Interdisciplinary Studies

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2019-2020

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Liberal Studies for Early and Elementary Education (LSEE)

Program description

To become an elementary school teacher, students are expected to declare the liberal studies for early and elementary education major. The major is the College of Humanities and Sciences’ undergraduate part of the five-and-a-half-year Extended Teacher Preparation Program. The LSEE major requires a minimum of 120 credits within a highly structured, pre-professional program that combines with the Master of Teaching in the Extended Teacher Preparation Program in with the School of Education. Successful completion of the LSEE major results in a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, which is awarded simultaneously with the Master of Teaching.

Career opportunities

Graduates typically work in public or private school systems, child care centers, and 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/.

Change of major requirements

Email lsee@vcu.edu to schedule an advising appointment to discuss requirements

Bachelor-level job titles

Childcare Worker
Elementary School Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
PreSchool or Child Care Center Director
PreSchool Teacher
Recreation Worker
Special Education Teacher
Teacher Assistant

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Plan of study in Bulletin

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 201 or higher

Science required

3-4 additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

Liberal Studies for Early and Elementary Education

Building/room location:

VCU Meeting Center; 101 N. Harrison Street

Phone:

(804) 828-0496

Email:

lsee@vcu.edu

https://lsee.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.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.

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 in Virginia and explore Richmond 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(OMSA) 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 and registration and degree progression.
Enroll in TEDU 101, EDUS 301, and MATH 361.
Talk to your professors about research interests and strategies for success.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Take service-learning classes or volunteer 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.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at Global Café.
Join a cultural organization.
Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume and come to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
Build your LinkedIn profile - check out VCU Alumni. Career Services can help.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in your field.
Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
Consider who could serve as academic and professional references for future letters of recommendation.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss course selection and registration and degree progression.
Complete PRAXIS Core Academic Skills Math Test and VCLA Test.
Enroll in upper level major courses (“e” classes).

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.
Attend a Wellness Resource Center event.
Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class or an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Use your summer to gain experiences and skills related to your career goals.
Apply for summer internships that will build your skills in education or with your population of interest.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.

Year 4

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss course selection and 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

Create and complete a science related community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Consider becoming an active member of a local education association.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

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

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year to explore your interests.
Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector or applying to a graduate teacher residency program like Richmond Teacher Residency.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Draft your personal statement and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services.
Make a list of your skills and think about how to articulate them to employers on a resume and in an interview.
Update your resume and have it reviewed at VCU Career Services.

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

Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Enhance your networking skills and practice your “elevator speech” when presenting yourself.

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.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete practicum and student teaching internship.
Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Have your cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Participate in Education Job Fair and Interview Day.

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

2019-2020