Secondary Educators are passionate about helping their students discover the wonders of learning. They are eager to explore content in deep and meaningful ways with their students in grades 6 through 12, teaching at a higher level of cognitive complexity than typically experienced in middle or elementary school classrooms.
Because the secondary education field is so content-focused, our students major in their content area which gives them a firm foundation from which to build appropriately challenging and integrated lessons that will impact their students for years to come.
*Our programs specifically prepare students for a Virginia Teaching License. Contact the Education Support Center for more information on how to be eligible for an out-of-state license after completion of our program.
Which program is right for you?
Be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License at the end of your Undergraduate-Only Program
*Only open to students graduating in spring of 2023 or later.
- Double major in Secondary Education (1st major) and the content area you want to teach and are passionate about (2nd major)
- Ideal for highly motivated future educators wanting to get in the field quickly
- Learn how to be an educator through hands-on and practical learning experiences
- Learn cutting-edge best practices for classroom instruction
- Extensive fieldwork hours in diverse school settings in addition to student teaching
- Nationally recognized faculty consistently deliver real, formative support
- Enter the workforce with professionalism and strong content knowledge
- Be part of a program whose alumni are in high demand in the field
- Help alleviate the Virginia teacher shortage
Be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License at the end of your Undergraduate & Graduate (Dual Degree) Program
- Major in the content area you want to teach and are passionate about
- Minor in pre-professional Secondary Education
- Earn a Bachelors degree AND a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- MAT may assist in employability and/or additional salary incentive in certain school divisions
- All the benefits of the 4-year program plus:
- Additional and earlier field experiences which give more time to develop teaching style and classroom management strategies
- Increased depth of program to develop key instructional skills
- Opportunities for reflection on classroom experiences
- Research opportunities that develop skills in data-driven classroom decisions
Graduate-only Initial Licensure Pathway
- Ideal for highly motivated future educators wanting to get in the field quickly with adequate classroom preparation
- Designed for candidates with degrees in one or more of the following subjects (or comparable): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, History, Mathematics, Physics, or Political Science
This Master of Arts in Teaching pathway is designed specifically for and only available to college graduates, undergraduate "late-deciders", and some eligible transfer students who have decided to pursue a teaching license. Candidates planning to teach at the secondary level (grades 6-12) should contact the Middle, Secondary, and Mathematics Department for more information and to meet with an education advisor prior to applying to the program to discuss program options.
Request Information
Have questions? Email Middle and Secondary Education to learn more about what our programs can offer you.
Awards & Scholarships
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Advising & Resources
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