Educational Psychology

Program Leader:  Brett Jones (jones1@vt.edu, 540-231-8328)
Web site: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/educational-psychology-program.html

Educational psychologists study the variables that influence what and how people learn. The field of educational psychology is very broad and inclusive; for example, educational psychologists investigate strategies to improve teaching, effective methods to present ideas, factors that impact motivation, ways to accurately measure learning and achievement, and practices to create effective learning environments. In this broad discipline, we employ many investigative strategies including both quantitative and qualitative procedures. Educational psychologists generally focus on increasing learning achievement by investigating the relationships between learners, teachers, and content in applied settings such as classrooms. However, most educational psychologists also contribute to establishing sound theories that guide improvements in teaching and learning practices. The guiding commitment of educational psychology is to use sound scientific methods to ensure valid findings that contribute to increased understanding of human learning.

Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in Educational Psychology
The Doctor of Philosophy degree consists of a minimum of 90 hours of graduate study oriented to developing expertise in investigative methods and evidence analysis and focused studies in a scholarly area of interest such as multimedia learning, motivation, school learning, and other issues involving learning in applied settings such as classrooms. The Doctor of Philosophy program is tailored to each student in order to provide the best experience and preparation. All students have opportunities to teach educational psychology, to participate in ongoing research with faculty, and to enter into an active community of scholars.
90 hours of course work is required.

M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in Educational Psychology
The Master of Arts degree consists of 30 hours of course work in the areas of educational psychology, research methods, and general education issues.   The Master of Arts in Educational Psychology is appropriate for students working toward continued graduate study (such as a Ph.D.), practicing teachers, or others interested in learning more about teaching and learning processes (such as coaches or those who teach in informal settings).   Advising for this degree is individualized to meet students' unique interests and needs.

Please see the Educational Psychology web site for specific requirements for all degrees.

Elementary Education

Elementary Education 

Program Leader: Donna Fortune (donnafortune@vt.edu, 540-232-8466)  

Web site: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/elementary-education-major.html

Master's Degree  

The Elementary Education Program at Virginia Tech offers a Master's degree program that  prepares students to become licensed elementary teachers (PK-6) in the state of Virginia.  Elementary Education is a full-time, intensive one-year program offered on the Blacksburg campus only and that begins in Summer II. Extensive diverse field experiences and student teaching  placements are included in local school divisions. It is strongly suggested that students have  access to a vehicle during their fall and spring placements for transportation to their diverse field placements.  

Doctoral Degree  

The Elementary Education faculty members currently offer a doctoral degree program in  Curriculum and Instruction at the Blacksburg campus. This Ph.D. program can include emphasis  or specialization in: (a) Elementary Education PK-6, (b) Reading/Literacy, and/or (c) Teacher  Education. Students are prepared for teaching and research positions in academic environments  such as colleges, universities, and school districts. These programs provide a context for graduate  education that is rigorous, collegial, and cooperative. Ph.D. students must take a minimum 96  hours of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree.  

Foundations of Education

Program Leader: Marcus Weaver-Hightower (mwh@vt.edu)
Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/foundations-of-education-program.html

Students in the Foundations of Education program acquire theory and research skills, as well as knowledge and tools that enable critique and creative responses to the social, cultural, political, and economic issues facing schools of varying levels and in many places. The Ph.D. is the only degree offered in this program.

Ph.D students must take at least 69 hours of postmaster's credits, of which 30 hours may be dissertation hours. Please see the Foundations of Education website for specific requirements.

History and Social Science Education

Program Leader: David Hicks (hicks@vt.edu, 540-231-8332)
Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/history-and-social-science-education.html

 The History and Social Science (Social Studies) education program at Virginia Tech is designed to prepare reflective teachers who are ready, willing, and able to facilitate the type of systematic, critical literacy work that is a vital part of preparing citizens to become thoughtful and nuanced readers of the word and the world, both past and present.

The History and Social Science (Social Studies) Education program at Virginia Tech offers:

• A one-year graduate licensure program in which students earn a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with Commonwealth of Virginia postgraduate professional license for History and Social Science (social studies) 6-12.
• A Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on History and Social Science Education
• A Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on History and Social Science Education (social studies education).

The History and Social Science Program has strong ties to the graduate program in the Department of History and students interested in teaching at the secondary school level may consider dual enrollment in the MA licensure program in History and Social Science Education and the MA program in History.

Students in the master's program must take a minimum of 30 credits of coursework, with a 9-credit internship for those receiving teaching licensure. Students in the Ph.D. program must take a minimum of 90 credits, including 30 credits for the dissertation.

Instructional Design and Technology

Program Leader: Glen Holmes, (gholmes@vt.edu) 

Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/instructional-design-and-technology-program.html

NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS AT THIS TIME.

Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) is a field dedicated to applying what is empirically understood about how humans learn to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of learning and performance support products, processes, and environments. Instructional technologists understand and leverage technologies as product (for example, a Web-based course for distant learners or print-based job-aids for the workplace) and process (for example, an iterative and formative approach to learner assessment). Instructional technologists practice their unique, multidisciplinary profession in a variety of settings including industry, PreK-12 schools, higher education, and government.

Graduates of the masters and education specialist programs find themselves applying their expertise in a variety of rewarding, professional venues; for example, as instructional designers, trainers, or performance consultants in industrial settings and as teachers or technology coordinators in PreK-12 settings.

The Master's degree program requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. Courses are offered on the Blacksburg campus or online and the program may be completed in as few as one or as many as five years of graduate study. Requirements for a Master's degree include coursework and the successful defense of a professional portfolio.

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is an online, post-master's program for professionals who seek advanced preparation to broaden their understanding of complex professional issues, strengthen their ability to conduct systematic inquiry on their practice, and provide leadership for their institutions. In this program, candidates are expected to attain: (a) a broad and systematic understanding of professional education, (b) a definitive knowledge of a particular field of specialization, and (c) ability to integrate and apply theoretical concepts of education in an actual educational context. This program is designed for accomplished, experienced practitioners with specific professional aspirations and who have not earned a Master's degree in Instructional Design and and Technology. It is not designed for those who wish to pursue a research emphasis as a prelude to doctoral study.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in our program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours including 12 credit hours of research coursework and 24 credit hours of dissertation. Minimum credit hour requirements are the same for Ed.D and Ph.D. students. Unless indicated otherwise, Ed.D. students are expected to comply with the enrollment-based residency requirements of the Graduate School.   Currently, resident full-time study for the Ed.D. may be satisfied in two consecutive semesters, or one semester and summer session, or with two consecutively attended summer sessions.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in our program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours including 15 hours of research coursework and 30 credit hours of dissertation. Minimum credit hour requirements are the same for Ed.D and Ph.D. students. Unless indicated otherwise, Ph.D. students are expected to comply with the enrollment-based residency requirements of the Graduate School.   Currently, resident full-time study for Ph.D. students must be satisfied in two consecutive academic years (excluding summers).

The IDT program is affiliated with the Center for Instructional Technology Solutions in Industry and Education (CITSIE). CITSIE is a research and development center with a focus in the following areas:

• Design, development, and evaluation of learning experiences
• Distance learning
• Health promotion
• Preparation of instructional technology professionals
• Innovations in technology

The Center's mission is to provide instructional technology research and outreach in cooperation with clients and partners in:

• Community health settings,
• K-12 education,
• Higher education
• Private sector, non-profit, and government settings.

Please see the Instructional Design and Technology web site for specific requirements for all degrees.

Integrative STEM Education

Program Leader: John G. Wells, (jgwells@vt.edu, 540-231-8471)
Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/integrative-stem-education-program.html

In the fall of 2005 the Technology Education program at Virginia Tech embraced a bold new paradigm and vision for preparing 21^st Century educators. Launched spring semester 2006, Virginia Tech became the first institution in the US to offer an Integrative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Graduate Program as a new model of graduate preparation uniquely designed to focus on investigating and applying new integrative approaches to STEM education. Integrative STEM Education focuses on teaching technology and engineering education to promote designerly ways of knowing. Integrative STEM Education is operationally defined as “technological/engineering design based pedagogical approaches used to intentionally teach inherent science and mathematics education content and practices through the content and practices of technology/engineering education. Integrative STEM Education is equally applicable at the natural intersections of learning within the continuum of content areas, educational environments, and academic levels” (Wells & Ernst, 2012/2015).

Several graduate degree options (Graduate Certificate, Master of Arts, Education Specialist, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Philosophy) are available for developing 21st century P-16 STEM educators, leaders, scholars, and researchers prepared to investigate, teach, and disseminate new integrative approaches to STEM teaching and learning. The focus of our graduate program uniquely sets us apart from other STEM and/or STEM education programs. Integrative STEM Education (I-STEM ED) is wholly consistent with, and is an exemplar of, the recommendations set forth in the seminal STEM education reform publications of the past two decades, including Science for All Americans, Benchmarks for Science Literacy, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, Standards for Technological Literacy, and Educating the Engineer of 2020. The integrative STEM education design based learning pedagogies promoted in our program are technological/engineering exemplars, and well-grounded in the findings of three decades of cognitive science research.

The full complement of Integrative STEM Education Core Courses is offered both F2F (face-to-face) on the Virginia Tech Campus and synchronously via a Video-Based Audio/Video web platform:

• EDCI 5814: I-STEM Education Pedagogy
• EDCI 5804: I-STEM Education Foundations
• EDCI 5834: I-STEM Education Research
• EDCI 5824: I-STEM Education Trends & Issues
• EDIC 5854: Biotechnology Literacy by Design
• EDCI 5844: I-STEM Education Graduate Seminar
• EDCI 5774: Readings in Technology Education
• EDCI 5964: I-STEM Education Field Study

 Integrative STEM Education Graduate Certificate and Degree Options

Graduate Certificate: 12 graduate semester hours (4 Integrative STEM Education core courses) that prepare educators and leaders to teach and/or facilitate new integrative approaches in STEM education. The four (4) courses required for the Graduate Certificate are: 

• EDCI 5814: I-STEM Education Pedagogy (fall semester only)
• EDCI 5804: I-STEM Education Foundations (fall semester only)
• EDCI 5774: Readings in Technology Education (fall or spring semester)

and one of the following

• EDCI 5854: Biotechnology Literacy by Design (spring semester only) or
• EDCI 5824: I-STEM Education Tends & Issues (spring semester only)

All of the above courses are offered both F2F on the VT campus and synchronously via a Video-Based Audio/Video web platform.

Master of Arts Degree: A program primarily for K-12 STEM educators and related fields that develops 21st Century STEM educators, leaders and scholars by facilitating broader understanding of the intersections among the STEM education disciplines and new integrative approaches for intentional teaching and learning STEM content and practices through T/E Design Based Learning. Core courses for this option are offered both F2F on the VT campus and synchronously via a Video-Based Audio/Video web platform.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree: A program for those who currently hold a master's degree in Education, STEM Education, and/or STEM fields designed to develop 21st Century STEM educators, leaders, and scholars. Scholar/practitioners in this program expand their understanding of integrative STEM education, investigate curricular connections among the STEM subject areas, and apply integrative T/E Design Based Learning strategies in the development of instructional materials for teaching and learning STEM concepts. Core courses for this option are offered both F2F on the VT campus and synchronously via a Video-Based Audio/Video web platform.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree: A doctoral program designed primarily to prepare 21st century K-16 STEM educators, leaders, and scholars for post-secondary teaching, teacher education, professional development, and leadership positions. Residency is required for all doctoral students at Virginia Tech. Residency for the I-STEM ED doctoral degree programs (PhD and EdD) can be achieved by completing two consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment (12 graduate credits/semester) on the Virginia Tech campus. The two consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment can be fall and spring, spring and summer, or summer and fall. Core courses for this option are offered both F2F on the VT campus and synchronously via a Video-Based Audio/Video web platform.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree: A doctoral program designed principally to develop 21st Century university-level STEM educators, researchers, scholars, and leaders who wish to conduct research pertaining to teaching and learning, as situated at the intersections of the STEM education disciplines. Residency is required for all doctoral students at Virginia Tech. Residency for the I-STEM ED doctoral degree programs (PhD and EdD) can be achieved by completing two consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment (12 graduate credits/semester) on the Virginia Tech campus. The two consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment can be fall and spring, spring and summer, or summer and fall. Core courses for this option are offered both F2F on the VT campus and synchronously via a Video-Based Audio/Video web platform.

Refer to the Integrative STEM Education website (https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/integrative-stem-education-program.html) for specific requirements of all degrees.

Mathematics Education

Mathematics Education

Program Leader: Jay Wilkins (wilkins@vt.edu, 540-231-8326)

Program Leader, Secondary Licensure in Mathematics: Betti Kreye (bkreye@vt.edu, 540-231-8348)

Program Leader, K-8 Mathematics Specialist Program, Jay Wilkins (wilkins@vt.edu, 540-231-8326)

Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/mathematics-education-program.html

The Mathematics Education program at Virginia Tech unites faculty and students from both the School of Education and the Mathematics Department. The diversity of our backgrounds and interests contributes to a dynamic mathematics education program. Our research covers a diverse array of areas related to mathematics curriculum, instruction, and learning as it relates to K-12 students as well as in-service and pre-service teachers.

The Master of Arts degree requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework, but may require more hours depending on the program.

The Ph.D. requires the successful completion of a qualifying exam, preliminary exam, prospectus, and the final defense of the dissertation. Please see the Mathematics Education website for specific requirements for all degrees.

Music Education

Music Education 

Program Leader: Catheryn Foster (csfoster@vt.edu)  

Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/music-education-program.html

The Music Teacher Certification program offers:  

• A graduate licensure program in which students earn a Master of Arts in Curriculum and  Instruction with a postgraduate professional license for Music, Choral or Instrumental  (Grades K-12).  

The Music Education program at Virginia Tech combines a comprehensive preparation in music  with extensive field and laboratory experiences in music education. Contemporary educational  thought and best pedagogical practices are provided for each level of K-12 music  education.  

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction for Preservice Teachers, with Postgraduate  Professional Licensure in Music (Choral or Instrumental) Grades K-12. 

This program is designed for students interested in teaching elementary, middle, or high school  music, who have successfully completed an undergraduate major in music. The MAED in Music  Education is a 39-hour program, including 30 hours of graduate coursework (e.g., educational  foundations, methods of teaching music, instructional technology, and education psychology)  and 9 hours of fieldwork (in the form of a 3-credit early field internship during the fall semester  and a 6-credit student teaching internship during the spring semester). The program is NCATE  approved and meets the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC)  guidelines.  

Please see the Music Education web site for specific requirements for all degrees.

Reading Specialist/Literacy

Reading Specialist/Literacy 

Program Coordinator:Dana A. Robertson (rdana@vt.edu, 540-231-2221)  

Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/reading-specialist/endorsement-reading-specialist.html

The Reading Specialist Program at Virginia Tech is a Master's or Educational Specialist Degree  Program that prepares experienced teachers to earn endorsement in the Commonwealth of  Virginia as Reading Specialists. This K-12 endorsement enables successful candidates to work as  reading specialists at elementary, middle, or high schools.  

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:  

• Have three years of teaching experience by the completion of the program. 

• Hold a baccalaureate degree. 

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate academic work.  

Application process:  

1. Complete an admission packet to the Graduate School:  https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.html. 

2. Submit three letters of  recommendation.

3. Submit a writing sample that verifies the applicant's advanced writing skills (Statement of professional goals). 

Please see the Reading Specialist/Literacy web site for specific requirements for all degrees.

Science Education

Program Leader: Brenda Brand (bbrand@vt.edu, 540-231-8334)
Website: https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/school-of-education/academic-programs/science-education-program.html

The Virginia Tech Science Education Program is designed to prepare science educators for teaching science through inquiry processes in which students apply their knowledge in real world contexts. Teachers also learn how to facilitate the development of learning environments that motivate and inspire students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our science education program is dedicated to preparing scientifically and technologically literate teachers who can make positive contributions in the world.

The Science Education Program offers a Master of Arts in Education program for initial licensure in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science; a Master of Arts in Education distance learning program for provisionally licensed and licensed teachers; and a doctoral program in science education.

Minimum requirements:
MAED for initial licensure: 39 hours
MAED for provisionally licensed and licensed teachers: 30 hours
Ph.D: 96 hours
Ed.D.: 90 hours

The Science Education Program has laboratory classrooms in 112 Seitz and 1096 Derring Hall.

Please see the Science Education web site for specific requirements for all degrees.

Special Education

Program Leader: Thomas Williams (thwilli1@vt.edu, 540-231-8337)

 The Special Education Program supports licensure and doctoral programs across the School of Education, focusing on the dispositions, knowledge and skills needed to support students with disabilities in K-12 settings. Program faculty support doctoral programs, serving on committees that focus on disability and special education.