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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2018-2019

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)
Professional associations and resources
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:
https://soe.vcu.edu/
Major map compass icon
Major map

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. Review M.T. secondary history/social studies guide for important information.
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.
  • Learn about new cultures, food and music by attending one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals!
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
BUILD CULTURAL COMPETENCE
  • Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
  • Complete a VCU ally training program (e.g. recovery, safe zone, or green zone ally)
  • Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.
  • 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.
GET REAL EXPERIENCE
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • 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.
  • Follow the School of Education’s social media for workshops and events.
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.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
  • Research local, national and international news and podcasts to stay informed.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enroll in 100 level Political Science, Economics, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions).
  • Schedule an appointment with your undergraduate advisor (history or political science) and begin taking 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).
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break
  • Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA) 
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 from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
GET REAL EXPERIENCE
  • 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. 
  • Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest.
  • 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.   
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Complete EDUS 301- Teacher Prep required course.
  • Connect with M.T. faculty in history/social studies
  • Enroll in 300 level Political Science, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions).
  • Prepare to apply for Teacher Prep program
  • See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
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.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Create a community-engaged research project.
  • Volunteer with a youth serving non-profit organization.
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 from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
GET REAL EXPERIENCE
  • 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.
  • Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest.
  • 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.   
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. 
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network

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
  • Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships, including the MERC Conference.
  • Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, VCU RTR, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, and City Year.
  • Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization.
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
  • 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
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other discipline- specific conference. 
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete necessary for graduate program (GRE/MAT) 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. 
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2018-2019

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
Explore Year 1
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • 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.
  • Follow the School of Education’s social media for workshops and events.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using Lynda
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
  • Research local, national and international news and podcasts to stay informed.
Experience Year 2
  • Enroll in 100 level Political Science, Economics, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions).
  • Schedule an appointment with your undergraduate advisor (history or political science) and begin taking classes for “broad endorsement”.
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.   
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network
Year 3
  • Complete EDUS 301- Teacher Prep required course.
  • Connect with M.T. faculty in history/social studies
  • Enroll in 300 level Political Science, Urban Studies and History classes (see here for suggestions).
  • Prepare to apply for Teacher Prep program
  • See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
  • Attend an SOE information session or Open House.   
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. 
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network
Excel Year 4
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other discipline- specific conference. 
  • Complete necessary for graduate program (GRE/MAT) 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. 
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.