History & Social Science Education Teacher Preparation Admissions Information
M.A.Ed. in CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION, specialization in HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.00 GPA for regular admission status is required (last 60 hours of coursework).
- Three letters of reference that address your academic ability and teaching potential are required.
- Students should also submit the program specific application and the correct History and Social Science Content Checklist (all links below). Transcript reviews of applicants with history and social science degrees from other colleges should provide evidence that the programs meet specific undergraduate content requirements; otherwise, candidates will need to take additional coursework as part of the licensure program.
HSSE program specific application
Undergraduate Content Requirements for Virginia Tech students
Undergraduate Content Requirements for Non-Virginia Tech students - Passing scores on the VCLA test, and Praxis II (content) test. The correct Praxis II test is - Social Studies: Content Knowledge (test codes: 5081).
VCLA test http://www.va.nesinc.com
Praxis II content test https://www.ets.org/praxis/site/epp/about/subject.html - Praxis Core is NOT required.
Accelerated BA-MA
- The Accelerated Master's Degree Program is for Virginia Tech undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies at Virginia Tech. Students must be accepted into the program prior to the beginning of the semester in which they would enroll in courses to be used in the accelerated program. Please review the links and video below to learn more about the accelerated masters program.
- Learn More about accelerated B.A.-M.A.Ed.
GRE Scores are NOT required for application to this program.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Desired Start Term: | Deadline |
| Spring or Summer Term | September 20 |
| Summer Term | February 20 |
Note: Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the executive director for Equity and Access at (540) 231-8771 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
Application Checklist
Program Application
In addition to completing the Virginia Tech Graduate School Online Application, applicants are expected to submit the program application as well.
The program application includes the following essay prompt: Write a 2-3 page essay in which you discuss why you want to be a history and social science teacher. Consider any experiences you have had working with young people and characteristics that you possess which would make you a good teacher.
Official Transcripts
Include a scanned copy of your transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to both Graduate Admissions and School of Education after you receive an offer of admission.
*Virginia Tech students do not need to submit undergraduate transcription. Virginia Tech transcripts automatically come with the online graduate school application.
Department Graduate Testing Requirements
GRE is not required for History and Social Science Education Licensure Program (M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction)
Licensure Testing Requirements
- Details regarding licensure testing can be found here: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/masters-licensure-programs/initial-licensure-overview.html#testing
- Applicants must submit scores on Praxis II at the time of application, however it is not necessary to pass Praxis II in order to be accepted. Passing scores for Praxis II must be submitted before students are permitted to enroll in student teaching. For the History and Social Science Education, the correct test is Praxis II: Social Studies: Content Knowledge (test codes: 5081). Testing information is on https://www.ets.org/praxis/about/subject/
- Applicants must submit passing scores for the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA). Testing information is on http://www.va.nesinc.com.
History and Social Science Education Undergraduate Content Check Sheet
A) Content check sheet for Virginia Tech students OR
B) Content check sheet for Non Virginia Tech students
should be submitted by potential students with the other application materials. It is used for analysis of coursework and can be use by potential applicants to check on the completion of all requirements.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for History and Social Science Education Licensure Program (M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction). You can include references/recommendations email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to department.
Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Attach your Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Applying as an International Student
International students might be required to submit TOEFL scores, immigration documents, and other additional materials with their application. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (IBT) or IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. Test scores should be sent to us using ETS institution code 5859.
Any Additional Information/Supporting Material
Applicants are welcome to submit any additional information with application material that would be useful in evaluation of your application.
Application Fees
Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application. If this poses a financial hardship, check with the Graduate School to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee. All application fees are non-refundable.
To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application.
Send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.
Virginia Tech students do not need to submit undergraduate transcrips with their application. Virginia Tech transcripts automatically come with the online graduate school application. If you are not a Virginia Tech student, you will be expected to submit a transcript when you apply.
The official transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to Graduate Admissions and School of Education
To:
Virginia Tech Graduate Admissions
120 Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown
Mail Code 0325, 155 Otey Street NW
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
And to:
Virginia Tech School of Education
Office of Academic Programs
1750 Kraft Drive (0302)
Suite 2000
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Graduate Assistantships at Blacksburg Campus Only
A question on the application for graduate admission asks whether you want to be considered for a teaching assistantship. Check "yes". Please note that indicating that you wish to be considered for an assistantship does not mean that you will be offered one, only that you wish to be considered for one, if available.
What about financial aid?
In-state K-12 teachers are eligible for a 25% discount! Use this application form in order to receive the reduced costs. Otherwise, as with on-campus students, we refer you to the VT Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for information on financial assistance. Generally, distance learners may qualify for federal loans if they take 5 or more credit hours per semester.
Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.
The Graduate School sends an official offer of admission to applicants upon the recommendation of the department faculty.
Office of Academic Programs Application Support
Lori Sharp
Enrollment Services Specialist
1750 Kraft Drive (0302), #2025
540-231-5348
llsharp@vt.edu
For Further Information, Contact the Program Leader
Dr. David Hicks
Program Leader
1750 Kraft Drive (0302), #2016
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-8332 | hicks@vt.edu