Career Preparation for Education
Elementary Certification pK-6 (Liberal Studies)
Candidates who seek certification to teach grades pK-6 are strongly encouraged to consult early with the education department faculty regarding a choice of major. While candidates are strongly encouraged to major in liberal studies, majoring in one of the core content areas (English, a science, mathematics, or social studies), family and consumer sciences, psychology and sociology are also options.
Regardless of the major, it is vital for prospective elementary teachers to have a solid working knowledge in the core subject areas (English, science, mathematics, or social studies) in order to implement the standards of learning as established by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Liberal Studies Major
The liberal studies major and the general education program are available for candidates seeking pK-6 certification. Since this major is linked with pK-6 certification, all requirements (major and pK-6 education courses) must be met prior to graduation. A candidate cannot graduate with this major and then return to complete the professional education semester (i.e., student teaching and the senior education seminar). This major is available in either a B.A. or B.S. degree and is housed in the education department.
Elementary Certification pK-6 Course Sequence
Plan of Major Form for Liberal Studies
The following courses are required for the Liberal Studies major:
| ENG 275: or ENG 300: |
Grammar, Style, and Editing (3) Linguistics (3) |
| ENG 315: | Teaching Writing (3) |
| ENG 345: | Literature for Children (3) |
| MATH 105: | Math Theory and Computation I (3) |
| MATH 115: | Math Theory and Computation II (3) |
| MATH 200: | Introduction to Statistics (3) |
| HIST 201: | History of the United States to 1877 (3) |
| HIST 302: | The American Experience 1877- Present (3) |
| GEOG 340: | Regional Geography (3) |
| BIOL 100: | The Nature of the Biological World (4) |
| PHYS 110: | Introductory Astronomy (4) |
| or PHYS 125: |
Concepts of Physics (4) |
| FCS 400 | Child Growth and Development (3) |
| FCS 408 | Parent and Child Relationships (3) |
Middle/Secondary Certification (6-12) and (pK-12)
Candidates who seek certification to teach in grades 6-12 or pK-12 will major in an arts or sciences discipline. Based upon choice of major, a candidate can obtain an endorsement to teach in the following areas:
- Biology (6-12)
- Chemistry (6-12)
- Computer Science (6-12)
- Driver Education (add on to an existing area of certification)
- English (6-12)
- English as a Second Language (pK-12)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (6-12)
- French (pK-12)
- Health & Physical Education (pK-12)
- History and Social Sciences (6-12)
- Mathematics (6-12)
- Music, Instrumental (pK-12)
- Music, Vocal (pK-12)
- Physics (6-12)
- Spanish (pK-12)
- Theater Arts (pK-12)
- Visual Arts (pK-12)
