Professional Programs Overview
REDEFINE YOUR CAREER
The Virginia Tech School of Education offers state-approved programs leading to master's or educational specialist degrees and professional licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Move your career in a new direction with a professional license as well as a master's (M.A.Ed.) or an educational specialist (Ed.S.) degree!
Practicing educators in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you may be eligible for a 25% discount on your tuition!
INTERACTIVE, INNOVATIVE, INSTRUCTION
We deliver high-quality, interactive, in-person and online courses for working professionals; see the descriptions below to see in which way your program of interest is offered. Our innovative approach to instruction, whether online or in-person helps students focus deeply on their coursework, while managing the demands of life and work
RELEVANT, RESEARCH-BASED PROGRAMS
As a student in our professional licensure programs, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to transform teaching and learning, conduct groundbreaking research, and lead learning communities within and beyond your school and district. Reimagining the future of education begins with instructional leaders who put educational excellence, innovation, and equity at the fore.
The Principal Preparation Program awards either of two degrees: a master of arts in education (M.A.Ed.) or post-master’s Educational Specialist designation (Ed.S.). Designed to fit the needs of working educational professionals, the program is conducted on a part- or full-time basis, with coursework that balances modern academic theory with real-life practice.
The M.A.Ed. is intended for experienced educators who have not yet earned a master’s degree, while the Ed.S. is intended for experienced educators who have already earned a master’s in an education-related discipline. M.A.Ed. and Ed.S. students complete all the same coursework, however, Ed.S. students graduate with more credits than their M.A.Ed. counterparts, because some of their previous graduate credits transfer over to the Ed.S. In this respect, the Ed.S. may be thought of as an extension of one’s earlier master’s degree.
Both of the M.A.Ed. and Ed.S. degree tracks prepare students to meet the requirements of Virginia's School Leadership Licensure Assessment (SLLA). After graduating, students must pass the SLLA to receive licensure as a Virginia school leader.
Our Principal Preparation program is offered online in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, and in hybrid (both online and in-person) formats).
The School Counseling Program awards a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in Counselor Education.
Counselors help individuals change their lives. They work in school and community settings to advocate for individuals, and work to advance social justice.
At the completion of their M.A.Ed. program, School Counseling graduates will have completed all of the educational requirements for provisional licensure as a Professional School Counselor. After working for two years, gradautes become fully licensed as school counselors.
The School Counseling program is offered on our Roanoke campus.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program awards a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in Counselor Education.
Counselors help individuals change their lives. They work in school and community settings to advocate for individuals, and advance social justice.
At the completion of their M.A.Ed. program, Clinical Mental Health graduates will have completed all of the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Virginia. After graduation, there is a residency period (typically 2-3 years) and an exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is offered on our Roanoke campus.
There are steps that you'll need to complete as you move towards your goal of licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As you come close to the completion of your studies, you'll need to apply for your license and/or endorsement in your discipline. Please see the links below for the forms you'll need as you move towards your rewarding career.