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When you study education as an undergraduate at Mary Baldwin — whether in the College for Women or the Adult Degree Program — you earn your bachelor’s degree and a Virginia teacher’s license at the same time. So, in addition to the teacher education program you must complete another major of your choice. Depending on what you hope to teach and your personal interests, there are a number of majors that will serve you well as you prepare to be a classroom teacher. Below are some suggestions to explore based on our years of experience.
Your education advisor will help you not only with your choice of a major, but also with choosing electives that help you prepare for the teaching profession. Be sure to consult with your advisor!
Elementary Education PK-6: American Studies, a major designed with the future elementary teacher in mind, is a top choice. Or you might choose to major in one of the main Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) content areas like English, mathematics, history, or one of the sciences. We offer a biology major with a science education emphasis. And, psychology is also a popular major to pair with the education program.
Middle Education 6-8: American Studies is also a good option especially if you want to teach English or Social Studies. Mathematics, history, English, and political science are excellent choices.
Secondary Education 6-12:
Your choice of a major should be closely linked to the area you want to teach.
Special Education K-12: American Studies, History, Math, or Psychology
I wouldn’t trade my time spent at Mary Baldwin for anything. My courses at MBC prepared me for my teaching career better than I could have ever imagined. Through partnerships with the local public schools I was able to put into practice the methods I was learning through my practicums. But what made my experience truly unique were the relationships I formed with my professors. Their encouragement and support continues as I start my career.
–Anna Lauth ’09 teaches middle school English, science, and social studies in an alternative high school.
