The College of Education and Human Development has been shaping the future by preparing teachers since Radford University began in 1910. The College continues to prepare students to enter the teaching profession as well as other professions that focus on helping others.

The college of Education and Human Development is pleased to offer the Interdisciplinary Studies/Elementary Education (grades pK-6) program in a cohort format through sites located in the Roanoke area.

Courses are offered on the Virginia Western Community College campus, at the Thomas Center, and at the Roanoke Higher Education Center.

Tentative Program Plan: an overview

Program structure:

• 50 semester hours of general education (completed at VWCC)
• 43 semester hours of major requirements:
  Interdisciplinary Core of 19 semester hours to strengthen content area knowledge base; 24 hours in two concentration areas in special education and social studies (21 semester hours can be completed at VWCC)
• 39 semester hours of professional education requirements; includes two semesters of "in the school" placements

Summer--6 to 9 Semester Hours RU (allows students to continue taking courses at VWCC if necessary)

Fall -- 6 Semester Hours RU (allows students to continue taking courses at VWCC if necessary); the associates degree at VWCC must be completed by the end of the first fall semester of enrollment in the cohort

Spring -- 12 Semester Hours offered by RU

Summer -- 7 to 10 Semester Hours offered by RU

Fall -- 18 Semester Hours (clinical experience) will be full-time day student with RU; Field placements are in the Roanoke City School System

Spring--12 Semester Hours (student teaching) will be full-time day student with RU; Field placements are in the Roanoke City School System

Every effort is made to offer all RU courses in the afternoons, evenings, and occasionally on Saturdays

Requirements for the Interdisciplinary Studies Program:

• Must achieve and maintain a 2.75 grade point average in all college work attempted, at RU, and in the major
• Must document 50 clock hours of experience/observations with young children (EDU 100 from VWCC will satisfy this requirement)
• Document passing scores on the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment, PRAXIS I examination and PRAXIS II to be enrolled in fall clinical experience; ideally by the end of first fall semester
• Document passing scores on the Virginia Reading Assessment (this will be completed while enrolled in first field experience)

This program is being offered in an effort to meet the needs of individuals in the Roanoke and surrounding areas and those of local schools and communities.

Information sessions are scheduled each fall and spring. Contact the RU offices in Roanoke for specific dates and times.

Teacher Education programs at RU are state approved and NCATE accredited.

Applications for admission to RU are available in the RU office at the RHEC and at the Thomas Center on the VWCC campus.