Elementary Education and Teaching

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

2026-2027

School of Education

Program description

The purpose of the B.S.Ed. in Elementary Education and Teaching degree is to prepare undergraduate students for roles as teachers of young children in schools and community preschool settings. The program will focus on providing students with a solid foundation in child development, education psychology and the role of the family and society in education. Students will be prepared to teach in diverse classroom settings through purposefully integrated fieldwork and internship experiences. The program prepares graduates to be reflective educators who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of science, social studies and mathematics pedagogy and content as well as a commitment to balanced literacy approaches. Students will develop skills to advocate for equitable learning opportunities for all children. Successful completion of the program will result in licensure for elementary education (PK-6).

Career opportunities

Graduates typically work in public or private school systems, child care centers, and youth service organizations. Teaching in public schools requires licensure. 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 RTR Teacher Residency, Americorps, America Reads or The Literacy Lab. Learn more and explore potential career pathways at https://www.teach.org/.

Change of major requirements

Submit the change of major form and email SOEAdvising@vcu.edu to schedule a change of major appointment to discuss your degree plan and requirements. Students must have a 2.5 GPA in order to declare a teaching-licensure granting major.

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

Elementary Education and Teaching, Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

Plan of study in Bulletin

Elementary Education and Teaching, Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.)

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 303 and MATH 361 and MATH 362
STAT 206 or STAT 208 or STAT 210

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Advancement to Teacher Preparation requires 2.8 cumulative GPA and acceptance to Clinical Internship (Student Teaching) requires 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Teaching and Learning

Building/room location:

Oliver Hall Education

Phone:

(804) 828-8160

Email:

soeadvising@vcu.edu

https://soe.vcu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/bsed-elementary-education/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Become familiar with licensure exam test criteria, costs, and passing score requirements.
Complete the Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Module.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
Complete the Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Module.
Review the prerequisite academic requirements (undergraduate) for teacher preparation.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Consider applying to a School of Education 4+1 and graduate pathway master’s-level program.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Begin studying for Licensure Exam #2: Praxis Early Childhood Education (Test #5001).
Complete Practicums 1 and 2 through the Teacher Preparation Program and Behavioral Intervention and Dyslexia Awareness modules.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate, Cultural Conversations, English Practice Club, and/or Cultural Ambassadors program
Explore peer leadership opportunities in Alternative Spring Break.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Volunteer with student organizations, non-profit organizations, or education facilities to build teaching and interpersonal skills and explore student populations and career trends of interest.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Apply to the Extended Teacher Preparation Program.
Join a Professional Organization like SVEA, GRTCM, VCTM, RARC, VSRA, NSTA, VAST, NCSS, or VCSS.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Complete Practicum 3 through the Teacher Preparation Program PassLicensure Exam #1: Praxis Early Childhood Education (Test #5001) and Licensure Exam #2: Reading for VA Educators (Test #5305).
Consider taking the Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, and/or Technology Education Praxis exams to earn additional licensure endorsements.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Design a community-engaged research project.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Apply to the Teacher Preparation Program by preparing a personal statement and other required materials.
Consider applying to the Multilingual Ambassadors Program (participation available dependent upon REAL Grant funding).

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Develop career-related skills by pursuing part-time job opportunities in areas such as youth development, teaching assistant, after-school and tutoring programs, mentor programs, and camp counseling.
Submit the Student Teaching Internship application and complete your 16-week long internship placements.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Develop career-related skills by pursuing part-time job opportunities in areas such as youth development, teaching assistant, after-school and tutoring programs, mentor programs, and camp counseling.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Earn CPR and First Aid licensure.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Join a professional organization related to your industry of interest and consider serving on a committee to build and practice career-related and leadership skills.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Collaborate with your advisor and the Clinical Placement & Licensure Coordinator to prepare your teaching licensure application.
Submit your teaching licensure application.

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

2026-2027

Elementary Education and Teaching

School of Education

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Become familiar with licensure exam test criteria, costs, and passing score requirements. Complete the Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Module.	Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community. Connect with Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets, study abroad fairs or complete Rams Abroad 101. to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities. Consider applying to the Honors College. Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests. Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.) Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.	Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services. Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app. Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones. Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage. Complete the Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Module. Review the prerequisite academic requirements (undergraduate) for teacher preparation.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Consider applying to a School of Education 4+1 and graduate pathway master’s-level program.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Begin studying for Licensure Exam #2: Praxis Early Childhood Education (Test #5001). Complete Practicums 1 and 2 through the Teacher Preparation Program and Behavioral Intervention and Dyslexia Awareness modules.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs like the Peace Corps Prep Certificate, Cultural Conversations, English Practice Club, and/or Cultural Ambassadors program Explore peer leadership opportunities in Alternative Spring Break.	Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake. Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Volunteer with student organizations, non-profit organizations, or education facilities to build teaching and interpersonal skills and explore student populations and career trends of interest.	Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Apply to the Extended Teacher Preparation Program. Join a Professional Organization like SVEA, GRTCM, VCTM, RARC, VSRA, NSTA, VAST, NCSS, or VCSS.
Experience	Year 3	Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Complete Practicum 3 through the Teacher Preparation Program PassLicensure Exam #1: Praxis Early Childhood Education (Test #5001) and Licensure Exam #2: Reading for VA Educators (Test #5305). Consider taking the Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, and/or Technology Education Praxis exams to earn additional licensure endorsements.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Design a community-engaged research project. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Apply to the Teacher Preparation Program by preparing a personal statement and other required materials. Consider applying to the Multilingual Ambassadors Program (participation available dependent upon REAL Grant funding).	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Develop career-related skills by pursuing part-time job opportunities in areas such as youth development, teaching assistant, after-school and tutoring programs, mentor programs, and camp counseling. Submit the Student Teaching Internship application and complete your 16-week long internship placements.	Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center. Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Develop career-related skills by pursuing part-time job opportunities in areas such as youth development, teaching assistant, after-school and tutoring programs, mentor programs, and camp counseling.
Excel	Year 4	Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Earn CPR and First Aid licensure.	Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field. Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.	Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Join a professional organization related to your industry of interest and consider serving on a committee to build and practice career-related and leadership skills.	Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey. Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Collaborate with your advisor and the Clinical Placement & Licensure Coordinator to prepare your teaching licensure application. Submit your teaching licensure application.