listed on the University Outreach & School Relations Contact Webpage.
Liberal Studies Program Inquiries
- Liberal Studies Program: Feel free to email the Liberal Studies Advising Team directly at Ced-LibSt@csulb.edu or you can stop by for 'drop-ins' with the Teacher Preparation Advising Center. For weekly hours and directions on joining drop-in advising, refer to the Liberal Studies Main Website under 'Drop-in Assistance for All Students'.
