M.Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure
Your Path to Teacher Licensure Starts Here!
If you hold a bachelor’s degree and are driven to make a meaningful impact through education, the UMW M.Ed. with Initial Teacher Licensure may be the right next step.
Designed for adult learners seeking teacher licensure, this program offers personalized advising and a customized academic plan to support your path to the classroom. You’ll gain hands-on field experience in one of nine partner school districts, preparing you for real-world teaching from day one.
Courses are offered in evening, weekend, blended, and online formats, making it possible to balance graduate study with work and personal commitments.
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Pathways
- Elementary Education (Grades PreK-6)
- Middle Grades Education (Grades 6-8)
- PreK-12 Education (Grades PreK-12)
- Secondary Education (Grades 6-12)
- Special Education: General Curriculum (Grades K-12)
Through coursework and field experiences aligned with Virginia Licensure Regulations (VLR), teacher candidates will:
- Earn an initial teaching license with guidance and supervision.
- Develop your teaching identity and define the educator you want to be.
- Teach for understanding and create a motivating classroom environment.
- Grow professionally through reflection, problem-solving, and applied practice.
- Gain hands-on experience in public school settings.
Our courses are aligned with Virginia Licensure Regulations and prepare you to teach with confidence and effectiveness, combining strong content knowledge with practical, hands-on classroom experience.
To apply to the M.Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure program, you’ll need to submit:
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and any graduate coursework
- A résumé outlining your professional experience
- Proof of literacy proficiency (see the COE website for options)
- An essay describing your interest in the program
The tuition and mandatory fees outlined below have been approved by the Board of Visitors and are effective for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.
Plan ahead to secure your spot in the M.Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure program. UMW offers priority, standard, and space-available filing dates each semester:
Fall Semester
- Priority: June 1
- Standard: July 1
- Space Available: August 1
Spring Semester
- Priority: November 1
- Standard: December 1
- Space Available: January 1
Summer Semester
- Priority: February 1
- Standard: March 15
- Space Available: April 15
Applications submitted after these dates may still be considered on a rolling, space-available basis.
How can I learn more about UMW’s M.Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure program?
Please contact Graduate Admissions at (540) 654-5862 or Email us at graduate@umw.edu, or you can fill out our Request for More Information Form. Feel free to visit our social media as well.
