About the School of Education
Regent University’s School of Education supports public and private school educators and administrators across a spectrum of educational specialties. From initial licensure programs in areas such as elementary education, special education and secondary education to programs that provide currently licensed teachers the ability to add-on endorsements such as Administration & Supervision, Gifted Education, English as a Second Language, Reading Specialist and Mathematics Specialist, we offer in-demand programs that will equip you with the highest skill set while incorporating a biblical foundation that will make your efforts even more fruitful and long-lasting.
Students in Regent’s School of Education come from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and denominational traditions, but what they all share is a love for education and a desire to make a difference in the lives of their students and colleagues. Pursuing a Regent degree will help you prepare for your calling and career. Let’s get started today!
Conceptual Framework
Regent’s foundation is more than a date carved on a cornerstone. It’s a perspective that’s imprinted on every program, class and relationship you’ll experience. Our School of Education programs will deepen your understanding of both the power of knowledge and the spiritual truths that give it value and meaning in a curriculum that balances timeless Judeo-Christian principles with the highest standards of contemporary theory and practice.
How do we accomplish this? Through our commitment to provide learning opportunities which promote the skills, dispositions and understandings that encourage our graduates to:
- Seek knowledge by formulating questions and answers to current educational issues and by formulating research-based solutions.
- Seek wisdom by applying the knowledge in a manner that demonstrates a God-given wisdom to create an environment in which justice, human dignity and academic achievement are valued.
- Serve others by treating others with dignity, love and respect, as well as supporting and encouraging others.
- Edify others by demonstrating awareness of and sensitivity to the individual needs of students, colleagues and community by growing in competence and character.
Thus we seek to prepare competent, caring and qualified graduates who will become Christian leaders that transform education through their example. When you graduate from Regent, you can hold more than an advanced degree in education. You can hold the knowledge and leadership skills you need for professional and personal success.
The School of Education, through its commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service, provides a biblically based, Christian education to equip men and women in mind, heart and character for lives of educational and transformational leadership.
The Regent University School of Education, affirming the University vision, mission, and values and acknowledging its call to be a distinctive school of graduate education, commits itself to innovative and excellent academic programs; to unique and exemplary program delivery both on campus and at a distance; to depth and breadth of faculty teaching, research and service; and to preparation and empowerment of graduates who actively embrace the challenge of transforming education through practice and example.
We pledge ourselves to transforming education worldwide by promoting biblically compatible, research-based solutions to challenges in education through bridging theory and practice, and by building effective partnerships with schools and community agencies. We are committed to building and maintaining an outstanding faculty and a diverse student body consistent with the mission of the university.
Teacher
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools cohort of ESL teachers in training was the perfect platform in which to study and learn. Upon completion of my last TESOL class, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the ESL staff of VBCPS. The amazing faculty of Regent's TESOL department helped make it possible.
5th Grade Teacher, Rocky Mount Elementary
Regent University taught me how to be a servant leader when it comes to reaching children. I've learned to not just teach students, but to serve them according to what they need.
Senior Curriculum Developer
As I pondered what do to with the rest of my life when I retired from the Navy, I knew I wanted a job that made me feel valuable and one in which I felt I was making a difference. Thanks to Regent's Career Switcher Program, I know in my heart that as a teacher I do that every day.
Instructional Coach, Giles County Public Schools
My credentials from Regent helped earn me the respect of parents and the confidence of school leaders. I'm so pleased that I could go one step further and share on a national level.
Principal, Landstown High School
I looked at other institutions, but I understood the importance of a Christ-centered focus, and I wanted that to be a part of my graduate experience.
Reading Specialist
My career has evolved over a short period of time because of my faith and the teacher preparation programs at Regent. The academic, spiritual and leadership guidance shared during my time at Regent gave me the foundation needed to excel in my field.
Teacher
Regent has played an instrumental role in equipping thousands of graduates. We have the power to use the knowledge gained and the credentials earned to serve, to advocate for, and ultimately to bring change and hope to the hurting world around us.
K-12 School Leadership
I just can't say enough about the program—it's everything I wanted.
Career Switcher
I was eager to fulfill a lifelong dream and make a career change to education. Regent's Career Switcher program allowed me to complete most of the training while still on active duty. I was hired immediately upon my retirement from the Air Force.
Level II Career Switcher
When I felt called to teaching after a career in the military, Regent University bridged the gap and laid a solid, Christian-based path for me to follow.
HR Leadership & Management
Regent really helped me understand the unique landscape of Christian higher education. I feel better prepared to contribute to Life Pacific College's distinct mission and purpose because of my time spent here.
TESOL
The adult track of the TESOL program in Regent's School of Education prepared me to work with students on a beginning English level as well as students on the postgraduate level.
Teacher
Regent's M.Ed. in TESOL program has prepared me to organize and run the ESL courses at my school. Regent's TESOL professors assign the most applicable projects, which have helped me with planning lessons, selecting curriculum and creating assessments, as well as with conducting several teacher-in-service sessions for my school.
Reading Specialist (with endorsement)
The program offered a great financing opportunity for teachers, and it also had that caliber of education I was looking for but at a reasonable price. Plus, it’s local, yet also accessible from a distance.
Educational Leadership
Just four years after receiving my degree from Regent, I had the honor of being named one of the nation's top educators. My Regent professors honed my focus on leadership, quality and innovation in education, which I use in my classroom every day.
NILD Educational Therapy
From the professors to advisors to support staff, my experience at Regent has been extremely satisfying, and I highly recommend the program to others.
Career Switcher
After nearly 25 years in the military and in business, Regent's Career Switcher program inspired me and prepared me to become a classroom teacher and an educational leader. I lean on what I learned there often.
Testing Director & Program Specialist, Virginia Department of Corrections
After a month of online learning at Regent, I thought, 'Man, this is the best thing!' Not only did I get to learn my discipline, I got to learn how my values and my beliefs can be intertwined into my discipline.
Head of School, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
Looking back, I can take almost every single facet of my daily work and tie it to my training at Regent.When considering a graduate degree, you first want to ask yourself a few questions:
What do you want your degree to do for you? Do you want initial licensure that will allow you to go into the classroom as a new public school teacher? Are you a current public school educator looking to add an endorsement to your teaching license? Are you looking to become a college professor? Do you have a master’s degree and want to pursue your specialist or doctoral degree? Please review our available graduate programs and their associated career opportunities to determine which degree is most appropriate for your goals. Feel free to contact us at 888.713.1595 or edadmissions@regent.edu with questions.
Once you have decided which program to study, view the admissions process to determine if you are eligible to apply and review admissions requirements. You can use this link to apply online too.
If you are applying to a degree-seeking program at either the master’s or post-master’s level and you plan to take at least six credit hours in the fall or spring semesters and at least three credit hours in the summer semester, you are eligible to apply for federal financial aid. You may begin the process by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We also recommend that you review our school-based scholarship and grant opportunities.
The professors at Regent are regionally and nationally recognized leaders in education. They have terminal degrees in the field, practical experience in their subject area and truly care about your personal and spiritual growth. Learn more about our experienced faculty.
We have students of all ages and from all walks of life, from those who have recently completed their undergraduate degrees to seasoned teachers who are ready to go back to school to remain current and competitive in today’s classroom. In addition, we have students with extensive career experience outside the field of education who are now ready to pursue a teaching degree in order to transition into the field of education. The average age of our students is 32, and 76 percent of our current students are studying on a part-time basis while they hold full-time jobs.
Our students truly represent diversity in every sense of the word! Read our SOE’s Regent Life section (News | Research & Dissertations) to learn more about our current students and alumni.
Master’s Level:The School of Education’s master’s programs focus on meeting the demands for a globally competent graduate. Typically three to four hours a week per credit hour is required for readings, research, completing assignments or other tasks such as discussion boards in an online course. The key to success is to review the syllabi in detail, know course expectations, stay up-to-date with coursework and maintain contact with your professors should problems arise.
Doctoral Level: The School of Education’s doctoral studies focus on research, writing and data analysis. Students have the opportunity to investigate and research an area of interest that will contribute to the field of study within the concentration they select. One can expect to read and write in a scholarly manner, conduct research, analyze data and defend the study. Time spent on coursework is estimated at around 15 to 20 hours per week on average. The program is rigorous and prepares students for advanced leadership positions while at the same time allows the student to independently investigate an area of interest.
Online courses will vary depending upon the professor who is teaching them and the content of the course. You can expect to experience some, if not all, of the following in your courses:
- Weekly Discussions
- Assigned Reading
- Writing Papers
- Research
- Group Projects
- Recorded Lectures
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Various Teaching Techniques
Once you have submitted an application and it has been processed in our system, you will be assigned to an admissions counselor who will serve as your primary point of contact for everything having to do with your application and supporting documents. He or she will remain your point of contact until you receive an admissions decision.
When your application and all supporting documents for your program have been received, you may be contacted for an interview. Within five business days of receiving a complete application (including your interview, if required), we will notify you of your admissions decision.
The School of Education does accept transfer credit. View our transfer policy.
The School of Education offers approved courses for teachers holding a provisional license from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Consult with your division specialist to determine which courses you need to complete licensure requirements.
Provisionally licensed individuals should confirm with a VDOE Licensure Specialist that a course meets VDOE’s professional studies requirements before registering for any course.
Provisional licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) at the request of the hiring school division. The provisional license is a nonrenewable license valid for a period of three years. The individual must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Individuals must complete the requirements for the regular, ten-year license within the Provisional License’s three-year term.
Available Provisional Licensure Courses That Meet the Requirements of Full Licensure:
- ECUR 525 Classroom Management (3 credits)
- ETLC 541 Child & Adolescent Development (3 Credits)
- ECUR 500 Curriculum & Instructional Techniques (3 credits)
- EELM 501 Assessment for & of Learning (3 credits)
- ETLC 542 Foundations of Education (3 credits)
- EFND 505 Teaching Reading in the Elementary Grades (3 credits)
- EFND 508 Teaching Reading and Language Arts Across the Curriculum (3 credits)
Our Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) residencies take place on the Virginia Beach campus for one week (Monday-Friday). Three consecutive summer residencies are required with two credit hours being awarded for each residency. Many students say this is their favorite part of their program. Students will meet professors and classmates and attend helpful sessions. Activities include:
- Classes in preparation for doctoral writing, library research and Canvas training
- Meeting with a faculty advisor to design a schedule
- A research workshop
- Comprehensive exam preparation
- Lectures from well-known guest speakers
Regent mirrors the historical tradition of the applied doctoral degree by using intensive residencies. In view of this goal, waiving residency requirements is not an option.
Master’s Applicants: If you are applying to a master’s program, the answer is NO. Many of our programs do require other exams for admission (i.e., Praxis, MAT or VCLA), but the GRE is not a requirement for any master’s degree.
Specialist Applicants: If you are applying to the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), the answer is NO.
Doctoral Applicants: If you are applying to an Ed.D. or Ph.D. program, the answer is YES. This is a firm requirement, and we are not able to waive it for any application. Scores must be current (within the last five years).
If you have further questions about this, you can contact your admissions counselor by calling 888.713.1595.
We are highly dedicated to being a military-friendly university. We have several options for ways to use your military benefits. Please visit our Military Resource Center page to learn more.
YES. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University.
In addition, our teacher education and endorsement programs are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), which is one of two national accreditation agencies for the field of education. TEAC accreditation demonstrates that we work closely with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to make sure our VDOE-approved programs are in line with best practices to help our students become highly qualified educators once they have completed their program.
All applicants are required to submit a timed writing sample for review. This sample is administered through the ETS Criterion Service and is used to technically grade your writing ability (assessing flow, grammar and style). Applicants select one of the three offered topics and write 400 words on the topic in the provided 40 minutes. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete this sample. It is an important part of the application process.
Note: If you are applying to the Ed.S., Ed.D. or Ph.D. programs, you will submit an additional writing sample known as an Educational/Professional Paper.
We offer nondegree-seeking courses for credit at a discounted tuition rate. If you are looking for a course or two to help keep your teaching license current or to test a course before committing to a full program, our professional development courses may be just what you need.
Note: These courses are not eligible for federal aid. Professional Development courses not available for all programs of study.
Email us at edadmissions@regent.edu or call us at 888.713.1595 to speak with an admissions counselor.
For anyone looking to obtain a teaching degree in Virginia, the Virginia Teacher Colleges & Online Guide is a great place to start. You can also compare tuition costs for teacher preparation programs in Virginia—Regent’s tuition is among the most affordable!