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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S.*
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 Return to: Academic Programs
This degree program prepares students for education careers in public schools or agencies supporting children, youth, and their families. With our focus on inclusive practices, students in general education and special education often prepare alongside each other in coursework and field experiences designed to prepare them for the diverse students they will support. In addition to a foundation of interdisciplinary courses in English, math, science, and social science, students choose one of the following concentrations based on their careers of interest: Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education: General Curriculum.
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Elementary Education (R, A, L)
Teacher Licensure Option
Teaching children in elementary schools requires both a broad understanding of the world and detailed knowledge of how children grow, develop, and learn. Elementary school teachers design instruction for mathematics, literacy, science, social studies, the arts, and technology. Pursuing the Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in Elementary Education prepares students to teach diverse learners in the elementary grades (preK-6) by including coursework in each of the content areas as well as foundational studies in education and special education. Courses on diverse learners, inclusive education, a variety of methods courses, and multiple field experiences connect knowledge across all of the content areas with the latest research on learning science, child development, and family engagement. Students selecting this pathway complete three intensive field experiences that include one semester of internship on inclusive elementary education, one semester of internship on intervention and specially-designed instruction, and finally student teaching in a public, elementary school setting. Students finish the program academically prepared, skilled in the classroom, and well-positioned to make a difference in the lives of children.
Non-Licensure Option
For undergraduate students who seek to work in educator roles found outside of the traditional preK-12 public school system, we offer a non-licensure option that allows students to explore how theories of teaching and learning can be applied to a variety of education-related careers that do not require teacher licensure. Students selecting the non-licensure option complete an internship with an agency providing services to children, youth, and their families.
REAL Curriculum
This major fulfills the R, A, and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the E area to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements. Courses that fulfill the R, A, and L areas provide Elementary Education students the needed knowledge, skills, and dispositions in Math, Literacy, History, Science, and foundational studies in education in preparation for working with children and youth. Students will incorporate the tools of mathematics and quantitative reasoning and the methodologies of scientific inquiry; examine individual, social, or cultural factors that influence human behavior and shape educational experiences for students; and apply their skills in field experiences.
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Elementary Education concentration includes 6 credits of writing intensive courses.
REAL Foundational Requirements
Foundational Writing (3 credits)
Foundational Math (3 credits)
General Education Requirements
General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Elementary Education concentration includes 35 general education credits.
Major Requirements (110 credits)
Required Courses (54 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Licensure Option (30 credits)
These courses are taken in the final year by students pursuing teacher licensure (Grades PreK-6).
Professional Education Courses for Non-Licensure Option (30 credits)
These courses are taken by students pursuing the non-licensure option. In addition to the two required courses listed below, students pursuing the non-licensure option may need up to 24 hours of education or related electives. Additionally, 3 of these hours may need to be writing intensive depending on previous coursework.
Required Outside Courses (26 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
Students must earn a C or better in all Required Courses and Professional Education Courses listed under the Major Requirements. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to be admitted into and retained in the Teacher Education Program, enroll in field experiences, and graduate. Students pursuing teacher licensure must apply, be accepted, and meet retention requirements for the Teacher Education Program.
Open Credit Hours (15 credits)
These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.
Total Credits Needed for Degree 125
Additional Information
Upon successful completion of the four-year program, including passing licensure assessments and student teaching, students earn a bachelor’s degree and are eligible to apply for licensure with an endorsement in Elementary Education (preK-6) and the add-on endorsement in Special Education, General Curriculum K-6.
Middle School Education (E, A, L) or (R, A, L)
Teacher Licensure Option
Students seeking a teaching endorsement in middle school education (grades 6-8) complete an Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in Middle Education (IDSM). Students complete coursework in two concentrations. One concentration will be a content area - English, mathematics, science, or social science. In order to meet Virginia teaching licensure regulations and to be prepared to teach content included in Virginia’s Standards of Learning, students must have coursework in the following areas for their chosen content area concentration:
- English concentration must include coursework in language – structure, grammar, literature, composition, and interpersonal communication or speech.
- Mathematics concentration must include coursework in algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and applications of mathematics.
- Science concentration must include coursework in each of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science. A laboratory course is required for two of the four areas.
- History and social science concentration must include coursework in each of the following: American history, world history, economics, American government (including state and local government), and geography.
The second concentration includes pre-professional education courses that provide a foundation for professional knowledge:
- Educational Technology
- Middle Education Curriculum and Philosophy
- Multicultural Education
- Social and Historical Foundations of Education
- Special Education
Non-Licensure Option
For undergraduate students who seek to work in educator roles found outside of the traditional preK-12 public school system, we offer a non-licensure option that allows students to explore how theories of teaching and learning can be applied to a variety of education-related careers that do not require teacher licensure. Students selecting the non-licensure option complete an internship with an agency providing services to children, youth, and their families.
REAL Curriculum
This major fulfills the A and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students completing an English or Social Science concentration will also fulfill the E area. Students completing a Math or Science concentration will also fulfill the R area. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the R or E area to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements. Through coursework in the middle school concentration, students will develop abilities to employ mathematical and quantitative reasoning and understand the methodologies of scientific inquiry. They will be able to describe and analyze the interactions among factors related to the social institution of school and students’ success in school. Students will also develop skill to critically evaluate instructional technology and to design and create effective technological resources to support the learning of all students.
REAL Foundational Requirements
Foundational Writing (3 credits)
Foundational Math (3 credits)
Note(s):
English, Science, and Social Science concentrations may take either MATH 121 or MATH 125 . Math concentrations must take MATH 125 .
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Middle School Education concentration includes 6 credits of writing intensive courses.
General Education Requirements
General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Middle School Education concentration major includes at least 30 general education credits.
Major Requirements (79-85 credits)
Course requirements vary according to the content area for teacher licensure.
Required Courses (24 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Licensure Option (27 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Non-Licensure Option (27 credits)
These courses are taken by students pursuing the non-licensure option. In addition to the two required courses listed below, students pursuing the non-licensure option may need up to 21 hours of education or related electives. Additionally, 3 of these hours may need to be Writing Intensive depending on previous coursework.)
Required Outside Courses (28-34 credits)
All Concentrations (10 credits)
English Concentration (E, A, L) (21 credits)
Mathematics Concentration (R, A, L) (18 credits)
Science Concentration (R, A, L) (20 credits)
Social Science Concentration (E, A, L) (24 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
Students must earn a C or better in all Required Courses and Professional Education Courses listed under the Major Requirements. Students must maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA to graduate. Students pursuing teacher licensure must apply, be accepted, and meet retention requirements for the Teacher Education Program.
Open Credit Hours (33-39 credits)
These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.
Total Credits Needed for Degree 121
Additional Information
- To be eligible for a middle education endorsement in Virginia, students must complete 20-21 credit hours in a content area concentration.
- Upon successful completion of the four-year program, including passing licensure assessments and field experiences, students earn a bachelor’s degree and are eligible to apply for licensure with an endorsement in Middle Education 6-8.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing (R, A, L)
Teacher Licensure Option
For students interested in teaching children and youth who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, the College of Education and Human Development offers a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Successful completion of the IDS degree with concentration in Deaf and Hard of Hearing leads to a teaching endorsement in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing preK-12. The emphasis of the program is to prepare future Teachers of the Deaf (TOD) to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and youth in varying placement options and communication modalities.
Non-Licensure Option
For undergraduate students who seek to work in educator roles found outside of the traditional preK-12 public school system, we offer a non-licensure option that allows students to explore how theories of teaching and learning can be applied to a variety of education-related careers that do not require teacher licensure. Students selecting the non-licensure option complete an internship with an agency providing services to children, youth, and their families.
REAL Curriculum
This major fulfills the R, A, and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students need a minor or major to fulfill the E area to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements. Courses that fulfill the R, A, and L areas provide students the needed knowledge, skills, and dispositions in English, Math, Science, Social Science, and foundational studies in education in preparation for working in preK-12 classrooms or other educational settings. Students will incorporate the tools of mathematics and quantitative reasoning and the methodologies of scientific inquiry; examine individual, social, or cultural factors that influence human behavior and shape educational experiences for students; and apply the skills they learn in classroom field experiences.
REAL Foundational Requirements
Foundational Writing (3 credits)
Foundational Math (3 credits)
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing concentration includes 3 credits of writing intensive courses.
General Education Requirements
General Education courses are denoted below with (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education-designated courses within their degree requirements. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing concentration includes 32 general education credits.
Major Requirements (92 credits)
Required Courses (45 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Licensure Option (24 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Non-Licensure Option (24 credits)
These courses are taken by students pursuing the non-licensure option. In addition to the two required courses listed below, students pursuing the non-licensure option may need up to 18 hours of education or related electives. Additionally, 3 of these hours may need to be writing intensive depending on previous coursework.
Required Outside Courses (23 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
Students must earn a C or better in all Required Courses and Professional Education Courses listed under the Major Requirements. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher to be admitted into and retained in the Teacher Education Program, enroll in field experiences, and graduate. Students pursuing teacher licensure must apply, be accepted, and meet retention requirements for the Teacher Education Program.
Upon admission to the Teacher Education Program, candidates seeking teacher licensure complete student teaching experiences at both the preK-6 and secondary levels with children and youth who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing.
Students who successfully complete the program are expected to demonstrate proficiency in American Sign Language, ensuring their ability to effectively meet the communication needs of the children they teach. Students may be required by specific school divisions to demonstrate proficiency through supplementary assessments before being approved for student teaching placements. In these cases, associated fees for the assessments may apply and are the responsibility of the student.
Open Credit Hours (33 credits)
These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.
Total Hours in Program 125
Additional Information
Upon successful completion of the four-year program, including passing licensure assessments and field experiences, students earn a bachelor’s degree and are eligible to apply for licensure with an endorsement in Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Students pursuing a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and licensure in Deaf/Hard of Hearing (preK-12) may apply for acceptance to the 4+1 Master of Science Degree in Special Education. This program includes graduate coursework and two clinical experiences, successful completion of which leads to eligibility for Virginia licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12).
Students planning to complete the 4+1 master’s program must meet all requirements for admission to The College of Graduate Studies and Research and the Teacher Education Program before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program. Students are expected to complete the graduate admission process during the final semester of their senior year. See the Radford University Graduate Catalog for further details.
Students who complete the non-licensure option are not eligible to apply for the 4+1 master’s program.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Special Education: General Curriculum Five-Year Program
Students pursuing a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and licensure in Deaf/Hard of Hearing (preK-12) may apply for acceptance to the 4+1 Master of Science Degree in Special Education. This program includes graduate coursework and two clinical experiences, successful completion of which leads to eligibility for Virginia licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12).
Students planning to complete the 4+1 master’s program must meet all requirements for admission to The College of Graduate Studies and Research and the Teacher Education Program before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program. Students are expected to complete the graduate admission process during the final semester of their senior year. See the Radford University Graduate Catalog for further details.
Students who earn licensure through the B.S. program in Deaf and Hard of Hearing take EDSP 469. As a result, DHH students will take EDSP 672 instead of EDSP 669.
Students who complete the non-licensure option are not eligible to apply for the 4+1 master’s program.
Early Childhood Special Education (R, A, L)
The IDS degree with Early Childhood (IDEC) concentration prepares students to work with children under the age of 5 with and without disabilities. Students can choose the non-licensure option, earn their bachelor’s degree and be well prepared to work in public and private preschool and childcare settings. Students may also earn their bachelor’s degree and be eligible for licensure in Birth to 5, Children with Disabilities and the 3-& 4- year-old add-on endorsement. If they choose to continue for an additional year, students may earn a master’s degree and be eligible for Virginia’s preK-3 license. Students must meet all requirements for admission to The College of Graduate Studies and Research before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program. Students are expected to complete the admission process during the final semester of their senior year. (See the Radford University Graduate Catalog for further details.)
REAL Curriculum
This concentration fulfills the R, A, and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students need a minor to fulfill the E area to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements. Students will take required math and lab science courses to apply their learning to fulfill the goals for R. For the A area, students will learn about disability and its impact on families and culture, as well as a US history and human development course. For L, students will be evaluated on their developing expertise, knowledge and/or skills related to incorporating instructional technology into their future teaching, as well as their ability to reflect on their work.
REAL Foundational Requirements
Foundational Writing (3 credits)
Foundational Math (3 credits)
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level.
General Education Requirements
General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Early Childhood concentration includes 32 general education credits.
Major Requirements (91-94 credits)
Required Courses (53 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Licensure Option (18 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Non-Licensure Option (18 credits)
These courses are taken by students pursuing the non-licensure option. In addition to the three required courses listed below, students pursuing the non-licensure option may need up to 9 hours of education or related electives. Additionally, 3 of these hours may need to be Writing Intensive depending on previous coursework.
Required Outside Courses (23 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
Students must earn a C or better in all Required Courses and Professional Education Courses listed under the Major Requirements. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher to be admitted into and retained in the Teacher Education Program, enroll in field experiences, and graduate. Students pursuing teacher licensure must apply, be accepted, and meet retention requirements for the Teacher Education Program.
Students pursuing the 4+1 licensure option for preK-3 should complete the following required courses (18 credit hours):
- EDRD 314 – Reading Instruction and Assessment for the Primary Grades
- EDSP 472 – Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Education Curriculum
- EDUC 304 – Methods for Teaching Elementary Language Arts
- EDUC 420 – Methods for Elementary Social Studies Instruction
- HIST 112 – U.S. History Since 1865
- MATH 212 – Elementary and Middle Grades Mathematics for Social Analysis
Open Credit Hours (26-29 credits)
These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing, Foundational Math, and Writing Intensive requirements.
Students pursuing the 4+1 licensure option for preK-3 should complete the following required courses (18 credit hours):
- EDRD 314 – Reading Instruction and Assessment for the Primary Grades
- EDSP 472 – Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Education Curriculum
- EDUC 304 – Methods for Teaching Elementary Language Arts
- EDUC 420 – Methods for Elementary Social Studies Instruction
- HIST 112 – U.S. History Since 1865
- MATH 212 – Elementary and Middle Grades Mathematics for Social Analysis
Total Credits Needed for Degree 122
Additional Information
Upon successful completion of the four-year program, including passing licensure assessments and field experiences, students earn a bachelor’s degree and are eligible to apply for licensure with an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education, (Birth – Age 5 all disabilities).
Students planning to complete the 4+1 master’s program must meet all requirements for admission to The College of Graduate Studies and Research and the Teacher Education Program before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program. Students who complete the non-licensure option are not eligible to apply for the 4+1 master’s program.
Special Education: General Curriculum (R, A, L)
Teacher Licensure Options
This program is designed for students interested in teaching children and youth with disabilities in the general education curriculum. The emphasis is on preparing effective special educators who can work collaboratively in today’s complex and diverse classrooms to maximize learning for all children. The bachelor’s degree includes pre-professional coursework and three semesters of field experiences for teacher licensure. If students choose to continue for an additional year, they may earn a master’s degree and be eligible for Virginia’s Special Education Adapted Curriculum license.
Students must meet all requirements for admission to The College of Graduate Studies and Research before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program. Students are expected to complete the admission process during the final semester of their senior year. (See the Radford University Graduate Catalog for further details.)
Non-Licensure Option
For undergraduate students who seek to work in educator roles found outside of the traditional preK-12 public school system, we offer a non-licensure option that allows students to explore how theories of teaching and learning can be applied to a variety of education-related careers that do not require teacher licensure. Students selecting the non-licensure option complete an internship with an agency providing services to children, youth, and their families.
REAL Curriculum
This major fulfills the R, A, and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the E area to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements. Courses that fulfill the R, A, and L areas provide students the needed knowledge, skills, and dispositions in English, Math, Science, Social Science, and foundational studies in education in preparation for working in K-12 classrooms. Students will incorporate the tools of mathematics and quantitative reasoning and the methodologies of scientific inquiry; examine individual, social, or cultural factors that influence human behavior and shape educational experiences for students; and apply the skills they learn in field experiences.
REAL Foundational Requirements
Foundational Writing (3 credits)
Foundational Math (3 credits)
REAL Cornerstone Requirements
Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)
Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Special Education concentration includes 6 credits of writing intensive courses.
General Education Requirements
General Education courses will be denoted below with (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Special Education concentration includes 35 general education credits.
Major Requirements (110 credits)
Required Courses (54 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Licensure Option (30 credits)
Professional Education Courses for Non-Licensure Option (30 credits)
These courses are taken by students pursuing the non-licensure option. In addition to the two required courses listed below, students pursuing the non-licensure option may need up to 24 hours of education or related electives. Additionally, 3 of these hours may need to be writing intensive depending on previous coursework.
Note(s): Non-licensure option available only at the undergraduate level.
Required Outside Courses (26 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
Students must earn a C or better in all Required Courses and Professional Education Courses listed under the Major Requirements. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher to be admitted into and retained in the Teacher Education Program, enroll in field experiences, and graduate. Students pursuing teacher licensure must apply, be accepted, and meet retention requirements for the Teacher Education Program.
Open Credit Hours (15 credits)
These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.
Total Credits Needed for Degree 125
Additional Information
Students planning to complete the 4+1 master’s program must meet all requirements for admission to The College of Graduate Studies and Research and the Teacher Education Program before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program. Students who complete the non-licensure option are not eligible to apply for the 4+1 master’s program.
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