Secondary Education Professional Studies Online

  • Graduate Certificate
  • Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
  • Department of Teaching & Learning
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Why ODU for Secondary Education?

As a secondary education teacher with a provisional license in Virginia, you have more classes to take. ODU's certificate in Secondary Education Professional Studies will help you complete those requirements. You'll also build a strong foundation of teaching knowledge and skills.

This certificate is cohort-based. You'll take four online courses that will fit around your schedule as a full-time teacher.

This 12-credit sequence meets most of the professional studies competency areas described by the Virginia Department of Education. (It is not a state-approved endorsement education program.)

You also can apply these credits towards ODU's Master of Science in Education for licensed secondary education teachers.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

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  • Required Courses

    • 12 credit hours (four courses)

    This program includes the four most required courses that a provisionally licensed teacher must take:

    • Human Growth and Development
    • Reading Across the Content Areas
    • Classroom and Behavior Management
    • Foundations of Education

    Students with a Virginia provisional license should also have received a letter that outlines the coursework/competencies that must be completed for licensure. In some cases, an additional methods course in the content area may be required. ODU offers this course as well, but it is not part of this certificate.

  • Online Learning Environment

    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.

  • Calculating Cost

    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.

State Licensure

This certificate is designed to help teachers with a Virginia provisional license who were hired with the understanding that they would complete the coursework required for full licensure. This arrangement allows students with a degree to begin working immediately and helps Virginia fill critical teacher shortage areas.

If you have any questions about course requirements, please contact the Virginia Department of Education, or submit the form above to be contacted by an ODUGlobal enrollment coach.

Meet Your Team

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

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

Ready to get started?

  • How to Apply

    To take courses for this certificate, you should have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. You must be admitted to ODU as a non-degree or degree seeking graduate student. 

    There may be additional requirements if you want to transfer your certificate credits toward a Master of Science in Education at ODU.