Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies for Inclusive Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Special Education Licensure

Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies (IDLS) is the undergraduate major for students pursuing teaching licensure in inclusive early childhood education (early childhood education, preK-3 and early childhood special education, birth to five), elementary education (PreK-6), middle grades education (6-8) and special education (K-12). The IDLS major meets Virginia teacher competencies by providing breadth and integration across the content areas of English and language arts, history, social sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, and technology. IDLS requirements vary by education program, as outlined in this section. Students declaring the IDLS major must also declare one of the teacher education programs listed. Detailed information on teacher education programs is in the College of Education section of this catalog. In the unusual circumstance that a student exits the education licensure pre-professional program late in his/her college career, the IDLS director may permit the student to complete the IDLS degree with the addition of an appropriate minor. IDLS Concentration: In addition to the IDLS core, students will complete an IDLS concentration to provide depth and integration beyond core requirements. The four concentration options are listed as follows with each option requiring seven upper-level courses: Option 1 - math and science and technology allows students to take four courses in math and three in science and technology, or take three in math and four in science and technology. Option 2 - humanities and social sciences allows students to choose a humanities and social science track (1-7) and take six courses in that track, plus the IDLS 400 capstone. Option 3 - math and humanities and social sciences allows students to choose a humanities and social science track (1-7) and take three courses in the humanities and social sciences track and four in math, or take four in the humanities and social sciences track and three in math. The humanities and social sciences courses can include IDLS 400, but it is not required. Option 4 - science and technology and humanities and social sciences allows students to choose a humanities and social science track (1-7) and take three courses in the humanities and social sciences track and four in science and technology, or take four in the humanities and social sciences track and three in science and technology. The humanities and social sciences courses can include IDLS 400, but it is not required.