
Master of Teaching
Pursue your passion for teaching and the ability to impact and shape young minds as a classroom teacher with our new Master of Teaching (MT) degree. Our MT is an initial teacher licensure preparation program that leads to earning a teaching license from the Virginia Department of Education as well as a graduate degree in teaching. The program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than education but want to learn the skills to become an effective classroom teacher.
Face-to-face, classroom-based learning experiences are valued in the program, although some classes may be offered online or as in-class/online hybrid experiences.
Program Details
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Requirements
MT Program of Study
Total: 44 semester hours
Professional Studies — All
9 semester hours. All candidates must complete the following courses.
- EDUC 517U Foundations of Education
- EDUC 518U Diverse Learners and Human Growth and Development
- EDUC 558U Classroom and Behavior Management
- EDUC 584U Pre-Internship Workshop Series
Professional Studies — Elementary
18 semester hours. Elementary education candidates only.
- EDUC 507U Instruction and Assessment in Elementary Science
- EDUC 508U Instruction and Assessment in Elementary Social Studies
- EDUC 510U Concepts and Methods in Elementary Math
- EDUC 511U Assessment and Differentiation in Elementary Math
- EDUC 524U Reading Foundations
- EDUC 526U Assessment, Intervention and Literacy Strategies
Professional Studies — Secondary & Comprehensive
18 semester hours. Secondary & comprehensive education candidates only.
- EDUC 538U Technology-enhanced 21st Century Teaching and Learning
- EDUC 542U Teaching and Learning in Secondary Classrooms
- EDUC 543U Assessment and Evaluation in Education
- EDUC 547U Content-Specific Instruction in Secondary Classrooms
- EDUC 550U Content Area Literacy
- EDUC 560U Assessment, Intervention, and Literacy Strategies for Adolescents
Elective
3 semester hours from department-approved list. All candidates must take one elective graduate course, which may include initial coursework to meet add-on endorsement requirements in Gifted Education, Special Education or ESL.
Clinical Experience
14 semester hours
- EDUC 575U Teaching Internship (12 sem. hrs.)
- EDUC 585U Capstone Seminar (2 sem. hrs.)
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Initial Endorsement
Teaching Endorsement Areas
Initial Endorsement Areas
Students in the MT program must select an initial endorsement area. Students may also complete coursework related to ESL, gifted education and special education toward an add-on endorsement. Consult with your academic advisor to develop a personalized plan of study.
Elementary Education (PreK-6)
Requires a qualifying bachelor’s degree major.
Secondary Content Areas (6-12)
Requires qualifying bachelor’s degree major:
- English
- History & Social Sciences
- Mathematics
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Comprehensive Content Areas (PreK-12)
Requires qualifying bachelor’s degree major:
- Foreign Language: French, German, Latin, Spanish
- Theater Arts
- Visual Arts
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Additional Endorsements
Add-on Endorsements
Students in the Master of Teaching and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction programs may complete coursework related to ESL, gifted education and special education toward an add-on endorsement. Consult with your academic advisor to develop a personalized plan of study, and discuss the additional Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requirements for an add-on endorsement.
Gifted Education
12 semester hours. M.Ed. students may be able to substitute courses as an alternative for a portion of Core Courses.
- EDUC 555U Curriculum for Talented and Gifted Education
- EDUC 562U Special Populations of Gifted Students
- EDUC 563U Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted Student
- EDUC 570U Foundations of Gifted Education
Special Education, General Curriculum Elementary
9 semester hours. M.Ed. students may be able to substitute courses as an alternative for a portion of Core Courses.
- EDUC 565U Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education
- EDUC 571U Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
- EDUC 574U Understanding and Implementing the IEP
English as a Second Language
3 semester hours. M.Ed. students may be able to substitute courses as an alternative for a portion of Core Courses.
- EDUC 519U Working with English Learners
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Graduate Admissions
Admission to Graduate Programs
Transfer of Graduate Credits
Up to six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred toward a graduate program in the School. Transfer credits may be accepted only from another regionally accredited institution of higher education. In order for graduate academic credits completed prior to admission into a graduate program to be considered, credits: (1) must have been completed within the past five years with a grade of 'B' or better; (2) must not have been used to satisfy requirements for another degree or certificate at the University of Richmond or another institution of higher education; and (3) must be approved by the Program Chair. Possible transfer credits completed while in the program must receive prior approval by the Program Chair. Except by waiver, no more than six hours may be transferred into a graduate program.
Graduate Admission Process
Students seeking admission to a graduate certificate or a master's degree program must complete the following:
- File a Graduate Application with the School and submit the non-refundable $50 graduate application fee
- Have official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities where college work was attempted forwarded directly to the School
- Have three (3) letters of recommendation sent directly to the School (requirement differs for Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure Preparation and Master of Teaching)
- Have official TOEFL scores sent (when applicable)
Official documents verifying college and university work and test scores must be sent from the institution or agency responsible for the information directly to the School.
Letters of recommendation should be substantive regarding the applicant’s potential to be successful as a graduate student and professional in their field. Letters from past or current supervisors and professors are preferred, and those from professional peers and coworkers who can offer meaningful input about the applicant’s abilities and potential may be appropriate as well. Letters from friends, family members, and subordinates are discouraged.
Additional requirements vary by graduate degree programs. See the section that follows for the graduate program to which you are applying.
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MT Admissions
Admission to the Master of Teaching
Student seeking admission to the Master of Teaching program must have the following (in addition to the admission requirements for all graduate programs):
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or international equivalent)
- GPA of 2.7 or higher on all college or university academic work attempted
- Two (2) official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended submitted directly to Education at the University of Richmond
- Passing scores on the Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment (VCLA, see details below)
- Brief explanation of why they want to become a teacher along with a current résumé submitted to the School
- Two (2) professional references (MT Applicant Rating Forms)
- Successful admissions interview with the program director or designee
Testing Requirements for Admission
Passing scores on the VCLA must be submitted directly to the School’s Education program, to the attention of Miriam Blackmon (mblackmo@richmond.edu). She is also available for registration support.
Test Score Requirements
- Reading subtest (code 091) passing score: 235
- Writing subtest (code 092) passing score: 235
- Combined test passing score: 470
Candidates who have passed previous testing requirements for admission should contact Miriam Blackmon.
Program Features
- Position yourself for a meaningful career change and greater starting salary potential with a master’s degree
- Help meet a need for teachers in critical shortage areas by starting coursework to meet add-on endorsement requirements in Gifted Education, Special Education or English as a Second Language
- Flexible scheduling allows students to complete the program in about two years
- State-, regionally- and nationally-accredited
- Part-time, evening classes to accommodate work schedules
- Be part of a vibrant, inspiring campus community
You’ll prepare to teach across disciplines in elementary school, or apply your undergraduate major and experience toward teaching specific subjects in middle or high school school contexts.
The University of Richmond and the School of Professional & Continuing Studies have been preparing career switchers to enter the teaching profession for decades. Central Virginia school divisions recognize the quality of teachers who complete our licensure and professional programs. Students often receive job offers before completing their teaching internships. And countless graduates have been named school- and division-level teachers of the year and first-year teachers of the year.
What You’ll Learn
- Behavioral theories, principles and strategies for managing a positive classroom environment
- The latest learning theory and technology skills to maximize the effectiveness of instructional design
- Theoretical underpinnings and contemporary perspective on critical issues, professional practices, and state and federal laws influencing the teaching of students with diverse learning needs
- Instructional strategies to foster creative thinking and problem solving
- How to implement all you learn in a real-world setting through a 15-week field-based clinical experience
Resources
- Teacher Preparation Handbook: For students recently accepted into the MT program
- Teaching Internship Handbook: For students preparing to complete their student teaching experience
- Applying for a License: For students who have successfully completed their teaching internship