Shenandoah University offers master’s and certificate programs that meet Virginia Department of Education requirements for licensure. Programs are inquiry-driven, problem-oriented and focused on public education foundations through course requirements, internships and field research.
While most other universities offer a Bachelor of Arts or Science, Shenandoah’s program is a Bachelor in Education — putting the focus on the expertise being developed and the career field graduates will pursue. The degree focuses on developing content expertise and expertise in how to teach that content to others.
You’ll complete coursework necessary to earn Virginia licensure, and spend 300-500 hours gaining hands-on classroom experience.
There are many ways to become a teacher at Shenandoah! Whether you're a high school student choosing a major, a graduate student, or a working professional we will work with you towards your Virginia Teacher Licensure.
I Am A High School Student
Undergraduate students take courses relate to teaching as the predominant part of their third and fourth years in the program.
Students pursuing Secondary Education will declare a major in one of the following biology, business, chemistry, English, history, mathematics. Students pursuing Health & Physical Education will declare a major in kinesiology (PK-12). Students pursuing Elementary/Middle Education will declare a major in University Studies (PK-8).
I Have Earned A Bachelors Degree & Need to Work Towards Licensure
PSC Initial Teacher Licensure programs allow you to complete coursework necessary to earn Virginia licensure (coursework can be adapted for teachers who are provisionally licensed), and gaining hands-on classroom experience student teaching.
I Have Earned A Bachelors Degree & Work Experience
The Career Switcher Program provides an alternative pathway into teaching for individuals who have not completed a teacher preparation curriculum but who have considerable life experiences, career achievements, and academic backgrounds that are relevant for teaching in grade 6 – 12.
If you currently hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and have at least three years of full time work experience or its equivalent, the Career Switcher program may be for you!
At Shenandoah, we develop leaders who develop other leaders.
Be an Administrator. Be a Business Leader. Be a Community Leader.
Study in leadership at Shenandoah University offers learners the opportunity to think deeply about, examine, understand and challenge problems facing educational and other public organizations. The programs are organized around a core of leadership and inquiry courses, complemented by courses in the learner’s concentration and emphasize the application of theory to real world problems and lived experiences.
When teachers bring their authentic selves into the classroom and teach with intention to honor their students as unique, whole individuals, greater success tends to follow, according to Jill Lindsey, Ph.D., director of Shenandoah University’s School ... Continue Reading Understanding How Faith Intersects With…
Shenandoah University Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Karrin S. Lukacs, Ph.D., has received the Master Teacher of Honor Award from the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education, which has bestowed the accolade ... Continue Reading Associate Professor Is ‘Master Teacher…
One young entrepreneur’s extraordinary life story inspired and impressed students and faculty at the elementary-to-university levels during Shenandoah University’s January 2019 week of activities recognizing the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, ... Continue Reading Former Lost Boy Inspires New…
Accomplished Faculty Mentors Make The Difference
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. As a team, they prepare you to serve as a compassionate educator, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.
From registration and enrollment through preparing for licensure, the School of Education and Leadership staff are a valuable resource for our students.
At Shenandoah, we develop leaders who develop other leaders.
Be a Teacher. Be an Administrator. Be a Business Leader. Be a Community Leader.
Today’s educational and organizational environments require well-educated, capable and caring professionals. Our graduate programs are rigorous and competitive. They’re flexible and designed for busy, working adults.
Shenandoah University's School of Education & Leadership prepares practitioner-leaders by offering programs of study that conform to the following principles: practicing in a spirit of collaboration; thoughtful examination of the foundations, current contexts and future possibilities of the fields of study; encouraging proactive, problem-centered philosophies of educational and professional practice; producing graduates who will be knowledge-driven, competent decision-makers whose thinking is informed by reflective practice; and preparing caring, capable and reflective teachers, administrators, human services and public sectors practitioners.
Our master's and doctoral programs are unique in their emphasis on the application of theory to real-world problems and lived experiences. Administration and Supervision Licensure and Teacher Education Licensure programs have each earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
