Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies major and accompanying degree educates to the broad sweep of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Together with other Sacred Heart University core requirements for the bachelor’s degree, the major provides graduates with the necessary foundation for successful teaching of academic content in the elementary school.

The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for students considering the Farrington College of Education & Human Development’s Bachelor's-MA in Teaching 4+1 dual degree program or the Five-Year Program, in which students can earn their bachelor’s degree and their Master of Arts in Teaching, along with initial teacher certification in the state of Connecticut in elementary education. The major meets CT State Department Education regulations for the interdisciplinary major.

The Interdisciplinary Studies major for aspiring elementary teachers is designed with the intention to provide candidates with a balanced set of courses in the arts and sciences—English, history, political science, geography, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics—as well as the opportunity to explore one of the aforementioned areas in depth.

Why choose Interdisciplinary Studies at SHU?

This major allows Elementary teachers to prepare with relevant coursework in science, math, social studies and language arts and helps our candidates to acquire greater knowledge and confidence. It also provides excellent preparation for the Praxis II exam, required for elementary certification in Connecticut and other states.

The Dual Degree Program and the Five-Year Program allow our candidates to receive BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching and the State of Connecticut Elementary Teaching Certification. In addition, their residency provides them with significant work experience, which will put them in an advantageous position for employment.

What courses will I be taking?

The Interdisciplinary Studies major consists of a Foundational Core and an Area of Concentration so that students are provided with a broad overview of academic content along with the opportunity to study one academic discipline in greater depth. The foundational core comprises courses in English, reading and language arts; global affairs, history, and political science; mathematics; and biology, chemistry and physics. Areas of concentration are English/arts, social studies, math and science.

Upon completion, those who concentrate on English/language arts or social studies earn a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree; those who concentrate on mathematics or science earn a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Will I have internship opportunities?

Education students learn the latest teaching methods from instructors with real-world public school experience and gain hands-on experience through SHU’s Teacher Residency programs. These include full-time, tuition-paid teaching residencies in partner schools that help students jumpstart their careers. The tuition assistance covers the equivalent of 30 graduate credits—covering most of the cost of a graduate degree.

Are there special admission requirements?

Apply to a dual degree program as an incoming freshman and you’ll have the opportunity to be admitted directly into the Master of Arts in Teaching program at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student with an Interdisciplinary Studies major.

For those students who decide after beginning their undergraduate studies to pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching, admission to the Five-Year Program takes place during fall semester of sophomore year. Requirements for both the dual degree and five-year paths include maintenance of an undergraduate GPA minimum of 2.80, grade of “C” or better in Foundational Core and Area of Concentration courses, completion of an essay, interview with faculty in the Department of Teacher Education and Praxis Core Academic Skills Exam for Educators. 

Can I study abroad?

The Farrington College of Education & Human Development offers an opportunity to explore education in an international context in Ireland. Activities include interviews with peers in teacher preparation programs, visits to primary and secondary schools, tutoring, and practice teaching, in addition to exploring cultural sites.

What co-curricular activities are available?

Candidates are encouraged to participate at the Education Club and have the opportunity to volunteer at designated public schools in walking distance from SHU.