+If exempted from this course for any reason, the student must notify the Office of Teacher Education and complete a state mandated training module that is linked to this course.

Additional Graduation Requirements

Students are required to achieve passing scores on assessments prescribed by the Virginia Board of Education, both for program completion and for licensure. Virginia’s mandated licensure assessments are graduation requirements.

CPR/AED/First Aid Training - Candidates seeking initial license in Virginia are required to complete training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the use of an automated external defibrillator, and first aid. Training courses are available through national emergency care organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. CPR training must include “hands-on” training. Evidence of certification must be presented when applying to the VDOE for licensure.

Endorsement Courses for Secondary Science

Students who wish to teach (1) Biology, (2) Chemistry, (3) Earth Science (Geology), or (4) Physics must complete the teaching specialty requirements listed below.

Biology - The teacher candidate shall have earned a baccalaureate degree from William & Mary and completed a major in biology or 32 semester hours in biology and at least one course in each of the following areas: genetics, biochemistry/molecular biology, cell biology, botany, zoology, anatomy/physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology and other preparation consistent with the competencies for the endorsement.

Chemistry - The teacher candidate shall have earned a baccalaureate degree from William & Mary and completed a major in chemistry or 32 semester hours in chemistry, including at least one course in each of the following areas: inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry and other preparation consistent with the competencies required for the endorsement.

Earth Science - The teacher candidate shall have earned a baccalaureate degree from William & Mary and completed a major in Earth science, geology, or environmental science with a minimum of 32 semester hours in Earth Sciences, including at least one course in each of the following areas: structural geology, petrology, paleontology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy/space science.

Physics - The teacher candidate shall have earned a baccalaureate degree from William & Mary and completed a major in physics or 32 semester hours in physics, including the following coursework: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics and other preparation consistent with the competencies required for the endorsement.

(Note: Students completing the requirements for an endorsement in biology, chemistry, earth science or physics may be endorsed in a second area of science by completing a minimum of 18 semester hours in the second endorsement area in addition to the specific coursework for that area as specified above.)