Secondary education

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Biology

Program description

The Master of Teaching curricula are designed to incorporate eligibility for initial teaching licensure in Virginia in early and elementary, or secondary education (biology, chemistry, earth science, English, history, history and social studies, mathematics or physics).

The approved curricula include undergraduate qualifying courses as well. Individuals pursuing the extended program are awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously; baccalaureate degree recipients who meet the admission criteria also may pursue the Master of Teaching degree program, including the qualifying courses. The combined baccalaureate and Master of Teaching program requires a minimum of 153-154 hours, at least 33 of which must be at the graduate level.

Career opportunities

Graduates typically work in public or private school systems, or youth service organizations. Teaching in public schools requires certification. Be sure to explore the certification requirements in the state you want to teach in as they can differ across states. Graduates can also find work with programs such as Teach for America, Americorps, America Reads or The Literacy Lab. Learn more and explore potential career pathways at https://www.teach.org/.

Bachelor-level job titles

Career/technical education teacher
Elementary school teacher
High school teacher
Middle school teacher
Recreation worker
Special education teacher
Teacher assistant

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Biology education

Plan of study in Bulletin

Biology education

Requirements

Highest level of math required

STAT 210

Science required

5+ additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

3.0 on last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework

Contact information

Department name:

School of Education

Building/room location:

Oliver Hall, 1015 West Main Street, Room 1037

Phone:

(804) 827-2670

Email:

soeinfo@vcu.edu

http://www.soe.vcu.edu

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

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 through the VCU Student Government Association (SGA) or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.
Register to vote and vote in Virginia.
Learn about and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in your field of study.
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Practice independent living skills such as money management, self-care, and time management.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss course selection, registration and degree progression.
Enroll in courses as determined in consultation with academic advisor.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Take service-learning class(es).
Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
Explore peer leadership opportunities such as becoming a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or Supplemental Instruction Leader
Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Become a mentee in the Multicultural Connections and Advisement Program
Join a Cultural Organization.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume have it reviewed at VCU Career Services.
Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss course selection, registration and degree progression.
Complete required assessments (i.e. PRAXIS) as determined in consultation with academic advisor.
Enroll in upper level major courses.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Create and complete an education related community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class or an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Become a mentor for the Multicultural Connections and Advisement Program
Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
Use your summer to gain experiences and skills related to your career goals.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Update your LinkedIn profile and connect to at least 10 people; check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
Expand your network and remember that you can network anywhere.

Year 4

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss course selection, registration and degree progression.
Apply to Extended Teacher Preparation Program
Complete MAT or GRE test
Apply to Master of Teaching Program

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization or nonprofit.
Consider applying to a graduate teacher residency program such as Richmond Teacher Residency.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn to teach English through VCU’s TEFL certificate, an internationally-recognized credential for overseas employment as an English teacher.
Build your intercultural competence by becoming a conversation partner to an international student.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Take on a leadership role in a student organization or go deeper in your service opportunities.
Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year to explore your interests.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Have your resume and personal statement reviewed by VCU Career Services.
Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them to employers on a resume and in an interview.

Year 5

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Apply for Student Teaching Internship
Schedule an appointment with your graduate and undergraduate academic advisors a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Consider becoming an active member of a local education association
Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Create a student organization linked to your field of study.
Take at least one course that links diversity to your field of study.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete practicum and student teaching internship.
Participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Participate in Education Job Fair and Interview Day.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Research prospective employers and create a job search strategy at least 6 months before graduation.
Draft a cover letter for a position of interest and have it reviewed at VCU Career Services.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019