Students interested in careers as elementary or special education teachers should select one of the Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation option programs. All provide a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies, including preparation in the multiple subjects taught in self-contained classroom settings. Students in the Teacher Preparation option take courses in the language arts, natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, visual and performing arts, human development, physical education and health. By the end of the degree program, students have a foundation of basic knowledge in all of these areas. Students pursuing the Teacher Preparation option are not required to meet the University General Education requirements. By completing the Liberal Studies major, students are considered to have fulfilled those requirements.<br><br>The ITEP-Freshman option is a program for entering freshmen who are ready for college-level courses in mathematics and writing. It is designed for freshmen who are certain about their career choice when they begin college. ITEP-Freshman option students remain with their entering cohort throughout their four years, including at least one summer, taking some courses exclusively designed for them. ITEP-Freshman students take 12-18 units per semester. The program includes field and lab experiences in elementary classrooms guided by education faculty, as well as the opportunity for participation in a close-knit learning community. The ITEP-Freshman option requires 134 units for a B.A. degree and Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential.