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B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies

Degree Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Within the Interdisciplinary Studies major, seven areas of emphasis are offered.  The areas correspond with certification frameworks in the State of Texas. In some areas, Clinical Teaching is completed after graduation. 

Area of Emphasis Credits/Duration Program Level Designed For
Generalist EC-6  120 credits Undergraduate Students interested in teaching Early Childhood though 6th grade
English Language Arts and Reading 4-8 119 credits Undergraduate Students interested in teaching English Language Arts & Reading in 4th - 8th grades
Social Studies 4-8 122 credits Undergraduate Students interested in teaching Social Studies (History) in 4th - 8th grades
Mathematics 4-8 120 credits Undergraduate Students interested in teaching Math in 4th - 8th grades
Science 4-8 126 credits Undergraduate Students interested in teaching Science in 4th - 8th grades
English Language Arts & Social Studies 4-8 122 credits Undergraduate Students interested in teaching English Language Arts & Social Studies (History) in 4th - 8th grades
Mathematics & Science 4-8 130 credits Undergraduate Students interested in teaching Math & Science in 4th - 8th grades

 The required courses for the above areas of study are as follows:

Basic Requirements for All Areas (20 hours)

  • EDU 3322: Child and Young Adult Literature
  • EDU 3323 with 3102: Developmental Reading with Reading Field Based Experience
  • EDU 3305: Computer Problem-Solving.
  • EDU 3327: Child Growth & Development.
  • EDU 3147 or 3148: Reflective Teaching
  • EDU 5351: History of American Education.
  • EDU 5352: Educational Evaluation

Early Childhood - 6th Grade (18 hours)

  • EDU 3324. Diagnostic and Corrective Reading.
  • EDU 3325 with 3101. Mathematic Concepts for Elementary Teachers with Math Field Based Experience
  • EDU 3326 with 3103. Science in the Elementary School with Science Field Based Experience.
  • EDU 3330. Integrated Curriculum.
  • EDU 4343.  Principles of Elementary Education.

English Language Arts and Reading 4-8 (19 hours)

  • EDU 3324: Diagnostic and Corrective Reading.
  • One Reading Elective selected from: EDU 5323: Reading in Secondary Schools or EDU 5354: Language Acquisitions/Linguistics or EDU 5355: Foundations of ESL Instruction.
  • EDU 4343: Principles of Elementary Education or EDU 4346: Principles of Secondary Education with EDU 3111: Middle School Field Based Experience 
  •  9 credit hours of upper division English selected and approved by advisor
  • EDU 5323 may be substituted for EDU 3322.

Social Studies 4-8 (19 hours)

  • EDU 3330: Integrated Curriculum.
  • EDU 4343: Principles of Elementary Education or EDU 4346: Principles of Secondary Education with EDU 3111: Middle School Field Based Experience 
  • One EDU elective approved by advisor
  • 9 credit hours of upper division Hisotry, Politics, and/or Economics selected and approved by advisor.
  • HIS 3352: Texas History is a recommended History elective.
  • EDU 5323 may be substituted for EDU 3322.

Mathematics 4-8 (23 hours)

  • EDU 3325 with 3101: Mathematic Concepts for Elementary Teachers with Math Field Based Experience
  • EDU 4343: Principles of Elementary Education or EDU 4346: Principles of Secondary Education with EDU 3111: Middle School Field Based Experience 
  • 6 credit hours of math electives beyond core
  • 9 credit hours of upper division math selected and approved by advisor.
  • A minimum of 18 credit hours of Math required.
  • EDU 5323 may be substitued for EDU 3322.

Science 4-8 (24 hours + lab)

  • EDU 3325 with 3101: Mathematic Concepts for Elementary Teachers with Math Field Based Experience
  • EDU 3326 with 3103: Science in the Elementary School with Science Field Based Experience.
  • EDU 4343: Principles of Elementary Education or EDU 4346: Principles of Secondary Education and EDU 3111: Middle School Field Based Experience 
  • 3 credit hours of science elective beyond core
  • 9 credit hours of upper division science selected and approved by advisor.
  • A minimum of 18-19 credit hours of Science required.
  • EDU 5323 may be substituted for EDU 3322.

English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4-8 (25 hours)

  • EDU 3324: Diagnostic and Corrective Reading.
  • One Reading Elective selected from EDU 5323: Reading in Secondary Schools or EDU 5354: Language Acquisitions/Linguistics or EDU 5355: Foundations of ESL Instruction.
  • EDU 3330: Integrated Curriculum.
  • EDU 4343: Principles of Elementary Education or EDU 4346: Principles of Secondary Education and EDU 3111: Middle School Field Based Experience 
  • 6 credit hours of upper division English selected and approved by advisor.
  • 6 credit hours of upper division History, Politics, and/or Economics selected and approved by advisor. 
  • EDU 5323 may be substituted for EDU 3322.

Mathematics/Science 4-8 (27 hours + lab)

  • EDU 3325 with 3101: Mathematic Concepts for Elementary Teachers with Math Field Based Experience
  • EDU 3326 with 3103: Science in the Elementary School with Science Field Based Experience.
  • EDU 4343: Principles of Elementary Education or EDU 4346: Principles of Secondary Education with EDU 3111: Middle School Field Based Experience 
  • At least 12 credit hours each in Math and Science (1 course Math beyond core plus 6 additional upper division hours in Math and 6 additional upper division hours in Science beyond core).
  • Ecology (BIO 3326 & 3126) is a recommended science course.
  • EDU 5323 may be substituted for EDU 3322.

The University of Dallas, Education Department also offers coursework for those interested in Teaching Theology.

Teaching Theology

There is no state certification in the area of Theology.  However, the Department of Education works with theology majors to prepare them for teaching positions in Catholic schools.  Each docese/school determines the qualifications required to teach theology.  Students must check specific diocesan requirements to insure compliance.

The Diocese of Dallas in part of the Texas Catholic Conference, which requires that all teachers in Catholic School be degreed in the area they are assigned to teach and have a minimum of 12 credits of Education.  The Diocese of Dallas requires that a Deficiency Removal Plan be on file.

The Department develops and maintains a placement portfolio for students who successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours in Education which include the courses asterisked.

Recommended courses for those who wish to teach Theology:

  • EDU 3327: Child Growth & Development
  • EDU 4346: Principles of Secondary Education or
  • EDU 3111: Middle School Field Based Experience
  • EDU 3112: High School Field Based Experience
  • EDU 4149 or 4150*: Clinical Teaching Seminar
  • EDU 4350* or 4850*: Instructional Practice in Religion and Theology
  • EDU 5352 Educational Evaluation
  • EDU 5323 Reading in the Secondary Schools

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