The Interdivisional Major (IDM) is an individualized program of study that is defined in each case by a written contractual agreement between the student and representatives of the faculty. Students planning to declare this major should familiarize themselves with the detailed guidelines that are available from the coordinator of the interdivisional major.
In general, an IDM contract must include at least 48 semester hours distributed as follows:
- 15 semester hours in each of the three academic divisions plus an additional 3 semester hours earned either in one of those divisions or in coursework from the category of offerings known as interdisciplinary studies (INST);
- at least 24 of the total semester hours must be at the 300 or 400 level (these 24 may be distributed across the three academic divisions in any manner except that all of them may not come from the same division);
- no more than 50 percent of the credits earned in any one division may come from the same department;
- there must be at least one traditionally-graded laboratory course in a natural science;
- certain courses serving to satisfy the College’s general studies requirements are excluded (see previously mentioned guidelines);
- at least a 2.50 grade point average in the interdivisional major is required;
- the grade point average based on grades earned in Virginia Wesleyan courses that are part of a PIDM (Prescribed Interdivisional Major) contract must be no lower than 2.50.
The Prescribed Interdivisional Major (PIDM) is a major that can be used by students seeking teacher certification in the areas of Elementary Education (PreK-6), Elementary Education with Middle Education Add-On (PreK-6 and 6-8), Middle Education (6-8), and Special Education (K-12). The courses in this major meet all the teacher competencies required by the Virginia Department of Education. The PIDM consists of 15 semester hours in required courses in the Humanities Division, 18-21 semester hours of required courses in the Social Sciences Division, and 16-17 semester hours of required courses in the Natural Science/Mathematics Division.
- the total number of required semester hours is likely to be 52-59;
- the number of semester hours that must be at the 300 or 400 level is 18;
- no offering identified by its rubric as an education course may be included.
The prescribed course work must be completed as outlined on the Virginia Wesleyan College Web site or under Interdivisional Major. The identified courses meet the teacher competencies as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Prospective teachers should confer with their PIDM advisers at all times in order to schedule specific required courses.