4+1 and Graduate Pathways

A female student attends a meeting sponsored by the School of Education.

Two Degrees = Endless Opportunities

B.S.Ed. (early childhood, elementary education, and health and PE) + M.Ed. in special education, general education concentration

For students who are passionate about teaching and want to maximize their career opportunities within their specific discipline as well as special education. After completing your undergraduate School of Education licensure program, students can apply for our M.Ed. in Special Education, general education to complete an undergraduate and graduate program and two licensure areas in as few as five years*.  The online MEd in Special Education, general education concentration is also available in our RTR Teacher residency program.

NOTE: This option is not eligible for B.S.Ed. students in our special education program as these licenses would be the same.

*Please note this is an estimated timeline for full-time students.

B.S.Ed. to Non-Licensure Masters Pathway Options

B.S.Ed. all tracks + M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Leadership Studies Concentration

For students passionate about leadership and who are committed to cross-disciplinary learning, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, concentration in Leadership Studies is a perfect fit. Electives make up 50% of the program, allowing students to select interest areas across VCU from public policy to special education, social work to non-profit business. This program is built to support future education leadership who are passionate about applying a diversity of skill sets in their future careers.

Sample course options for electives

ADMS 655: Student Centered Policy and Collaboration
ADLT 601: Adult Learning and Development 
ADMS 627: Enhancing and Supporting Instruction
ADMS 657: Educational Leadership and Civil Rights
ADLT 610: Consulting Skills In Adult Learning Environments

Sample content clusters across VCU

  • Public Administration
  • Government and Public Affairs
  • Urban Studies & Planning
  • Criminal Justice
  • Business and Strategy
  • Non-profit Leadership

 

B.S.Ed. all tracks + M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction

For students interested in enhancing existing skills and knowledge needed for contemporary classrooms, such as restorative practices, technology integration, and methods for supporting multilingual learners and students with disabilities, the the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is a good fit.  This flexible, cross-disciplinary program allows prospective students the opportunity to combine core curriculum and instruction courses with 12 credits of electives to build an individualized program to meet emerging needs in their specific areas of career and community development.

This program can be completed part-time or full-time and start any semester. Electives will be selected in consultation with your faculty advisor that leverage your B.S.Ed. experience and maximize your graduate experience. Core required courses are offered online, yet based on the electives you choose, the program may have in-person components.

 

Ready To Get Started?

Jenna Lenhardt, Ph.D.