VT MAED Program
What does "MAED" stand for?
"MAED" stands for "Master's in Education," and for those of you who wish to teach on the middle or high school level it's "English Education." If you want to teach Elementary School, zip on down to the section on Elementary Education.
Why do I need a master's degree to teach English on the PK-12 level? Why can't I just go to work with my BA?
The "Teacher Education and Licensure" section of the Virginia Department of Education web site can answer these questions for you.
Are there alternatives to the traditional master's programs?
Yes, but VT does not offer an alternative licensure program at its Blacksburg or extended campus sites. While it does offer courses that fulfill the state professional education requirements for provisional licensure, you need to check with the state before you enroll in any of them. The School of Education maintains a site that provides information about Alternative Licensure, so please check there for additional information and for courses and contact information.
What is VT's MAED Program like?
The MAED Program focuses on education coursework rather than on literature-based coursework. In essence, it teaches you to teach. This is the program that gives you the theoretical groundwork for teaching and actually puts you in the classroom for a semester's worth of teaching experience. For more on the MAED program, you should visit and browse the English Language Arts Education site. For specific information about undergraduate preparation, click on the PROGRAM link, then check out the MAED Licensure Program in Middle and Secondary English Language Arts link. You'll be able to find most if not everything you need about the program there.
What are the admission requirements for the MAED Program?
To be eligible for admission, you must have a BA in English or the state-required equivalent (36 hours in English beyond Freshman Composition). For your application to be competitive, you should have a gpa of 3.0 or above. There are other admission requirements as well, which you can check out by reading the "Admission" section of the MAED Program page.
When should I apply for admission?
Although admissions are rolling (that is, there is no set deadline), you stand a better chance of being admitted if you submit your materials before November 1 the fall semester of your senior year.
Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply to VT's MAED Program?
The MAED application for admission does not list the GRE as a requirement. However, just to be safe, you should contact the School of Education at 231-1802.
Are there other tests that I will need to take in order to be considered for admission into the program?
Yes, you must take the Praxis I and Praxis II exams, as well as the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA). You can substitute certain SAT and ACT scores for the Praxis I, but you should consult the web site for more info on this. Check out the "Admission" discussion on the MAED Program page, which provides you with key information regarding undergraduate and testing prep, as well as links to Praxis-related sites. You can also download a Licensure Program Checklist.
Are there any education courses I can take as an undergraduate?
Yes, although taking such courses will not reduce the number of courses you will take in the MAED Program, doing so will help you prepare for graduate level work. Once you become a junior, you should consider adding one or more of the following course to your schedule:
- EDCI 3144: Teaching Exceptional Learners
- EDCI 4124: Psych Foundations of Education for Pre-Service Teachers
- EDCI 4404: Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
- EDCI 4414: Teaching Composition
- EDCI 4424: Lit for the Adolescent
Are there any other ways I can prepare for the program?
Yes, begin attending any and all information sessions offered as soon as you determine you want to pursue the MAED (sophomore year is not too early!). For info about the sessions, contact Boyce D. Durr, program director.
What's the employment outlook for English teachers?
The MAED Program maintains alumni information so you can check out what some recent graduates are doing at present. You can also check out the page devoted to specific job searches at the Career Services for English Majors site. There's info there about available teaching jobs in Virginia.