Aug 13, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies, BSIS

Degree Map

University Core Curriculum Requirements

Communication - 010

Three hours from:

ENGL 1301 - Rhetoric and Composition Credit(s): 3

Three hours from:

SPCH 1315 - Public Speaking Credit(s): 3

Mathematics - 020

Three hours from:

MATH 1350 - Introduction to Foundations of Mathematics I Credit(s): 3

Life and Physical Science - 030

Six hours from:

BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 1305 - Intro to Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
ENVR 1301 - Intro to Environmental Science Credit(s): 3
PHYS 1305 - Conceptual Physics I Credit(s): 3
ERTH 1303 - Earth Science Credit(s): 3

Language, Philosophy and Culture - 040

Three hours from:

ENGL 2309 - Introduction to Mythology Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800 Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2323 - British Literature from 1800 Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865 Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2328 - American Literature from 1865 Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2332 - World Literature to 1650 Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2341 - Introduction to Literature Credit(s): 3

Creative Arts - 050

Three hours from:

ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation Credit(s): 3
DANC 2303 - Dance Appreciation Credit(s): 3
DRAM 1310 - Theatre Appreciation Credit(s): 3
MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation Credit(s): 3

American History - 060

Six hours from:

HIST 1301 - United States History I Credit(s): 3
HIST 1302 - United States History II Credit(s): 3

Government/Political Science - 070

Six hours from:

GOVT 2305 - Federal Government Credit(s): 3
GOVT 2306 - Texas Government Credit(s): 3

Social and Behavioral Science - 080

Three hours from:

GEOG 1303 - World Regional Geography Credit(s): 3

Component Area Option - 090

Three hours from:

ENGL 1302 - Research and Argument Credit(s): 3

For all Concentrations Except Special Education

Three hours from:

BUSI 2304 - Business Communication Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2311 - Technical and Scientific Writing Credit(s): 3
FREN 1311 - Elementary French I Credit(s): 3
FREN 1312 - Elementary French II Credit(s): 3
GERM 1311 - Elementary German I Credit(s): 3
GERM 1312 - Elementary German II Credit(s): 3
PORT 1311 - Elementary Portuguese I Credit(s): 3
PORT 1312 - Elementary Portuguese II Credit(s): 3
SPAN 1311 - Elementary Spanish I Credit(s): 3
SPAN 1312 - Elementary Spanish II Credit(s): 3
SGNL 1301 - Beginning American Sign Language Credit(s): 3
SGNL 1302 - Intermediate American Sign Language Credit(s): 3
INCM 1301 - International and Intercultural Communication in Latin America Credit(s): 3
INCM 1302 - International and Intercultural Communication in France Credit(s): 3
INCM 1303 - International and Intercultural Communication in Germany Credit(s): 3
INCM 1304 - International and Intercultural Communication in Brazil Credit(s): 3

For Special Education

Three hours from:

BUSI 2304 - Business Communication Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2311 - Technical and Scientific Writing Credit(s): 3
SPAN 1311 - Elementary Spanish I Credit(s): 3
SPAN 1312 - Elementary Spanish II Credit(s): 3
SGNL 1301 - Beginning American Sign Language Credit(s): 3
SGNL 1302 - Intermediate American Sign Language Credit(s): 3

Support/Pre-Professional

For all Concentrations

EDUC 1301 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession Credit(s): 3
EDUC 2301 - Introduction to Special Populations Credit(s): 3
SPED 3329 - Survey of Exceptionalities Credit(s): 3

Additional for Special Education

SPED 3310 - History of Special Education Law & Current Legal Considerations Credit(s): 3
SPED 3320 - Instructional Planning for Exceptional Learners Credit(s): 3

Additional for all 4-8 Concentrations

Three hours from:

MLGE 3301 - The Adolescent Learner Credit(s): 3

Interdisciplinary Studies Major

Select one of the concentrations listed below:

Interdisciplinary Studies Common Requirements

The following are required for all the concentrations under this major unless otherwise noted.

Required Courses for EC-6, Special Education and Social Studies 4-8

MATH 1351 - Intermediate Mathematics for Elementary Teachers Credit(s): 3

Core Science Labs

Two hours from:

BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I Lab Credit(s): 1
CHEM 1105 - Intro to Chemistry I Lab Credit(s): 1
ENVR 1101 - Intro to Environmental Science Lab Credit(s): 1
ERTH 1103 - Earth Science Lab Credit(s): 1
PHYS 1105 - Conceptual Physics I Laboratory Credit(s): 1

Additional Sciences (for all concentrations except Science 4-8)

Four additional science hours.

For 4-8 Concentrations

READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
READ 4210 - Reading as a Language Process Credit(s): 2 to 3

Core Subjects EC-6 with Science of Teaching Reading Concentration

Required Courses

ELED 3350 - Fine Arts in the Elementary Grades Credit(s): 3
KINE 3332 - Health and Kinesiology for Children Credit(s): 3
READ 3310 - Introduction to Language and Literacy Credit(s): 3
READ 3320 - Language and Literacy I Credit(s): 3

EC-6

TECA 1311 - Educating Young Children Credit(s): 3
ECED 3300 - Foundations of ECH Credit(s): 3
ECED 3301 - Child-Centered Environments Credit(s): 3

Additional Mathematics

Three hours from:

MATH 1314 - College Algebra Credit(s): 3
MATH 1324 - Finite Mathematics Credit(s): 3
MATH 1342 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics Credit(s): 3
MATH 1352 - Concepts and Applications Credit(s): 3

Special Education Concentration

Students who want to teach special education will major in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in special education. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.

The undergraduate program is designed to prepare students for certification as an EC-12 special education teacher, meaning the individual can teach all grade levels from early childhood through the 12th grade.

Required Courses

SPED 4320 - Teaching Reading in SPED Settings Credit(s): 3
SPED 4330 - Teaching Mathematics in SPED Settings Credit(s): 3
SPED 4332 - Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Children Credit(s): 3
SPED 4334 - Functional Living Skills Credit(s): 3
SPED 4339 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis Credit(s): 3
SPED 4360 - Children with Behavioral Disorders Credit(s): 3
SPED 4363 - Consulting with Parents and Professionals Credit(s): 3
SPED 4364 - Early Childhood Special Education Credit(s): 3
SPED 4365 - Educational Programming for Students with Autism Credit(s): 3
SPED 4366 - Assistive Technology Credit(s): 3
SPED 4370 - Transition Planning for Students with Exceptionalities Credit(s): 3

Additional Mathematics

Three hours from:

MATH 1314 - College Algebra Credit(s): 3
MATH 1342 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics Credit(s): 3
MATH 1352 - Concepts and Applications Credit(s): 3

Core Subjects 4-8 with Science of Teaching Reading Concentration

Required Courses

HIST 2301 - Texas History Credit(s): 3
READ 3310 - Introduction to Language and Literacy Credit(s): 3
READ 3320 - Language and Literacy I Credit(s): 3

Additional Sciences

Six hours of additional science coursework in addition to the hours listed for all concentrations. A total of ten hours of additional science for this concentration.

English/Language Arts/Reading 4-8 Concentration

Required Courses

Six hours of:

READ 3310 - Introduction to Language and Literacy Credit(s): 3
READ 3320 - Language and Literacy I Credit(s): 3

4-8 English/Language Arts/Reading

English Requirements

Twelve hours from ENGL courses (2000-3000 level).

ENGL 2309 - Introduction to Mythology Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2311 - Technical and Scientific Writing Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2323 - British Literature from 1800 Credit(s): 3
ENGL 2341 - Introduction to Literature Credit(s): 3

Advanced English Requirements

Nine hours from ENGL courses (3000-4000 level).

ENGL 3356 - Young Adult Literature Credit(s): 3
ENGL 3381 - Introduction to Literary Analysis Credit(s): 3
ENGL 4344 - English in Secondary School Credit(s): 3

Mathematics 4-8 Concentration

For further information, click on the Mathematics for Teaching Middle Grades, BS degree requirements.

Required Courses

MATH 1314 - College Algebra Credit(s): 3
MATH 1342 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics Credit(s): 3
MATH 1352 - Concepts and Applications Credit(s): 3
MATH 3300 - Foundations of Mathematics Credit(s): 3
MATH 3301 - Concepts of Calculus Credit(s): 3
MATH 3302 - Concepts in Geometry Credit(s): 3

Science 4-8 Concentration

For further information, click on the Science for Teaching Middle Grades, BS degree requirements.

Science Option

Four hours from:

BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I Credit(s): 3
BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I Lab Credit(s): 1
or
ERTH 1303 - Earth Science Credit(s): 3
ERTH 1103 - Earth Science Lab Credit(s): 1

Science Electives

Sixteen hours of science coursework from:

ASTR 1303 - Classical and Modern Astronomy Credit(s): 3
ASTR 1103 - Classical and Modern Astronomy Laboratory Credit(s): 1
BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I Credit(s): 3
BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I Lab Credit(s): 1
CHEM 1305 - Intro to Chemistry I Credit(s): 3
CHEM 1105 - Intro to Chemistry I Lab Credit(s): 1
CHEM 1307 - Intro to Chemistry II Credit(s): 3
CHEM 1107 - Intro to Chemistry II Lab Credit(s): 1
CHEM 1371 - Chemistry and Society Credit(s): 3
CHEM 1071 - Chemistry and Society Lab Credit(s): 0
ENVR 1301 - Intro to Environmental Science Credit(s): 3
ENVR 1101 - Intro to Environmental Science Lab Credit(s): 1
ERTH 1303 - Earth Science Credit(s): 3
ERTH 1103 - Earth Science Lab Credit(s): 1
ERTH 1304 - Earth Through Time Credit(s): 3
ERTH 1104 - Earth Through Time Lab Credit(s): 1
ERTH 3303 - Oceanography Credit(s): 3
ERTH 3342 - Planetary Geology Credit(s): 3
ERTH 3350 - Environmental Geology Credit(s): 3
ERTH 4341 - Geocharacterization of Natural Resources Credit(s): 3
ERTH 4342 - Earth Resources Credit(s): 3
ERTH 4406 - Earth Science Activities Credit(s): 4
ERTH 4006 - Earth Science Activities Lab Credit(s): 0
PHYS 1305 - Conceptual Physics I Credit(s): 3
PHYS 1105 - Conceptual Physics I Laboratory Credit(s): 1

Social Studies 4-8 Concentration

Required Courses

Twenty four hours from:

ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credit(s): 3
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit(s): 3
ELED 4300 - Teaching Social Studies in EC-6 Credit(s): 3
GEOG 1301 - Physical Geography Credit(s): 3
GEOG 3344 - Historical Geography of the United States Credit(s): 3
HIST 2301 - Texas History Credit(s): 3
HIST 2321 - World Civilizations I Credit(s): 3
HMSC 4345 - Economic Concepts for Middle Level Grades Credit(s): 3

History Option

Three hours from:

HIST 2301 - Texas History Credit(s): 3

Education Studies Concentration

This is a non-certification concentration.

Reading Option

Complete 6 hours from:

READ 3310 - Introduction to Language and Literacy Credit(s): 3
READ 3320 - Language and Literacy I Credit(s): 3
READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
READ 4210 - Reading as a Language Process Credit(s): 2 to 3
READ 4340 - Language and Literacy III Credit(s): 3

Education Studies Options

Complete 20-21 hours from one of the following options:

Option 1

For students who once pursued Core Subjects EC-6.

TECA 1311 - Educating Young Children Credit(s): 3
EDUC 1301 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession Credit(s): 3
EDUC 2301 - Introduction to Special Populations Credit(s): 3
ECED 3300 - Foundations of ECH Credit(s): 3
ELED 3350 - Fine Arts in the Elementary Grades Credit(s): 3
KINE 3332 - Health and Kinesiology for Children Credit(s): 3
READ 3330 - Language and Literacy II Credit(s): 3

Option 2

For students who once pursued Special Education.

SPED 3320 - Instructional Planning for Exceptional Learners Credit(s): 3
SPED 4332 - Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Children Credit(s): 3
SPED 4334 - Functional Living Skills Credit(s): 3
SPED 4339 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis Credit(s): 3
SPED 4360 - Children with Behavioral Disorders Credit(s): 3
SPED 4364 - Early Childhood Special Education Credit(s): 3
SPED 4366 - Assistive Technology Credit(s): 3

Option 3

For students who once pursued Core Subjects 4-8.

GEOG 1301 - Physical Geography Credit(s): 3
GEOG 3344 - Historical Geography of the United States Credit(s): 3
HMSC 4345 - Economic Concepts for Middle Level Grades Credit(s): 3
READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
SEED 3372 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Diverse Classrooms Credit(s): 3
History coursework as advised Credit(s): 6

Option 4

For students who once pursued English, Language Arts and Reading 4-8.

SEED 3372 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Diverse Classrooms Credit(s): 3
READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
READ 4210 - Reading as a Language Process Credit(s): 2 to 3
English coursework as advised Credit(s): 12

Option 5

For students who once pursued Mathematics 4-8.

SEED 3372 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Diverse Classrooms Credit(s): 3
READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
Additional Mathematics as advised Credit(s): 15

Option 6

For students who once pursued Science 4-8.

SEED 3372 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Diverse Classrooms Credit(s): 3
READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
Additional Science as advised Credit(s): 15

Option 7

For students who once pursued Social Studies 4-8.

HIST 2301 - Texas History Credit(s): 3
SEED 3372 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Diverse Classrooms Credit(s): 3
READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
READ 4210 - Reading as a Language Process Credit(s): 2 to 3
HMSC 4345 - Economic Concepts for Middle Level Grades Credit(s): 3
Additional Mathematics as advised Credit(s): 3
Additional Sciences as advised Credit(s): 3

Education Studies

Complete twenty five hour from:

EDUC 1301 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession Credit(s): 3
EDUC 2301 - Introduction to Special Populations Credit(s): 3
ECED 3300 - Foundations of ECH Credit(s): 3
ECED 3301 - Child-Centered Environments Credit(s): 3
ECED 4301 - Advocacy in Early Childhood and Professional Responsibilities Credit(s): 3
ELED 4343 - Pedagogy in Practice Certification Credit(s): 3
MLGE 3301 - The Adolescent Learner Credit(s): 3
MLGE 3210 - Learner Centered Middle Schools Credit(s): 3
MLGE 4220 - Science in Middle Grades Credit(s): 3
MLGE 4240 - Mathematics in Middle Grades Credit(s): 3
MLGE 4301 - Mid Level Learning Community Credit(s): 3
MLGE 4350 - Integrating Middle Grades Learning Credit(s): 3
READ 3310 - Introduction to Language and Literacy Credit(s): 3
READ 3320 - Language and Literacy I Credit(s): 3
READ 3330 - Language and Literacy II Credit(s): 3
READ 3340 - Content Area Reading and Writing Credit(s): 3
READ 4340 - Language and Literacy III Credit(s): 3
SPED 3329 - Survey of Exceptionalities Credit(s): 3
SEED 3372 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Diverse Classrooms Credit(s): 3

Professional Education Requirements

For Core Subjects EC-6

Field Experience

Twenty seven hours

ELED 3301 - Teaching Science in EC-6 Credit(s): 3
ELED 3302 - Teaching Mathematics in EC-6 Credit(s): 3
ELED 3303 - Field Experience Credit(s): 3
ELED 4300 - Teaching Social Studies in EC-6 Credit(s): 3
ELED 4343 - Pedagogy in Practice Certification Credit(s): 3
READ 3330 - Language and Literacy II Credit(s): 3
READ 4340 - Language and Literacy III Credit(s): 3
ECED 4301 - Advocacy in Early Childhood and Professional Responsibilities Credit(s): 3
ECED 4340 - ECH Theory and Practice Credit(s): 3

Clinical Teaching

Nine hours of

ECED 4320 - Teacher Residency Semester 1 Credit(s): 3
ELED 4634 - Teacher Residency Semester 2 Credit(s): 6

For Special Education

Special Education Field Experiences

SPED 4350 - Special Education Field Experience I Credit(s): 3
SPED 4361 - Special Education Field Experience II Credit(s): 3
SPED 4343 - Special Education Professional Responsibilities Seminar Credit(s): 3

Clinical Teaching

Six hours of:

SPED 4242 - Clinical Teaching in Special Education Credit(s): 2 to 12

For all 4-8 Concentrations

Pre-professional

Fifteen hours from the following:

SEED 3370 - Sociocultural and Historic Perspectives in American Education Credit(s): 3
SEED 3371 - Curriculum and Instructional Design Credit(s): 3
SEED 3372 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Diverse Classrooms Credit(s): 3
SEED 4350 - Assessment for Diverse and Contemporary Classrooms Credit(s): 3
SEED 4360 - Motivating and Managing the Active Learning Environment Credit(s): 3

Pedagogy in Practice

ELED 4343 - Pedagogy in Practice Certification Credit(s): 3

Clinical Teaching

Six hours of:

ELED 4242 - Clinical Teaching in the Elementary School Credit(s): 2 to 12

Distance Education Completer Programs

Grades EC-6

Candidates who have at least 45 hours of coursework (with 3.0 GPA) listed in the concentration Core Subjects EC-6 with Science of Teaching Reading may apply for the online certification program. Candidates must be accepted to SFA prior to acceptance to the Link-Ed Online Program. To be eligible, candidates must be:

Candidates who are full-time paraprofessionals in a TEA accredited school and working in an academic placement within a grade level associated with their desired certification area of EC-6.
Candidates who live 60 miles or more from the SFA campus.
Candidates who are enrolled in a Link-Ed Partnership School (Angelina College, Brazosport ISD, Panola College), completed their Associates of Arts in Teaching, and are transferring to SFA to complete a bachelor’s degree in education.

Candidates must provide confirmation from a TEA accredited school district that placement opportunities will be provided in appropriate classroom settings throughout the candidate’s course of study.

Grades 4-8

Candidates who have at least 45 hours of coursework (with 3.0 GPA) listed in one of the concentration areas for 4-8 Teaching may apply for the online certification program. Concentration areas for 4-8 include Core Subjects 4-8 with Science of Teaching Reading, Mathematics 4-8, English/Language Arts/Reading 4-8 with Science of Teaching Reading or Social Studies 4-8. Candidates must be accepted to SFA prior to acceptance to the Link-Ed Online Program. To be eligible candidates must meet one of the criteria listed below.

Candidates who are full-time paraprofessionals in a TEA accredited school and working in an academic placement within a grade level associated with their desired certification area of 4-8.
Candidates who live 60 miles or more from the SFA campus.
Candidates who are enrolled in a Link-Ed Partnership School (Angelina College, Brazosport ISD, Panola College), completed their Associates of Arts in Teaching, and are transferring to SFA to complete a bachelor’s degree in education.

General Electives

The student may be required to complete additional elective hours to complete the degree.

Total hours: 120

Grade Requirements

A grade of at least C in each first-year English course (ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 )
A C average in work completed in the major field
A C average in work completed in the minor field

The required averages are based on those SFA courses taken in each category that are included in the student’s official degree plan (Degree Works). Transfer and advanced placement coursework are not included in GPA calculations.

In-Residence Requirement

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate degrees require at least 25% semester credit hours completed in-residence.

Undergraduate degrees with 120 hours total degree program hours require a minimum of 30 advanced (upper level) in-residence semester credit hours. The in-residence hour requirement will be fulfilled as part of the individual discipline major, which includes as least 12 advanced in-residence semester credit hours. Minor requirements also may contribute to the total in-residence hours as at least six advanced in-residence semester credit hours are required. The balance of in-resident hours will be fulfilled through additional advanced semester credit hours and may include further major and minor coursework.

Undergraduate degrees with more than 120 total degree program hour requirements will ensure semester credit hours for the specific discipline include at least 25% of total semester credit hours in-residence.

View HOP policy 02-214.

Texas Success Initiative Program

All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program. See the TSI information catalog page.