Elementary Education (Interdisciplinary Studies, BS)

Interdisciplinary Studies, BS (EC–6 or 4–8 Teacher Certification)

The Bachelor of Science with a major in interdisciplinary studies (with EC-6 or 4-8 teacher certification) develops highly qualified teachers through a rigorous curriculum with high standards. District administrators report that our graduates are as prepared in their first year of teaching as second- and third-year teachers.

Students completing the requirements for the undergraduate degree will receive the Bachelor of Science with a major in interdisciplinary studies. The undergraduate program requires a minimum of 120–126 semester hours. The specific number of hours required is determined by one’s choice of grades EC–6 or grades 4–8 options as described below.

Degree requirements

Students must be admitted to teacher education before enrolling in most education courses in the degree. In addition, students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in various sub-areas of their degree audit (i.e., university core, academic major, and education/pedagogy courses) in order to proceed with early field experience and student teaching. Students seeking EC–6 or 4–8 teacher certification must also earn grades of C or above in all required courses on their degree audit. Contact the College of Education Student Advising Office, 940-565-2736; Matthews Hall, Room 105; or www.coe.unt.edu/sao for additional information.

Students are encouraged to visit the College of Education web site for TExES information (www.coe.unt.edu/TExES). Students are also encouraged to see their advisors each term/semester for help with program decisions and course selection.

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 120–126 semester hours (depending upon teacher certification and course options selected), of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum ” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Education requirements.

The department recommends specific courses (best choices) in some categories. Students may elect to take other courses listed under the University Core Curriculum to fulfill these requirements; however, doing so may add hours to the degree.

Students should consult with their advisors to determine how best to meet the core requirements.

Major requirements

Early Childhood through Grade Six (EC–6) Core Subjects teacher certification options

Students prepare for a core subjects certificate or a core subjects and a specialization certificate. Students should consult with their advisors to determine the best sequence for taking core courses, prerequisite courses, major courses and PDS courses. Part of this degree is two semesters of courses in a Professional Development School (PDS). Courses taken during the first semester of PDS require two days per week of course work and two days per week internship at a PDS site. The second semester of PDS is 15 weeks of student teaching internship plus attendance at a weekly seminar.

Core Subjects EC–6 Certification (no specialization certificate)

All three of the following

Core Subjects EC–6 with ESL Supplemental Certification

All three of the following

Core Subjects EC–6 with Bilingual Supplemental Certification

All three of the following

Core Subjects EC–6 with Special Education EC–12 Certification

All three of the following

4–8 content areas with English as a Second Language teacher certifications

Grades 4–8 English Language Arts and Reading with English as a Second Language certification

Theatre

One of the following:

Communication

One of the following:

Plus the following

An approved American Literature course (advanced)
An approved British Literature course (advanced)
Any two approved mathematics courses (6 hours, in addition to the core)
Any two approved science courses (6 hours, in addition to the core)

Grades 4–8 Mathematics with English as a Second Language certification

Additional mathematics courses

Two additional courses selected from:

MATH 1580 - Survey of Mathematics with Applications
or
MATH 1581 - Survey of Mathematics with Applications and Algebra Review (if already completed)
MATH 2000 - Discrete Mathematics
MATH 2100 - Functions and Modeling for Secondary Mathematics Instruction
MATH 2700 - Linear Algebra and Vector Geometry
MATH 2730 - Multivariable Calculus
Or any mathematics courses numbered above
MATH 1720
.

Science, 6 hours

Any two approved science courses (6 hours, in addition to the core).

Grades 4–8 Science with English as a Second Language certification

Grades 4–8 Social Studies with English as a Second Language certification

Plus the following

Any two approved U.S. history courses (6 hours, advanced)
Any approved European history course (3 hours, advanced)
Any approved world history course (3 hours, advanced)
Any approved American government and politics course (3 hours, advanced)
Any approved comparative government and politics course (3 hours, advanced)
Any two approved mathematics courses (6 hours, in addition to the core)
Any two approved science courses (6 hours, in addition to the core)

Minor requirements

There is no minor for this degree.

Electives

There are no electives for this degree.

Other requirements

The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) states that a student must meet TSI requirements for admission to a university (or be exempt). However, the TAC also allows a teacher education program to adopt requirements in addition to and not in conflict with this requirement. Accordingly, the University of North Texas requires a nationally normed exam with average performance at the 50th percentile or higher for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Acceptable exams are: the ACT, SAT, or PRAXIS: Core Academic Skills for Educators Test.

Admission to teacher education and eligibility for teacher certification.

See “Student Teaching ” in the College of Education general information section of this catalog.