Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Learning
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Learning is an Integrated Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program designed to prepare culturally sensitive teachers for assignments in hard-to-staff diverse urban elementary (K-6) or Special Education (K-12 or B-21) classrooms. The major combines courses in teacher preparation with major courses emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to understanding urban learning as a social phenomenon. The major is supported by a depth area in the social sciences and preparation for either a Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary Education) or an Education Specialist (Special Education) Teaching Credential. Students who complete this degree must complete a minimum of 180 units to graduate. The requirements are described below. For additional information concerning this program, see the section on Basic Teaching Credentials .
Faculty
Margaret Clark (Director), Paula Arvedson, Ann Barbour, Stephanie Evans, Ambika Gopalakrishnan, Manish Javeri, J. Sabrina Mims, Frederick L. Uy.
Advisement
Prospective students must attend an orientation session and meet with an adviser prior to enrolling in any courses. Upon completion of their GE requirements, students are grouped into learning communities (cohorts) which support a climate conducive to building life long professional networks, development of collaboration skills, and academic success. Students are expected to enroll in courses designated for their cohort each quarter.
Freshmen are encouraged to seek advisement from a ULRN adviser early and often to assure timely completion of General Education requirements and program application procedures prior to placement in a cohort.
Admission
The major is available to students who:
- Meet the general university requirements for admission as a first-year student or transfer student; and
- If a transfer student, attain a GPA of at least 2.75 in the last 90 quarter units of coursework.
- Meet with an Urban Learning program advisor and complete a program application
- Demonstrate suitable aptitude for teaching in public schools
Students are expected to satisfy all the requirements established by the Charter College of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for admission into the credential option of choice during the first two quarters in a cohort.