Program Overview

Secondary Education

School of Education

The Secondary Education program is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching. The program focuses on History and Social Studies, with the goal of preparing students for initial teaching licensure eligibility in Virginia.

Program Description

This program is an advising map that will prepare students to apply to a Master of Teaching (M.T.) program. Students complete an undergraduate major and utilize this map to prepare themselves for admission into both the Teacher Prep and M.T. program. The Master of Teaching program prepares students for initial teaching licensure eligibility in Virginia.

Career Opportunities

The Virginia Department of Education has identified secondary history and social studies as a critical need shortage area. There is a need for passionate, committed, and capable educators who want to inspire the next generation of citizens. Many teachers choose to take on additional subject content areas or curriculum tasks to help continually improve the classroom learning environment for future learners.

Admissions Requirements

• Teacher Preparation Application testing and admissions application requirements can be found on the School of Education Teacher Preparation page.
• The Masters of Teaching (M.T.) application, GPA, and testing requirements are found on the School of Education's M.T. program website.

Bachelor-Level Job Titles

• High School and Middle School Social Studies (history, civics, economics, geography, and psychology)

Professional Associations and Resources

• National Council of Social Studies
• Richmond Teachers for Social Justice
• SVEA - Student Virginia Education Association
• VEA - Virginia Education Association
• Virginia Council of Social Studies

Program Requirements

• Students do not change into this program as this is an advising map to help prepare applications to a future graduate program.
• Please see the program description for admissions requirements and contact the School of Education for questions about the admissions process as you near the end of your undergraduate program.

Yearly Plan

Year 1: Explore

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience
  • Enroll in UNIV 291- Urban Education
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend VCU's annual Intercultural Festival.
  • Complete a VCU ally training program.
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Explore "What Can I Do With This Major" to learn about employers in your field of study.
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete a "Gap Analysis" Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using Lynda.

Year 2: Experience

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enroll in 100 level Political Science, Economics, Urban Studies, and History classes.
  • Schedule an appointment with your undergraduate advisor and begin taking classes for "broad endorsement".
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or events hosted by the School of Education.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break.
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year.
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.

Year 3: Experience

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Complete EDUS 301- Teacher Prep required course.
  • Connect with M.T. faculty in history/social studies.
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by your home department or the School of Education.
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year.
  • Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.

Year 4: Excel

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Review with your VCU SOE M.T. faculty advisor to see if you can begin taking graduate level courses.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation.
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
  • Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation.
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.
  • Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Continue to engage in research to create more content for your e-portfolio.
  • Explore applying to the School of Education- Substitute Teaching the VCU Way program.
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
  • Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, complete career and assessment activities, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.