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.
Master of Teaching
Total: 38-44 semester hours
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES — ALL
9 semester hours. All candidates must complete the following courses.
EDUC517U Foundations of Education
EDUC518U Diverse Learners and Human Growth and Development
EDUC558U Classroom and Behavior Management
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES — ELEMENTARY
18 semester hours. Elementary education candidates only.
EDUC507U Instruction and Assessment in Elementary Science
EDUC508U Instruction and Assessment in Elementary Social Studies
EDUC510U Concepts and Methods in Elementary Math
EDUC511U Assessment and Differentiation in Elementary Math
EDUC524U Reading Foundations for Early Literacy Instruction
EDUC526U Assessment, Intervention and Literacy Strategies
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES — SECONDARY & COMPREHENSIVE
18 semester hours. Secondary & comprehensive education candidates only.
EDUC538U Technology-enhanced 21st Century Teaching and Learning
EDUC542U Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary and Comprehensive Classrooms
EDUC543U Assessment and Evaluation in Education
EDUC547U Advanced Secondary and Comprehensive Methods*
EDUC550U Content Area Literacy
EDUC560U Assessment, Intervention, and Literacy Strategies for Adolescents
* Comprehensive foreign language candidates substitute EDUC553U Foreign Language Methods for EDUC547U.
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
8-14 semester hours
All Candidates
Most Candidates: Traditional Pathway
EDUC575U Teaching Internship (12 sem. hrs.)
Provisionally Licensed Teachers: Employed Teacher Pathway
EDUC583U Contracted Teacher Internship (6 sem. hrs. generally completed over 2 semesters)
STEP Program Participants: STEP Residency Pathway
EDUC583U Contracted Teaching Internship (6 sem. hrs. over 2 semesters)
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.
Sarah Calveric, adjunct associate professor of educational leadership & policy studies, was nominated by students to receive the Itzkowitz Family Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award at the School of Professional & Continuing Studies 2025 Commencement Exercises on May 10, 2025.
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.