Pursue your passion for teaching and the ability to impact and shape young minds as a classroom teacher with our 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.
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. Countless graduates have been named school- and division-level teachers of the year and first-year teachers of the year.
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.
Students in the Master of Teaching 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.
Requires a qualifying bachelor’s degree major.
Requires qualifying bachelor’s degree major:
Requires qualifying bachelor’s degree major:
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.
12 semester hours
9-15 semester hours, depending on level (Secondary or Elementary)
3 semester hours
Prepare to teach across disciplines in elementary school, or apply your undergraduate major and experience toward specific subjects in middle or high school school contexts.
In addition to selecting an initial endorsement area, MT students may work toward an additional endorsement. Endorsements are available in ESL (requires ESOL Praxis Exam as shown under English Language & Literacy), Gifted Education, and Special Education.
| Course | Term(s) |
|---|---|
| EDUC 519U Working with English Learners* | Spring |
| EDUC 619U Strategies for Teaching Writing | Summer |
| EDUC 620U Advanced Children’s Literature | Summer |
* EDUC 519U serves as test prep for taking the ESOL Praxis Exam, required to earn Virginia ESL endorsement.
These courses prepare you to earn the Virginia Gifted Education endorsement.
| Course | Term(s) |
|---|---|
| EDUC 555U Curriculum for Talented and Gifted Education | Fall |
| EDUC 562U Special Populations of Gifted Students | Spring |
| EDUC 563U Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted Student | Summer* |
| EDUC 570U Foundations of Gifted Education | Summer* |
* Summer classes are scheduled in early and late terms so both classes may be taken during the summer.
These courses can prepare you to earn the Virginia Special Education - General Curriculum endorsement.
| Course | Term(s) |
|---|---|
| EDUC 565U Foundations & Legal Aspects of Special Education [E,S] | Fall |
| EDUC 568U Successful Transitions in Special Education [S] | Spring |
| EDUC 571U Assessment & Evaluation in Special Education [E] | Spring |
| EDUC 574U Understanding & Implementing the IEP [E,S] | Summer |
Key: [E] - Elementary; [S] = Secondary & Comprehensive
Secondary candidates must also complete EDUC 511U and EDUC 560U. Contact the Graduate Education program if interested.
The School of Professional & Continuing Studies recognized 113 graduating students and graduation candidates at its 62nd Commencement Exercises on May 10, 2025.
When Carli Laine, a student in the Master of Teaching program, imagined herself as a teacher, she envisioned herself like those teachers who made a lasting impact on her own educational journey.
Rachel Rogers, graduate student in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program, seeks to advance the impact of education as an aspiring school leader.