Virginia Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

All aspiring teachers in Virginia are required to complete a state teacher preparation program from an accredited school in order to be eligible for employment in the state’s school system. This guide to teaching schools in Virginia provides key information about the colleges and universities in the state that offer teaching degree programs. In order to find a school that meets your individual needs, take a look at our lists of top-rated teaching programs, table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs, and student reviews found below. For anyone looking to obtain a teaching degree in Virginia, this informative school guide is a great place to start your career path.

Quick Facts

• There are 38 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in Virginia.¹
• 5 schools offer an associate’s degree in education.¹
• 27 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in education.¹
• 32 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• 1 school ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022.²
• 9 schools ranked in US News Best Graduate Education Programs 2023.³
• 11 schools ranked in US News Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2022.⁴
• 30 educator preparation programs (EPPs) are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP.

For not-for-profit schools with teacher degree programs.

Table of Contents

Teacher Preparation Program Comparison

Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs

Select Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees

Schools with Associate Degrees in Education

Student Reviews

Comparison of Virginia Schools with Teacher Preparation Programs

We have designed the following table to help you compare teacher preparation programs in
Virginia according to various factors. All of the schools included are not-for-profit institutions approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for the preparation of teachers. Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is an important step towards earning licensure.

While accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is not a requirement for licensure, it is included in the following table as CAEP provides a highly-regarded accreditation that is accepted in many states.

You will also find data on teacher preparation program enrollment, completion, and licensing exam pass rates by institution, for both traditional and alternative programs, for the 2019-2020 academic year in this table. These data points are collected from annual US Department of Education records under Title II (Teacher Quality) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which provides for reporting that holds institutions and state departments of education accountable for increasing academic achievement through improvements in teacher quality. Traditional teacher preparation programs are usually completed as part of a bachelor’s degree program. Alternative certification programs are typically designed for career changers looking to enter the field and lead to a postgraduate certificate or a master’s degree. Many schools in our table offer both traditional and alternative programs. Take a look at our Virginia traditional and alternative certification guides for more information.

Finally, we have provided the net price per year for undergraduate tuition, based on the cost of attendance (tuition, books, room and board, and related expenses) for students who qualify for in-state tuition and fees, less the average financial aid award (including grants and scholarships).

• — indicates none or not applicable.
• N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.

Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs in Virginia

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022

• College of William and Mary

US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023

• University of Virginia (#17)
• Virginia Commonwealth University (#25)
• George Mason University (#67 tie)
• College of William and Mary (#76 tie)
• Old Dominion University (#89 tie)
• Virginia Tech (#113 tie)
• Liberty University (#207-274)
• Regent University (#207-274)
• Shenandoah University (#207-274)

US News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2022

• University of Virginia (#8 tie)
• George Mason University (#41 tie)
• Virginia Commonwealth University (#53 tie)
• Old Dominion University (#93 tie)
• Regent University (#108 tie)
• James Madison University (#120 tie)
• College of William and Mary (#130 tie)
• Longwood University (#162 tie)
• Liberty University (#237 tie)
• Hollins University (#242-321)
• Radford University (#242-321)

Select Virginia Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) School of Education & Human Development offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees for students at various levels of their careers. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education. At the graduate level, students may be interested in UVA’s Master of Teaching (MT) programs with concentrations such as Elementary Education, English Education (6-12), Social Studies Education (6-12), Mathematics Education (6-12), English as a Second Language (ESL) Education (PreK-12), and Special Education-General Curriculum (K-12), among others. For students seeking graduate education, UVA offers online and on-campus Curriculum & Instruction degrees at the Master of Education (M.Ed.), Education Specialist (EdS), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels in optional focus areas including Special Education, Gifted Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL) Education. Online M.Ed. degrees are also available in Reading Education; ESL Education; Gifted Education; Instructional Technology; and Special Education. Part-time, online Master of Teaching (MT) programs are offered in ESL Education and Special Education, while online graduate certificates are also offered in some specialty areas.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The School of Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) offers several degree and career pathways that can lead to rewarding and fruitful careers in education at all levels. For undergraduate students who wish to become licensed Virginia teachers, bachelor’s degrees are offered in Career and Technical Education – Agriculture (6-12); Elementary Education (K-6); English Education (6-12); History and Social Science Education (6-12); and Mathematics Education (6-12). Graduate students interested in teacher preparation can work towards a Master of Science (MS) degree in Career & Technical Education or a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in multiple topics including Elementary Education, English Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education, and Science Education. For graduate students who are not interested in first-time licensure, programs are offered in Career & Technical Education; Integrative STEM Education; Principal Preparation; School Counseling; Counselor Education and Supervision; Educational Research and Evaluation; Foundations of Education; Instructional Design and Technology; and more. The Instructional Technology Master’s (ITMA) degree program is offered fully online as an MAEd or an EdS for those who already have a master’s degree.

Schools with Associate Degrees in Education

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational level required to qualify for state certification, an associate’s degree can be the first step towards a career in education. It can qualify graduates for careers in non-licensed roles in early childhood education, after-school care, and related areas. The credits earned from an accredited associate degree program can also typically be transferred towards a bachelor’s degree. The following Alabama schools offer associate’s degrees in education.¹ Schools with an asterisk (*) also offer four-year teaching programs and/or alternative route to certification programs.

Eastern Mennonite University*
1200 Park Rd
Harrisonburg, VA 22802-2462
(540) 432-4000
www.emu.edu

John Tyler Community College
13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Chester, VA 23831-5316
(804) 796-4000
www.jtcc.edu

Liberty University*
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(855) 814-8615
www.liberty.edu

Patrick Henry Community College
645 Patriot Ave
Martinsville, VA 24112-5311
(276) 656-0311
www.ph.vccs.edu

Piedmont Virginia Community College
501 College Dr
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 977-3900

Student Reviews

College of William & Mary
Sadler Center, 200 Stadium Dr
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 221-4000
https://www.wm.edu/

Student Review: “So far as a sophomore pursuing a teaching degree, the college has set me up very well for going to graduate school to become a teacher. The classes I have taken include psychology and sociology classes in order to better understand and help children in elementary and middle school. Furthermore, the management skills and classes I have taken will better my ability to be an effective leader to my future students.” -Student at College of William & Mary

George Mason University
4400 University Dr
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 993-1000
https://www.gmu.edu/

Student Review: “The special education teacher program at George Mason was convenient for individuals to take evening classes if they were already employed as a teacher. The curriculum was outdated and did not focus on real-life situations that teachers face in the classroom. Very little attention was paid to the process of writing and developing individual education programs (IEP). Some of the professors had never taught in a K-12 setting and seemed old and inept with regards to technology. The supplemental texts were okay. The cohort program was nice, as you got to work with the same students, and develop relationships with fellow students.” -Student at George Mason University

James Madison University
800 S Main St
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-6211
https://www.jmu.edu/index.shtml

Student Review: “My time at in the education program at James Madison University prepared me for the career that I have enjoyed thus far, and has given me the tools I need to be successful in the future. The professors truly care about fostering an environment of learning and develop us into becoming great educators. I loved getting in-classroom experience via practicum classes, and I owe a great deal to my professors.” -Student at James Madison University

Liberty University
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(855) 814-8615
https://www.liberty.edu/

Student Review: “Liberty University is certainly a great university overall, but their teaching program was exceptional. The courses required to take to pass the program were very informative and created the tools that I needed to set a foundation for a career of teaching. The professors were some of the best in the country but always had time for their students. The size of the class allowed them to know each student personally. It was truly the guidance of these professors that made the program so great. My classmates were also all very approachable, and we oftentimes taught each other valuable lessons.” -Jessica B., student at Liberty University

Student Review: “The Masters program for Special Education at Liberty University is fantastic. Even though it’s online there are intensives which are a week long that allow you to interact with your professor and classmates. Working towards my Masters after receiving my bachelors in Special Education has been challenging yet rewarding. I like having to implement biblical principals in each assignment. However, I do not like the fact that before we can student teach that we must pass the Math Praxis test. I also don’t like that I cannot take EDUC 554 which is a reading class unless I pass the Math Praxis test. I think that is ridiculous. I really think that needs to change because hardworking students should not be penalized to take EDUC 554 if they are unable to pass the Math Praxis test.” -Student at Liberty University

Student Review: “I like my education program. It allows me to be flexible and gain working experience while being in college. I have used this to my advantage and only had jobs that align with my degree. Jobs that are education and teaching focused. I have liked all my professors and the work has been challenging yet applicable. However, the only downside is that it is entirely online. For me this works great but it does limit the practical side of teaching the experience of teaching real-life students and working with classmates. There is an option for student teaching should one so desire. Regardless, I have made this work for me by choosing jobs that will give me practical hands-on learning experience. But I know that not everyone has this type of opportunity. That is the only downside to this program that I know of.” -Student at Liberty University

Student Review: “The education program at Liberty was not as vigorous as I had intended. Most of the time was spent with practicums, which varied greatly depending on which teacher you were shadowing. The curriculum did not cover the parent-teacher involvement, or give guidance to potential teachers who could struggle in that regard. The last semester (student teaching) was the only time that Classroom Management was covered, and it was not covered well. The book used was Wong and Wong’s First Days, geared toward elementary school, and did not cover on how to be an effective classroom manager, nor tips on how to retake/ maintain control. Most of that was left up to subjective one on one discussions with an adviser.” -Student at Liberty University

Longwood University
201 High St
Farmville, VA 23909
(434) 395-2000
http://www.longwood.edu/

Student Review: “Longwood University did an excellent job preparing me in the field of education. The biggest reason was the time we were required to spend inside the classroom (three 2 week session, one semester in a classroom with classes, and one semester entirely in a school). I believe learning to teach isn’t something you learn from a book, but rather experiences. They also had great classroom management classes which many programs omit.” – Student at Longwood University

Lynchburg College
1501 Lakeside Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 544-8100
https://www.lynchburg.edu/

Student Review: “Lynchburg College has an excellent teacher preparation program. The faculty and staff that work as part of the school of education at Lynchburg College are dedicated, motivated, and competent. The teacher preparation program does an amazing job teaching its students how to achieve licensure, how to manage your classroom, and how to teach effectively. Academic texts that correspond to courses are always used, and supplement the in-class lectures well. A majority of the faculty are previous teachers, and present course material with an extensive academic understanding, and an experienced point of view. I love how motivated the professors are, and how well they understand and are able to impart their subject onto their students. I dislike how the courses are scheduled, especially when taken as a minor. Most courses are only offered once a semester, and if they conflict with a class relating to your major, you will have to wait for the next semester to take the course. The school of education offices at Lynchburg College manage licensure information well, and keep an up to date portfolio for every student in the education program. This reduces the stress of trying to achieve licensure. Overall a great program.” – Student at Lynchburg College

Mary Baldwin University
101 E Frederick St
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 887-7019
https://marybaldwin.edu/

Student Review: “Great program! Mary Baldwin’s program ensured I was ready to meet the challenges of my first teaching job. The professors were accessible and provided great insight into the profession. I liked the progression of classes and enjoyed every class I took, especially the reading classes. The work required for Practicums and Student Teaching was meaningful and helped me develop lesson planning skills. Mary Baldwin’s Legal Systems in Education class was really eye opening. Out of all the classes, this one was the only the addressed legal expectations of teachers. I felt prepared for my first job and understood, legally, the options I had when dealing with students.” – Student at Mary Baldwin University

Norfolk State University
700 Park Ave
Norfolk, VA 23504
(757) 823-8600
https://www.nsu.edu/

Student Review: “Any school is what you make it out to be. In my experience, the professors here are lenient graders. This can be looked at as a good or as a bad thing. However, if you choose not to apply yourself, you are shooting yourself in the foot whether you chose to go to work or go to graduate school upon graduation. The food choices are excellent. There is everything from Tropical Smoothie Cafe to a place where you can get grilled subs made to your specifications on campus. The main cafeteria is also excellent. It is all you can eat though so unless you want to gain weight, be careful. The food is good but at times it can be a little heavy on the oil and butter. To their credit though, healthier choices are offered. The campus itself is safe and the campus police make their presence known. There are a lot of extracurricular programs and free dances and social opportunities for students. You will not be bored. My biggest piece of advice is to just apply yourself. This is the lowest cost four year school in the area, so by going here you have the opportunity to graduate with far less debt than the average college graduate (at least if you are an in-state student). Do not waste this opportunity. School is what you make of it. You have access to the same books and the same World Wide Web as someone going to MIT. Don’t limit yourself and take advantage of everything the school has to offer from free cultural activities to the Career Center.” -Krystal B., student at Norfolk State University

Northern Virginia Community College*
8333 Little River Tpke
Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 323-3000
https://www.nvcc.edu/

Student Review: “I liked my time at Northern Virginia Community College. It was very challenging at times but I felt like I learned a lot. The Composition and English classes were a breeze for me but I had a very hard time with Biology. It wasn’t that the subject was very hard but had more to do with the professor. I felt he was not very professional. One thing I will say is that it’s pretty easy to get all A’s at Northern Virginia Community College. All you have to do is show up to most classes and you will get a great grade. Some professors like to give the students a harder time though so it’s not all easy. Overall I felt like my time at NOVA was well spent and I earned my degree and it really helped prepare me for a career in the teaching field.” -Noah V., student at Northern Virginia Community College

Old Dominion University
5115 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000
https://www.odu.edu/

Student Review: “The Old Dominion University program was excellent. I always felt that the teachers really cared how I was doing and if I was staying interested in their classes. The program included a student teaching portion and the university helped to place me into an elementary school with an excellent teacher. If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose Old Dominion University because I just felt so at home here. With great professors and welcoming classrooms, you just can’t go wrong choosing this school. ODU was my first choice in colleges and I’m very happy that it worked out to my benefit.” -Eugene M., student at Old Dominion University

University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 924-0311
https://www.virginia.edu/

Student Review: “I participated in a combined BA/MT program where I did a Bachelor’s in Psychology as well as a Master’s in Teaching. The curriculum was great and we had many of the same teachers over the course of the program. As well, the same cohort of teachers was together and so I felt we were really able to learn and grow together. As opposed to the typical ‘student teaching’ experience only at the end of a teaching program, we had many of these experiences! Every semester we were placed in a different teaching placement experience with different responsibilities. My placements ranged from early intervention in the community (birth to age 3), special education preschool classroom, after-school tutoring program, and work in a typical elementary school (1st-grade classroom). I’ve been teaching now for 4 years and feel like the program really prepared me for real life teaching!” -Lauren E., student at University of Virginia

Student Review: “The teacher preparation program at the University of Virginia had many strengths. I was able to learn from well-respected professors who know and conduct very relevant and key studies in the field of education. I gained a wide variety of experience in local schools. I was also able to take a wide variety of classes, even within my field of special education. I feel as if I graduated with very well-rounded knowledge and experience about the teaching profession. However, there were many undergraduate students who accelerated into the Masters program, and as someone who was seeking a post-graduate Master of Teaching, I felt like the younger students brought down the quality of the program.” – Student at University of Virginia

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6000
https://vt.edu/

Student Review: “There were many aspects of my education that I loved. My general courses were taught by helpful professors who knew the material and how to convey it. I took several courses that weren’t required just because the professors were so good. The teaching aspects of my program were mixed. My internship was with a very helpful teacher, but I was the only one in my program assigned to a primary school (k-2) rather than an elementary school (k-5,) so my experience was limited. My main education professor was vague in his assignments and disorganized in his instruction. Overall, I think I got a great education, but wish I had some more relevant experience.” -Jackie D., student at Virginia Tech

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. The Princeton Review. The Best 385 Colleges, 2022 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2021.
3. US News & World Report Best Graduate Education Schools 2023: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Online Graduate Education Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/rankings
5. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): http://caepnet.org/provider-search
6. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx