Elementary Teacher (PreK-6) with initial VA licensure Online

  • Master of Science in Education
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of Teaching & Learning

If you've completed a non-teaching bachelor's degree and want to be a teacher, this program is for you. You can qualify for a Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in PreK-6 through ODU's Master of Science in Education. 

In order to be recommended by ODU on the College Verification form for the Virginia teaching license, you must complete this program in its entirety at ODU.

This program is designed to lead to Virginia teacher licensure. This program is also authorized for field placements in Washington state. If you want to be licensed in a different state, we encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying.

When you graduate, you will earn a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Elementary Education.

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    • 41 credit hours

    As part of the course work in this Master of Science in Education degree program, you must complete Advanced Classroom Management & Practicum and the Teacher Candidate Internship.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. Instructors may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. This program requires a practicum or internship. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

    • Teaching: Pre-school, Primary, Elementary
    • Administration: Principalship, Superintendency

    Note for students in Washington State from the Student Achievement Council:

    "Eligibility for initial education certification in Washington is based on completion of a state approved educator preparation program. This program is approved in Virginia and is authorized for field placements in Washington by the Professional Educators Standards Board. Even though you may be residing in Washington while in this program, your application for educator certification in Washington will be processed as an out-of-state application. Go to http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/archive/outofstate for more information. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for teacher advancement."

  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $599 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $623 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

This program is designed to equip students to qualify for a Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in preK-6. This program is also authorized for field placements in Washington state, and WA students will be able to apply for educator certification using the out-of-state application.

Use these links to see if we have determined whether this program meets requirements in other states. We encourage you to check your state's teacher licensure requirements before applying to ODU.

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

  • This program is intended for students in Virginia and Washington State. To apply for this program, you must have a non-teaching bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Part of the admission process includes an interview with the graduate program director. Full admission requirements are available in ODU's Graduate Catalog.

    For more information on becoming a teacher, please contact us or visit ODU's Office of Clinical Experiences online.

  • You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

    Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.