Interdisciplinary Studies (Special Education EC-6th Certification), Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
(Focus: EC – 6th/ EC – 12th Grade Teacher Certification - Special Education)
This program leads to a profession which requires an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001 This requires that all applicants seeking to become licensed must undergo a criminal background check prior to licensure. Students in this program should check with the College of Education and P-16 Integration on the requirements for a criminal background check prior to student teaching.
To prepare highly skilled professionals to assume roles and positions in teaching, research, educational leadership, and human development to contribute to the educational achievement of children in elementary settings.
Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website.
Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours
Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.
Mathematics – 3 hours
Choose the following or higher:
Creative Arts – 3 hours
Major Requirements – 60 Hours (39 advanced minimum)
Academic Content – 30 hours minimum (15 advanced minimum)
Choose one:
Choose one (not completed in General Education Core):
Choose one (not completed in General Education Core):
Required
| HIST 3301 | World History Studies | 3 |
| KINE 3355 | Teaching Health and Wellness in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| MATH 1350 | Fundamentals of Mathematics I | 3 |
| MATH 1351 | Fundamentals of Mathematics II | 3 |
| READ 3320 | Early Literacy Development | 3 |
| READ 3324 | Reading Comprehension and Assessment | 3 |
| READ 3350 | Literature and Disciplinary Learning in the Elementary School | 3 |
Special Education Specialization – 18 hours (18 advanced)
Special Education Specialization allows the student the opportunity to become a teacher in the State of Texas with EC-6 Generalist and EC-12 Special Education certification and work in schools with children in early childhood through 6th grades.
Area of Certification: Generalist (EC-6) with Special Education (EC-12)
| SPED 3390 | Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| SPED 4330 | Language and Literacy Development of Diverse Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| SPED 4350 | Assessing Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| SPED 4370 | Instructional Methods for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 4380 | Instructional Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 4395 | Special Education Practicum in Behavior Techniques | 3 |
Education Support Courses – 12 hours (6 advanced)
| EDUC 1301 | Introduction to the Teaching Profession | 3 |
| EDFR 2301 | Intercultural Context of Schooling | 3 |
| SPED 4310 | Inclusion and Differentiated Instruction in Special Education | 3 |
| EDSL 3310 | Emergent Bilingual Students in Schools | 3 |
Teacher Certification – 24 Hours (24 advanced)
Choose one:
Required
| EDCI 3332 | Designing and Implementing Instruction and Assessment | 3 |
| EDCI 3333 | Teaching Science to Elementary Students | 3 |
| EDCI 3334 | Teaching Mathematics to Elementary Students | 3 |
| EDCI 3335 | Teaching Social Studies to Elementary Students | 3 |
| EDCI 3336 | Teaching English Language Arts and Reading to Elementary Students | 3 |
| EDCI 4637 | Student Teaching for Elementary Teachers (EC-6) | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 63
Total Credit Hours: 126
Admission, Progression, and Graduation Requirements, if applicable:
Progression requirements
For teacher certification, students must apply for admission and be accepted to the College of Education and P-16 Integration prior to enrolling in teacher certification courses, except for EDFR 2301 which is open to all students.