Dr. Stephanie Malone
Bowman 117, (540) 665-4748, smalone@su.edu

The Professional Studies Certificate Programs (PSC) for Elementary, Middle and/or Secondary School Teacher Education serves students who want to obtain Virginia Teacher Licensure. These PSC Programs are intended to meet the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requirements for licensure in at least one endorsement area in which the university offers programs. Recent changes made by the VDOE may not be reflected in this catalog.

Program entry requires minimum Praxis Academic Core or SAT/ACT scores. Passing Praxis Academic Core Math and VCLA scores may be taken in lieu of Praxis Academic Core. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and a writing sample. Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited college. Additional content course requirements depend on area of licensure sought and transcript review. Content coursework in endorsement areas is determined by transcript review based on VDOE requirements. 

Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in PSC Elementary, Middle and/or Secondary Teacher Education Program coursework in order to enroll in EDU 690 Internship in Elementary/Middle Education in Endorsement Field  or EDU 692 Internship in Middle/Secondary Education in Endorsement Field .

The number of hours required for the Professional Studies Certificate in Initial Teacher Licensure program can vary from 9 to 27 hours, depending on the endorsement being sought. For students with appropriate undergraduate or graduate preparation, the foundational courses may be waived. The remaining hours are required. The waiving of foundation requirements is determined by the program director.

Students will need an iPad (model 2 or more recent) to complete the program.

PSC Program Completion

Prior to student teaching, and as a condition of licensure, the following tests are currently required:

• MIDDLE – Praxis II and VCLA
• Practica Experiences: Each professional course requires the completion of specified experiences within a state approved school under the supervision of a teacher licensed in the area where licensure is sought.