Social Sciences: Education Major

Begin your education career with a Social Sciences: Education Major Associate of Science (AS) degree. This program is built for transfer to a four-year college or university and equips you with the essential skills needed for classroom teaching. You’ll learn practical teaching techniques and receive clear guidance on how to prepare for the Virginia PRAXIS Subject test and Teacher Reading Test, a requirement for educators in Virginia. 

Why choose Education? 

Choosing a career in education means stepping into a field where demand is high locally and nationally. Teachers, especially in STEM, foreign languages and special education, are needed now more than ever. The skills and experiences gained in this program will prepare you for teacher certification and open doors for further advancement in the education field. 

The course content spans a broad range of essential subjects. You’ll study history, English, mathematics, science and other interdisciplinary subjects so you can choose the area that best fits your interests and strengths. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to help you build a solid foundation in the subjects you may one day teach, ensuring you are well-prepared to specialize in a field that aligns with your skillset. 

Why choose Virginia Western? 

The Virginia Western Education Program is designed with your future in mind. This program is structured to offer both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience that will support your career in education. You’ll take professional education courses that cover current best practices and theories in teaching. You’ll also participate in classroom observations and real-life mentorship opportunities with direct education experience. This clear, direct approach ensures you understand the expectations placed on educators and the realities of the teaching profession. As you acquire practical skills and in-depth academic knowledge, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to manage a classroom and meet the challenges of an evolving educational environment. 

Your experience at Virginia Western will go beyond traditional classroom learning. The Education program includes personalized exposure and the opportunity to develop practical classroom management strategies and features placements for observation practicum hours. You’ll be supported by dedicated faculty who work closely with you every step of the way. Detailed support is available as you prepare for the PRAXIS exams, with faculty guidance focused on meeting these essential milestones. 

Related Programs

• Social Sciences (Associate of Science)
• Teacher Recertification

Transfer Agreements

If you graduate from Virginia Western with an AA or AS degree and a minimum grade point average, you may obtain guaranteed admission to more than 30 of the commonwealth’s colleges and universities. Click here for a list of Virginia Transfer Partners.

In addition, Virginia Western has entered into the following agreements specific to the Social Sciences: Education Major. This list is subject to change, and the most current agreements can be found on our Transfer Agreements page.

• Hollins University: AS in Social Sciences: Education (PDF)
• Old Dominion University: AS in Social Sciences: Education to BS in Elementary Education (PDF)
• Radford University: BS in Interdisciplinary Studies/Elementary Education (PDF)