BA Interdisciplinary Studies

Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)

Leads to teacher licensure

Degree Overview

WGU Texas’ online elementary education degree will put you in the classroom of your dreams. The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) will teach you the content knowledge and teaching skills necessary to become a certified elementary school teacher. You will become a highly qualified teacher ready to make a difference in a child’s life.

Who the program is for:

• Unlicensed substitute teachers, career changers, retired military personnel, school paraprofessionals, and others who feel the call to teach.

Note: As part of Western Governors University, the online teaching degree programs at WGU Texas are NCATE accredited.

Your Program of Study

In WGU Texas’ online elementary education degree program, you’ll learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a highly qualified elementary school teacher. This program includes five domains of study, supervised practice teaching in an actual classroom, and completion of a professional portfolio.

• Effective Teaching Practices (Elementary Education)
• Foundations
• Foundations of Teaching
• General Education
• Demonstration Teaching (includes practice teaching)

Total Program: 122 Competency Units (credit equivalents)
Less: Any competency units waived through transfer of prior college credits.

Note: Your prior college experience may waive some degree requirements.

More details about your challenging course of study

View the Program Guide (PDF)

Tuition and Fees

Basic Tuition: $2,890 per six-month term
Resource Fee: $145 per six-month term (non-refundable)
Application Fee: $65 (one time)

Demonstration Teaching (Student Teaching) Fee: $1,000 ($100 application fee + $900 fee)

Learn more about Tuition and Fees

At WGU Texas, tuition is charged at a flat rate once every six months. Your tuition covers the minimum "full-time load" of competency units (the equivalent to credit hours)—12 CUs is the minimum for undergraduate students—as well as all coursework attempted in that time. For the most part, there is no limit on the number of competency units you can attempt in a 6-month term. Whether you complete more or fewer units, you are charged the same flat rate.

Tuition compares favorably to the rates of Texas state universities. Our tuition is also typically half what other reputable online universities charge. At WGU Texas, you enjoy the cost savings of a nonprofit university.

Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify. Learn more about financial aid

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The WGU Texas Advantage

As part of our partnership with the state of Texas, WGU Texas leverages Western Governors University’s unique, competency-based approach to education. This approach measures learning, not credit hours. Your progress is based on your demonstration of essential skills and knowledge in teaching at the elementary school level.

As a WGU Texas student, you’ll receive a top-notch education through a curriculum, learning resources, mentoring, and student services provided by Western Governors University. This means you’ll enjoy the advantages of:

• Superior learning resources. You'll have access to all of WGU’s courses of study, learning modules, e-textbooks, tutorials, and simulations as you complete your program.
• Personal support from a dedicated mentor. You'll have the support of a mentor who will be your guide throughout your WGU Texas program.
• Online communities from Texas and WGU's national student community. You’ll be able to take advantage of WGU’s robust student community and interact with students from both within Texas and from all over the country.
• Flexible online degrees that fit your lifestyle. Learning can occur anywhere and at any time. You'll be able to establish the pace at which you complete your rigorous program and create a schedule that works for you.

One of the best values in Texas higher education, at WGU Texas you can expect to earn a relevant degree on your schedule and within your budget.

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Time to Completion

How long it takes for you to complete your program will vary. Because WGU Texas is competency-based, the pace at which you complete your program depends on how quickly you are able to take and pass the required assessments. Many students are able to proceed faster than the normal pace (described below) designed into each program. But doing so isn’t easy.

For students with an associate’s degree or its equivalent: 2 to 2½ years.
For students with little or no prior college: 4 to 5 years.

WGU Texas maintains a generous credit transfer policy. Learn more about transferring credits.

Speak to an Enrollment Counselor for a personalized estimate of your time to completion.

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Admissions Requirements

To enroll into this WGU Texas program, you must:

• Be a Texas resident and provide proof of residence.
• Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Complete Western Governors University's online Readiness Assessment. This test helps determine your likelihood for success in a WGU Texas degree program.

Before beginning the Demonstration Teaching (student teaching) portion of the degree program, you will be required to complete the PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test and potentially a PRAXIS II exam. Registering and paying for these exams may be your responsibility. You are required to meet these Texas-specific requirements prior to beginning the Foundations of Teaching domain of study.

Speak to an Enrollment Counselor who can help you understand what is required of you.

Learn more about what is required of you to earn your teaching license in the state of Texas.

More info about Admissions

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