Education

students in classroom

Get on track to a teaching career with NOVA's Education Program

Start on your path to becoming a PK-6, middle school, or special education teacher with NOVA's education program. You'll be prepared to transfer to a four-year teacher preparation program.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate Degree in Education

Seamlessly transfer to a four-year college or university with NOVA's Associate of Science (AS) in Education degree. Courses are designed to satisfy some of the endorsement and professional course requirements for a Virginia Teaching license.

Length
Two Years
Credits
60
Locations
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge, Online
Curriculum Details

Education: Elementary Education Major, A.S.

Are you aiming to become a licensed elementary school teacher? Our curriculum is designed for aspiring educators seeking licensure in either PreK-3rd grade or PreK-6th grade. This program prepares you to transfer seamlessly to a four-year teacher preparation program at any college or university, and equips you to take the Praxis II: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects exam.

Length
Two Years
Credits
60
Locations
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge, Online
Curriculum Details

Education: Grades 6-12 Social Studies Education Major, A.S.

Our curriculum is tailored for aspiring grade 6-12 social studies teachers, providing a strong foundation to launch your teaching career. This program will streamline your transfer to a four-year teacher preparation program and includes courses that prepare you for the Virginia teaching license requirements.

Length
Two Years
Credits
60
Locations
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge, Online
Curriculum Details

Education: K-12 Special Education Adapted and General Curriculum Major, A.S.

Aspiring to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs? Our curriculum equips you for licensure in either K-12 Special Education Adapted Curriculum or General Curriculum. This program prepares you to seamlessly transfer to a four-year teacher prep program, while fulfilling core coursework required for a Virginia Special Education license.

Length
Two Years
Credits
60
Locations
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge, Online
Curriculum Details

Education: Teaching Professional Career Studies Certificate

Explore teaching as a career while gaining skills for entry-level jobs with NOVA's Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Education. NOVA's certificate program offers some professional coursework for provisionally licensed teachers in Virginia. You may receive credit for prior learning fo your work experience. By earning NOVA's education certificate, you also open the door to job opportunities as a substiture teacher or instructional assistant.

Length
One Year
Credits
20
Locations
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge, Online
Curriculum Details

Education: Emerging Educator Career Studies Certificate

The purpose of this certificate is to assist provisionally licensed teachers beginning the path to a 10-year renewable teaching license. Students will need to complete the remaining 3-4 professional courses, including Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment of Learning, and Reading Methods at a university.

Length
One Semester
Credits
9
Locations
Manassas
Curriculum Details

Why Study Education at NOVA?

Qualified Education Faculty

You'll learn from NOVA faculty who have qualifications, experience, and expertise in the education field. They're also supportive, accessible, and responsive and will help you prepare to teach.

Skill-Building Education Courses

You'll take courses in NOVA's education program that will give you the knowledge, skills and competencies you need to start on your path to a bachelor's degree and a future teaching degree.

Affordable Education Programs

You'll receive an affordable education degree or certificate. You may even qualify for NOVA scholarships to offset the cost of tuition and fees.

Program Details

Additional Resources

Teaching License: Career Switcher program, EducateVA

This non-credit Career Switcher program is offered to those who have a baccalaureate degree and career experience who wish to become K-12 teachers in Virginia. This alternative licensure route is available to candidates who wish to become teachers or who already hold a provisional license in Virginia.

  • Length - One semester
  • Locations - Annandale, Manassas, Woodbridge

Accreditations

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree and certificate in education.

Education Program Career Outcomes

The education program at NOVA will prepare you to transfer into a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university. By earning a bachelor's degree, you could go on to become a PK-6, middle school, or special education teacher.

Credits and
Transfer Info

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.

Transferring

Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

Your Next Steps to NOVA