Un r ivaled
Undergraduate Education
Teaching | Human and Organizational Development
Special
Education | Health and Physical Education
Whether your career goals include engaging in K-12, public service, or corporate organizations, the VCU School of Education undergraduate academic programs take learning to a new level.
Innovative The VCU School of Education is a nationally-ranked research powerhouse, creating endless opportunities for research, policy analysis, and practical applications to improve the way we understand and practice education, counseling, training, leadership, and the intersection of research across disciplines.
Community-focused We have the surrounding community in mind for everything that we do. Students can engage with our centers and institutes to participate in crossdisciplinary, community-focused initiatives that make a meaningful impact.
Inclusive Diversity, equity and inclusion are woven into our community culture, decisions and actions. We strive to create a culture of belonging where you are celebrated for who you are in our community and empowered to create the same space for others.
Collaborative From day one, you are able to engage in relevant, experiential and applied learning through classes, internships, research, volunteering and more.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
35% of SOE students identify as racially minoritized
Research shows that diversity drives excellence. In the VCU School of Education, it drives the work we do within our classrooms, our communities and our research. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment and providing unique, innovative educator and professional pathways across disciplines and industries.
Ways to engage...
Programs
Bachelor’s degrees: Human and Organizational Development
Early Childhood Education (PK-3)
Elementary Education (PK-6)
Health and Physical Education (PK-12)
Special Education and Teaching [Early Childhood / General Education]
Minors / Certificates:
Early Intervention Special Education Education
Health Education
Special Education
Recreation and Wellness
TESOL [Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages]
Instructional Design and Technology
Certificate in Disability Studies
Upon completion of degree requirements in any of VCU’s educator preparation programs, students are eligible to receive licensure from the Virginia Department of Education. Please review our website for additional information: soe.vcu.edu
Submit our inquiry form to get a new student packet and find a time to connect with our team.
Future Teacher Connections
Mirror Me Calling all Chesterfield County Public School students! Join the Mirror Me Teacher Pathway Initiative. The Mirror Me program aims to recruit and retain teachers of varied backgrounds by increasing the number of minority teachers and promoting the importance of the teaching profession. Program benefits include financial support, mentorship from an experienced CCPS teacher, and priority hiring after graduation.
RTR Teacher Residency RTR is a yearlong teacher residency program for future teachers to receive financial and career support while serving students in high needs schools. go.vcu.edu/soertrprint
n Pathways: Early Childhood/Elementary: Students may apply during their junior year of their B.S.Ed. program to participate in RTR during their final two semesters
n NEW Elementary and Elementary Special Education Apprenticeship Pathway: students with an associate’s degree from an accredited institution may apply
Student Virginia Education Association The Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) is a professional preservice teacher organization that provides opportunities for college students to explore education as a profession. All education majors (Elementary, Secondary Education, Special Education, Music, Art, Health and Physical, etc.) are encouraged to join. VCU’s SVEA chapter also participates in several community outreach programs. To gain experience and skills, members also attend conferences and workshops.
Community Connections
Multilingual Ambassador Program Are you a multilingual student? Want to give back to the community? Join the Multilingual Ambassador Program to support local school districts, tutor and mentor multilingual/English Language students, engage communities and families to celebrate culture, and more!
Get Involved
VCU is home to more than 400 student organizations. Get involved and join clubs like:
n YouFirst for first-generation students
n community services organizations
n affinity groups
n fraternities and sororities
n sports and recreation clubs
n and much more!
Undergraduate Program Timeline
Apply to VCU and select your School of Education program
Application & Acceptance
Welcome to the RAMily! Attend orientation and engage in our Weeks of Welcome (WoW) events
Engage in required first-year UNIV class to find your fit at VCU
Review your program Major Map to maximize your VCU experience
Explore campus resources and organizations such as YouFirst, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Adult and Non-traditional Student Services, and more
Year 2
Apply for your Clinical Internship/ Student Teaching Experience
Study abroad
Meet with a Career Advisor and plan to shadow current professionals in your field
Consider programs like the RTR Teacher Residency, which prepares graduates to become teachers in high needs schools
Year 4
Fill out your FAFSA or VASA [Students with undocumented, immigrant, or DACA status, apply for the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) to receive funding]
Consider applying to the Honors College as a first year, transfer, or current student
Complete in-class experiential and service learning experiences related to your future career
Year 1
Apply to the Teacher Prep Program
Volunteer in the RVA community
Consider applying to be an ACE-IT in College education coach for students
Meet with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience
Year 3
Transfer students: begin here
Engage in your semester student teaching or internship experience
Apply to graduate and stay engaged as an alum
Connect with Career Services for resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, and more
For detailed pre-attendance checklists, visit: admissions.vcu.edu/accepted-students/ Questions? Contact soeinfo@vcu.edu
“I want to help not just in the school system. I want to help outside in the community –anybody that I can reach.”
Catrinna Garrett, Transfer Student, Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Transfer Student Resources
Explore our Transfer Maps!
Transfer Credit Review Request
Engage in academic and career exploration, gain experience, and explore recommended courses that will make your transition to VCU as smooth as possible.
Submit a transfer credit review request to have your trascript evaluated! You will receive a draft plan of study for a glimpse at what your VCU experience will look like.
Read on for more important application instructions and deadlines!
Applying to join the RAMily!
Admission Requirements
FIRST YEAR
n Common Application
n High School Transcript
n College Transcripts (for students with dual enrollment credits)
n Check out the First Year Application Checklist for more details
TRANSFER
n VCU transfer application
n High school transcript (for transfer students with less than 30 credits)
FIRST YEAR CHECKLIST TRANSFER CHECKLIST
n College transcripts: Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript from each previously attended college or university. Students may send official transcripts electronically via Parchment to the Undergraduate Office of Admissions at ugrad@vcu.edu.
n Check out the Transfer Application Checklist for more details
Application Deadlines
VCU Scholarship Consideration: November 1
SPRING: November 1 (first year and transfer)
FALL: January 16 (first year priority deadline for a guaranteed decision by April 1), March 15 (transfer priority deadline for a guaranteed decision by May 1)
Note: Transfer applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application questions? Connect with an Undergraduate Recruitment Coordinator for help with your next steps. Schedule a meeting!
Fund Your Future
Financial Aid
VCU’s Office of Financial Aid can assist with any questions or concerns that pop up over your four years with the VCU School of Education, and there are multiple ways to reach out: by phone or email, in person, or using VCU’s Virtual Student Center (finaid.vcu.edu/contact/). To contact the School of Education student financial counselor, contact sfmcsoe@vcu.edu.
Scholarship Support
scholarships available to undergraduate students
The VCU School of Education offers over 20 scholarships just for undergraduate students! Some are merit- and need-based. For future teachers, there are also specialized scholarships depending on what you hope to teach and where. All are opportunities for help with tuition.
soe.vcu.edu/admission/financial-aid/
You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) every year to be considered for financial aid. The FAFSA and VASA priority deadline is March 1.
Teachers for Tomorrow / Educators Rising Scholarship All students who have participated in an Educators Rising or Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow program are eligible to apply for our LEAP scholarship, a $1000 competitive scholarship for incoming B.S.Ed. students.
SOE
RVA
Richmond, the capital of Virginia and commonly called RVA by locals, was founded in 1737.
Population: 1.2 million+ (Richmond Metropolitan Area)
Visitors to RVA will find easy interstate access via I-95 and I-64. RVA is also served by two Amtrak stations, an international airport and innovative GRTC transit system.
Within a two-hour drive of RVA
You’ll find surf and sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, skiing and fall color in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, and all the cultural offerings available in our nation’s capital!
The SOE’s location in RVA’s thriving city center provides students, faculty and staff with a wide variety of cultural, entertainment, arts and international culinary options, many within easy walking distance of campus.
The RVA Difference
Music/Culture
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The National Altria Theater
Richmond Ballet
Science Museum of Virginia
Virginia State Capitol
Richmond Folk Festival
VA Pride Fest
Richmond Jazz Festival
Institute for Contemporary Art
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Food/Entertainment
First Fridays
Carytown
Richmond Flying Squirrels
The Jefferson Hotel
Shockoe Slip
Main Street Station
And so much more!
Recreation
Canal Walk
Byrd Park
The James River
Maymont
Libby Hill Park
Dominion Riverrock
Virginia Capital Trail
Monroe Park
Belle Isle
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Washington D.C.
Virginia Beach
Charlottesville RVA
