Federal regulations from the United States Department of Education require Bridgewater College to disclose whether its educational programs meet the conditions for state credentialing (e.g., certification or licensure). Bridgewater College is approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to offer 16 initial licensure programs at the undergraduate level.
Elementary Education (P–6): Pre-kindergarten through Grade 6 (major in Liberal Studies)
Secondary Education (6–12): Biology, Career Technical-Family and Consumer Science, Chemistry, English, Social Studies (History and Social Studies), Mathematics, and Physics
Designated Discipline Education (P–12): French, Health and Physical Education, Music (Instrumental or Vocal), Spanish, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts
Students who successfully complete the program and pass the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators: Math, Virginia Communications and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE; P-6 only) and Praxis Content Area Knowledge Exam within their individual content endorsement area(s) are eligible for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, licensure eligibility may be reciprocal with other states as determined by agreements between states. Normally, credentialing as a teacher requires other (non-course related) information to be completed such as first aid/CPR, modules on dyslexia/child abuse, character assessment/references, criminal background assessment and other qualifications that may be unique or similar between varied U.S. jurisdictions.