interdisciplinary studies
Major in Interdisciplinary Studies
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education Overview
Our B.S. program in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Middle Grades Education Concentration prepares you for a rewarding career as a licensed middle grades educator (grades 6-8). Benefit from a comprehensive curriculum, practical practicum experiences, and focused content training in English, Science, Social Studies, or Math. Become a certified teacher and inspire the next generation! Enroll today!
Department:
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Department chair name:
Amy Downey
Ed.D.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Rachel Askew
Learning at FHU
Why study interdisciplinary studies middle grades education at FHU?
This program provides a comprehensive education on a child’s theoretical and practical development. From physical to emotional growth, this program ensures that you have the knowledge and skills required to provide a holistic education for your students. With FHU’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, you will graduate well-equipped to meet the challenges of today’s classrooms. Enroll today and embark on a fulfilling journey as a certified middle grades educator at FHU!
Program Highlights:
- Create impactful lesson plans for your students
- Utilize interdisciplinary studies
- In-depth understanding of childhood development
- Become a positive role model in your community
- Tools and resources to inspire young minds
- Achieve excellence in education through FHU’s specialized program
Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grades Education Four-Year Plans
Congratulations on embarking on a fulfilling career in Middle Grades Education! With our Interdisciplinary Studies Middle Grades Education program, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Middle Grades Education has never been more attainable. We’ve designed a 4-year plan tailored to your needs, incorporating a wide range of courses and valuable resources, ensuring your journey to graduation is smooth and prepares you for your future career as an educator.
2023-2024 4-Year Plan(s)
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Mathematics Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Science Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Social Studies Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades English Language Arts Education
2022-2023 4-Year Plan(s)
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades English Language Arts Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Mathematics Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Social Studies Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Science Education
2021-2022 4-Year Plan(s)
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades English Language Arts Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Mathematics Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Social Studies Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Science Education
2020-2021 4-Year Plan(s)
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades English Language Arts Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Mathematics Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Social Studies Education
Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Middle Grades Science Education
Careers for Interdisciplinary studies in Middle Grades Education Majors
As an Interdisciplinary Studies Middle Grades Education major, you open the door to a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities in the field of education. Some potential careers for graduates with this degree include:
- Middle Grades Teacher
- Curriculum Developer
- Youth Program Coordinator
- Educational Content Writer
Major in Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education Degree Requirements
With the Professional Core requirements outlined by the Department of Education, you’ll gain hands-on experience through an entire semester of integrated practicum and student teaching in public school settings. By completing this program, you’ll have the opportunity to become certified to teach sixth through eighth grade. Imagine the satisfaction of helping young minds grow and shaping the future generation.
I. Liberal Arts Core Requirements
Listed in the catalog under Academics: Liberal Arts Display
Limit III. A. Behavioral Sciences to SOC 241 General Sociology
Limit III. B. BIO: 100, 105, 110, 111, 112, or 211 (must include related lab)
Limit III. C. 1. History to HIS 221 American History I or HIS 222 American History II
Limit III. C. 2. Critical and Creative Works to Literature (ENG: 215, 225, or 235)
Limit III. C. 3. Humanities Capstone to HUM495 Values in Human Thought
II. Additional Liberal Arts Core Requirements for the Major (6-7 hours)
A. Choose one (1) Fine Arts Course:
| ART 110 | Art Appreciation | (3) |
| ART 201 | Introduction to Photography | (3) |
| ART 234 | Introduction to Creativity (W) | (3) |
| MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | (3) |
| MUS 214 | The Development of American Music | (3) |
| THE 160 | Introduction to Theatre | (3) |
| THE 265 | Acting I | (3) |
| THE 299A | New York Theatre Survey | (3) |
B. Choose one (1) of the following options:
(must include related lab)
| PHS 111 | Physical Science I | (3) |
| PHS 112 | Physical Science II | (3) |
| OR: | ||
| CHE 121 | General Chemistry I WITH | (3) |
| CHE 121L | General Chemistry II Lab | (1) |
III. Students MUST choose one (1) of the following options - 12-15 hours
(Some of the courses listed within each option are already Included in the Liberal Arts Core and/or the Major Requirements listing.)
| Option A: | ENG: 101, 102, 225, 235, 305, and 310 AND three (3) upper-division hours in Math or Natural Science Electives |
(12) |
| Option B: | BIO 111, BIO 112, PHS 111, PHS 112, and six (6) hours of upper-division BIO or PHS | (15) |
| Option C: | HIS: 111, 112, 221, 222, 424, and POL 231 AND three (3) upper-division hours in Math or Natural Science Electives |
(15) |
| Option D: | MAT: 100, 206, 235, 306 AND two (2) of the following courses: CIS 171, MAT 120, or MAT 240 |
(12) |
IV. Major Professional Core for Middle School (6-8):
| EDU 130 | Introduction to Education (W) | 3 |
| EDU 250 | Professional Reflective Seminar I | 2 |
| SPE 240 | Special Education Foundations (W) | 3 |
Must be admitted to Teacher Education to take the following:
| EDU 320 | Technology in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 327 | Tests & Measurement | 3 |
| EDU 330** | Teaching Mathematics: Methods, Strategies, and Techniques (OR) | (3) |
| EDU 311** | Literacy II: Literature and Literacy (W) | (3) |
| EDU 350* | Professional Reflective Seminar II | 1 |
| EDU 428* | Classroom Management | 2 |
| EDU 431 A,B,C,D* | Educational Methods, Strategies, and Techniques: Secondary | 3 |
| RDG 312 | Literacy III: Teaching Literacy | 4 |
Must be admitted to Student Teaching to take the following:
| EDU 446 | Student Teaching, Middle Grades | 12 |
| EDU 450 | Professional Reflective Seminar III | 1 |
*These courses must be taken the semester prior to Student Teaching.
**Middle Grades – Math will take EDU330. All other Middle Grades options will take EDU311 instead of EDU330.
V. Additional Required Courses
| HEA 216 | Personal Health | 3 |
| HUM 320 | Diversity in America (W) | 3 |
| MAT 206 | Real Number System | 3 |
| POL 231 | American Government | 3 |
| PSY 201 | Child Development and Lab | 3 |
| PSY 306 | Educational Psychology (W) | 3 |
| SPA 131 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 |
| SPA 132 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 |
| Humanities Electives (upper-division) | 6 |
Plus one (1) of the following:
| HEA 217 | First Aid and CPR OR First Aid/Red Cross Certification |
(3) (0) |
VI. Electives (including additional Bible) - (4-8 hours)
Important Education Links
Meet Our Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies With A Concentration In Middle Grades Education (6-8) at FHU
Below are answers to questions prospective students often have when considering a major in Middle Grades Education (6-8). If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact admissions@fhu.edu and they will happily answer questions and provide additional details about our program.
What are the benefits of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree at FHU?
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in Middle Grades Education at FHU offers numerous benefits, providing a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in education. Some key advantages include:
- Specialized Focus: By concentrating on Middle Grades Education, you gain in-depth knowledge and expertise tailored to the unique needs of students in grades 6 to 8.
- Practical Experience: FHU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing valuable practicum experiences and a full semester of student teaching in real school settings, preparing you for the classroom with confidence.
- Professional Licensure: Upon completing the program, you become eligible for certification to teach middle grades, opening doors to a wide range of teaching opportunities.
- Impactful Teaching: You’ll learn effective strategies to engage and inspire young minds during their crucial middle grades years, making a positive and lasting impact on their educational journey.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from dedicated educators who specialize in Middle Grades Education, benefiting from their guidance and expertise throughout your academic journey.
- Career Opportunities: As a graduate with a concentration in Middle Grades Education, you’ll have access to a variety of rewarding career paths in education, including teaching roles, curriculum development, instructional coaching, and more.
Enrolling in the Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in Middle Grades Education at FHU ensures you are well-prepared to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners and excel in your chosen career within the field of education.
What is the difference between a concentration and a major?
The “concentration” and “major” are often used interchangeably in higher education, but there are some key differences between them. Here’s an explanation of the differences:
A major is a specific area of study that represents the student’s primary focus. It typically requires completing core courses and electives that provide a comprehensive education in the chosen field. For example, a student majoring in biology might take courses in cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution.
A concentration is a specialized area of study within a major. It allows students to explore a specific aspect of the major in greater depth. For example, a student majoring in business might choose to concentrate on marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship. This concentration would require additional coursework in the selected area of study.
Generally, a major is broader than a concentration and requires more coursework. A concentration provides a deeper understanding of a specific area within the major. In some cases, a concentration may be required as part of a major, while in others, it may be optional.
Another difference between a concentration and a major is the level of specificity. A major is a broad area of study, while a concentration is a more specialized subset of the major. For example, a student majoring in English might choose to concentrate on creative writing, which would allow them to focus specifically on writing fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.
In summary, a major is the primary field of study, while a concentration is a specialization within the major. The major requires more coursework than the concentration, and the concentration provides a deeper understanding of a specific area within the major.
At Freed-Hardeman University (FHU), we offer a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education (K-5). Aspiring educators can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful elementary education teachers while exploring multiple fields of study. The program is flexible and allows prospective elementary school teachers and students to customize their educational experience in an interdisciplinary way. With the combination of core courses and electives, students can make the most of their college career and pursue a rewarding career in teaching.
What are the career options with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education opens up various rewarding career options in the field of education. Some potential career paths include:
- Middle Grades Teacher: Become a licensed educator and teach a range of subjects, such as English, Science, Social Studies, or Math, to students in grades 6 to 8.
- Curriculum Developer: Design and create interdisciplinary lesson plans and educational materials that engage and inspire young learners.
- Instructional Coach: Provide support and mentorship to middle grades teachers, helping them enhance their teaching methods and classroom strategies.
- Education Coordinator: Work in educational institutions or non-profit organizations to coordinate programs and initiatives focused on middle grades education.
- Educational Content Writer: Create educational content, including textbooks, e-learning modules, and educational websites, catering to middle grades learners.
- Education Researcher: Conduct research studies to explore and evaluate innovative teaching methods and their impact on middle grades students’ learning outcomes.
With an Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education degree, you’ll have the flexibility to explore various career paths within the education sector, making a positive impact on the lives of young learners and contributing to the future of education.
What is the job outlook for graduates with a Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education degree?
The job outlook for graduates with an Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education degree is generally positive, as there is a continuous demand for qualified and dedicated educators in the middle grades education sector. Several factors contribute to this favorable job outlook:
- Increasing Student Enrollment: As student populations grow or fluctuate, schools continually need middle grades educators to meet the demand.
- Teacher Retirement and Turnover: With many experienced teachers approaching retirement age, there are openings for new educators to fill these positions. Additionally, turnover within the education field creates job opportunities for fresh graduates.
- Rising Awareness of Education Importance: The value of quality education is widely recognized, leading to a sustained demand for skilled middle grades teachers who can make a difference in students’ lives.
- Specialization in Content Areas: Graduates with a focus on English, Science, Social Studies, or Math have an advantage in securing teaching positions in specific content areas where there may be higher demand.
- Education Support Roles: Beyond traditional teaching positions, there is a need for education coordinators, curriculum developers, instructional coaches, and other specialized roles where graduates with an Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education degree can excel.
It’s important to note that the job market can vary by location and specific school districts. Graduates willing to be flexible with their geographic preferences and open to diverse teaching opportunities may have increased chances of finding employment.
As education remains a fundamental pillar of society, the demand for qualified middle grades educators is expected to remain stable, making an Interdisciplinary Studies, Middle Grades Education degree a promising pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career in the field of education.
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