Upon completion of degree requirements in any of VCU’s teacher preparation programs and with the recommendation of the School of Education, students are eligible to receive initial or advance teacher licensure from the Virginia Department of Education. For additional information on licensure, licensure renewal or an add-on endorsement, contact the School of Education’s Student Services Center or the Virginia Department of Education.
In Virginia, licensure requires successful completion of state-mandated tests. Passing scores on these tests are required to progress through different portions of the licensure programs from admission to teacher preparation, admission to student teaching and recommendation for licensure. For a list of testing requirements, please refer to the Students Services Center section on the School of Education website.
Graduate programs leading to initial teacher licensure
Individuals may decide to pursue a teaching career after they have completed a baccalaureate degree. VCU serves qualified individuals through approved programs leading to a Master of Teaching or Master of Education (special education). Upon completion of a degree program, graduates are eligible for both Virginia licensure and/or endorsement in the specific degree area.
The Master of Teaching program integrates undergraduate course work for a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts or science major with course work and graduate study leading to a Master of Teaching in a program area.
Individuals who wish to obtain licensure in art education or music education should consult the School of the Arts section of this bulletin.
Approved programs and certification reciprocity
All of VCU’s initial and advanced educator preparation programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education and lead to recommendation for a Virginia Professional License. Furthermore, our educator preparation degrees are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. VCU’s School of Education also holds membership in the American and Virginia Associations of Colleges for Teacher Education and the Holmes Partnership.
Based on the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification agreement, VCU graduates may be eligible for teacher licensure reciprocity with other states. Please be aware that requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Students interested in licensure reciprocity should contact the School of Education’s Student Services Center or the Department of Education Office in the future hiring state.
If a student plans to be in a state other than Virginia while completing an online program at VCU, please note that state regulations in every state determine whether VCU may offer a place in a course or program. VCU participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, which allows students from NC-SARA-approved states to enroll in VCU’s degree programs. All VCU licensure programs lead to a recommendation for a Virginia educator’s license. Please also note that as a VCU student enrolled in an online program, all universitywide policies, as well as School of Education policies, would apply. For additional information regarding out-of-state licensure reciprocity, please visit the Office of the Provost’s professional licensure disclosures webpage.