2019-2020
Secondary education
School of Education
Concentration(s):
History and Social Studies
Program description
This is an advising map that will prepare you to apply to a Masters in Teaching (M.T.) program. Students complete an undergraduate major (i.e. History, Political Science, Economics, African American Studies, etc), and utilize this map to prepare themselves for admission into both the Teacher Prep and M.T. program. Our Master of Teaching program prepares students for initial teaching licensure eligibility in Virginia.
The Master of Teaching degree can also be pursued as part of the RTR program, an innovative graduate teacher residency that pairs residents with an experienced mentor for our most challenged schools. Starting in 2019, RTR has expanded and now includes the high-needs and hard-to-staff schools in the metro-Richmond school districts of Richmond, Petersburg, Chesterfield and Henrico. If this interests you, please send your unofficial transcripts directly to the program at teachRTR@vcu.edu.
Career opportunities
The Virginia Department of Education has identified secondary history and social studies as a critical need shortage area. There is a United States need for passionate, committed, and capable educators who want to inspire the next generation of citizens. There are opportunities to engage with districts in required in-classroom experiences throughout your undergraduate and graduate program as you prepare for your future teaching career. Many teachers choose to take on additional subject content areas or curriculum tasks to help continually improve the classroom learning environment for future learners. Teaching is a profession that allows students to combine their passion for social justice, equality, diversity, and their content area expertise into a meaningful career.
Change of major 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.
Admissions Requirements for the M.T. and Teacher Prep program:
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
- *** Completion of a graduate degree may be necessary for the following job titles:
- High School and Middle School Social Studies (history, civics, economics, geography and psychology)
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
Science required
Foreign language requirements
Additional tuition/fees
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
Contact information
Department name:
Dean's Office
Building/room location:
Oliver Hall, 1015 W. Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2020
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Invalid campus
Phone:
804-827-2670
Email:
soeinfo@vcu.edu
Website:
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enroll in UNIV 291- Urban Education
- Review M.T. secondary history/social studies guide for important information.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
- Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
- Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Apply to join the Honors College.
- Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
- Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE
- Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
- Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
- Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
- Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
GET REAL EXPERIENCE
- Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
- Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through the VCU Career Services and Handshake.
- Create a draft resume and have it reviewed by VCU Career Services during drop-ins.
- Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
- Follow the School of Education’s social media for workshops and events.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
- Research local, national and international news and podcasts to stay informed.
- Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
- Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
- Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enroll in 100 level Political Science, Economics, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions).
- Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
- Take history or political science classes for “broad endorsement”.
- Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Attend at least two or three public talks or events hosted by the School of Education (i.e. John Cook lecture series, Teach-In kick-off).
- Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
- Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
- Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
- Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
- Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
GET REAL EXPERIENCE
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
- Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
- Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
- Look for volunteer or employment opportunities to tutor in local schools and community centers.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Attend an SOE information session or Open House.
- Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
- Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
- Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Complete EDUS 301 and enroll in 300-level Political Science, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions). Teacher Prep required course.
- Connect with M.T. faculty in history/social studies
- See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
- Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
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.
- Create a community-engaged research project.
- Volunteer with a youth serving non-profit organization.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE
- Actively develop your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
- Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
- Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
GET REAL EXPERIENCE
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year.
- Look for volunteer or employment opportunities to tutor in local schools and community centers.
- Seek research opportunities to refine goals and learn the discipline required for success.
- Apply for summer research funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
- Update your ePortfolio.
- Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Attend an SOE information session or Open House.
- Talk to advisors, faculty, and career services about graduate school versus a job.
- Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
- Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
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 to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Consider attending the MERC Conference.
- Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
- Apply for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, Teach for America, or City Year.
- Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE
- Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.
- Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
- Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
- Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
GET REAL EXPERIENCE
- Explore applying to the School of Education- Substitute Teaching the VCU Way program
- Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
- Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
- Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
- Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
2019-2020
Secondary education
School of Education
Concentration(s):
History and Social Studies
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE | GET REAL EXPERIENCE | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Explore | Year 1 |
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| Experience | Year 2 |
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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