You’ve come to the right place, so let’s get started
Ready to apply to VCU and our School of Education? Great - because we’re ready for you!
As an undergraduate, you’ll go through VCU’s central application experience. But before we send you over there, we want to make sure you understand a few things about becoming an educator that might sound more complicated than they are.
For example, if you want to be a high school math or English teacher, you’ll be on a five-year track where you get your undergraduate degree in the content area you plan to teach - then complete a master’s degree in teaching. And many teaching and counseling roles also require you to complete licensing requirements to practice in Virginia.
The bottom line: You’ll apply to VCU now, then apply internally in your second year to our Teacher Preparation Program, if you want to be a licensed educator.
That’s why our School of Education recruitment team is here. We know you have questions, and we’ll provide trusted answers.
Application Support and Resources
If you’re an incoming freshman, we encourage you to take advantage of a great resource page on our central VCU site that walks you through our requirements and how to complete the Common Application. You’ll learn about deadlines and how to engage and visit campus.
If you’re an incoming transfer student, our VCU application system will help you navigate every step of your process. Visit the central VCU transfer student application page and our VCU Transfer Center for assistance.
Application
- Apply to VCU and select your School of Education program
- 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
Acceptance to VCU
- Welcome to the RAMily! Attend orientation and engage in our Weeks of Welcome events
- Engage in required first-year UNIV class to find your fit at VCU
- Review your program Major Map to maximize your VCU experience: This includes non-program opportunities, such as volunteering, taking on leadership roles and even studying abroad
- 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 to the Educator 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
- Apply for your Clinical Internship/Student Teaching Experience*
- Study abroad
- Meet with your 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
- Engage in your full-semester student teaching or internship experience
- Interview at our Career Fair; Connect with Career Services for resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, and more
- Apply to graduate and stay engaged as an alum!
*These are unique to our licensure programs.
Check out these common questions about applying to VCU.
What do I need to apply to VCU?
Check out the first-year and transfer application checklists for application and admission requirements.
How do I submit my transcripts to VCU?
VCU requires transfer applicants to submit official transcripts from each previously attended institution. Students must send their transcripts electronically through Parchment to the Undergraduate Office of Admissions at ugrad@vcu.edu.
What classes will I take at VCU?
Prospective transfer students may submit a transfer credit review request to have transcripts evaluated. After submitting, students will receive a draft plan of study for a glimpse at what their VCU experience will look like.
What if I have more questions?
Schedule a meeting! Connect with an Undergraduate Recruitment Counselor for more help with the application process and your next steps.
Questions about Teaching Licensure requirements?
Once you are a current enrolled student, you will receive individualized support through the different teaching licensure requirements.