This program is designed for those students who are not seeking a Virginia teaching license. Along with completing a core of professional courses intended to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions basic to the field of education, students will complete an emphasis area and professional project designed to meet the individual needs, interests, and goals of the student. Students in this program may be practicing teachers, education professionals who are not working in a classroom setting, or students who intend to teach in international or private schools.
Thirty-six (36) credits are required for program completion. A total of 12-18 credit hours will be chosen from:
In addition, the following must be completed for 3 to 9 credits:
*Students with undergraduate education equivalent may waive the content of ED 502 and ED 504 and replace with additional project hours.
One of three professional emphasis areas must also be selected and 15 credits chosen from the following 3-credit classes:
Teaching and Learning
Exceptional Populations
Other courses may be selected with the consent of an advisor.
ESOL and International
Professional Development Academy (PDA)
The PDA is a collaborative PK-6 licensure program offered in conjunction with Fairfax County Public Schools. It is available to selected M.Ed. candidates. Interns spend a full school year in Fairfax County elementary schools. Students may elect a dual LD/PK-6 licensure program. All field and clinical experiences, as well as student teaching, are supervised and take place at the schools. Required University classes meet on-site after regular school hours.
Professional Development School (PDS)
The PDS is a collaborative program offered in conjunction with Arlington Public Schools (APS). It is available to selected teacher candidates on both the elementary and secondary levels. Students in the elementary PDS program spend a full school year in APS elementary schools. Secondary teacher candidates spend a full semester in a cohort at Washington-Lee High School. All field and clinical experiences, as well as student teaching, are supervised and take place at the schools. Required University classes meet on-site after regular school hours.
International Student Teaching
Marymount University teacher candidates may apply to our International Student Teaching program. Candidates have the opportunity to student teach in a variety of English-speaking schools, including Marymount International Schools in Paris, London, and Rome. Qualified on-site and University supervisors observe and evaluate the candidates. Seven weeks of student teaching in Washington area schools is required prior to student teaching in an international setting. Tuition for the international experience remains the same. Candidates are responsible for transportation and housing expenses.
Additional endorsements
Additional endorsement in PK-6 is available to students in the ESL and LD programs. Students should consult with their academic advisor for further information.
Additional endorsement in Emotional Disturbance is available to students in the LD program. Students who seek this additional endorsement must complete ED 512A and PS 515.