Program Details
Program Details
Back to top
Associate of Science
Virginia Western Community College
Top
Bottom
Program Details
Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences - Education Specialization
Associate of ScienceAssociate of Science Degree in Social Sciences - Education Specialization
Virginia Western Community College
The Social Sciences - Education degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a teaching career at the elementary or secondary level.Â
Program Credit Requirements

Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences - Education Specialization
61
Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences - Education Specialization
61
SOCIAL SCIENCES: EDUCATION
61
SDV 101 - Orientation to Liberal Arts and Social Science Transfer
2
SDV 101 - LASS Trans
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
ENG 111 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 154 QUANT REASON
3
MTH 154 QUANT REASON
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ITE 152
3
ITE 152
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
PSY 200
3
PSY 200
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112
3
ENG 112 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 155 STAT REASONING
3
MTH 155 STAT REASONING
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HISTORY 111 or EQUIVALENT
3
HISTORY 111 or HISTORY 121
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
SOC 200
3
SOC200 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
EDU 200
3
EDU200 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GEO 210
3
GEO210 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MUS 121
3
MUS121 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HIS 112 or HIS 122
3
HIS 112 or HIS 122
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENGLISH LITERATURE ELECTIVE
3
English Literature ELE 3
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ART 101
3
ART101 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CST 100
3
CST 100
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHI 101
3
PHI 101 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PSY 235
3
PSY235 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SCIENCE FOR EDUCATION ELECTIVE (8 cr)
8
Science for Education ELE -8cr
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
61
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 45 credits may be applied to this program.
GPA
61
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Program Overview & Guidance

Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Transfer Degree
Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This Degree Right For Me? | Are you interested in being a teacher? Do you want to help students learn? Are you interested in transferring to a four-year school to complete your teaching degree?  Do you want to earn your bachelor's degree? The Social Sciences – Education is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a teaching career at the elementary or secondary level. Begin your journey today to a transfer program to lead you to an exciting career. |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
This program can be completed partially online. Students who intend to transfer should verify specific program requirements with their four-year institution.
|
Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | PRAXIS Exams: To teach in Virginia, students must pass the PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II examinations, which have replaced the National Teachers Exam. The PRAXIS I exam measures basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is used by some four-year institutions as an admissions requirement into their teacher education programs. Virginia Western education students should check with the institution that they plan to attend about the requirements for completing the PRAXIS I exam. The PRAXIS II exam measures content knowledge in the student's major field and is usually taken in the senior year at the four-year institution. Students who intend to transfer should verify specific program requirements with their four-year institution. |
Do More With Your Degree | Students that graduate from Virginia Western with an associate degree and a minimum grade point average may obtain GUARANTEED admission to more than 30 of the commonwealth's colleges and universities. Please see this list for copies of the current agreements. In addition, Virginia Western has entered into the following agreement specific to the Social Sciences: Education program. This list is subject to change, and the most current agreements can be found on our Transfer Agreements page. Students who intend to transfer should verify specific program requirements with their four-year institution. |
Program Successes & Highlights | https://www.virginiawestern.edu/ie/research/student-goals/ |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | Yes |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

Number of Transfer Students
519
College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Virginia Western Community College's service region includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem, along with Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. Virginia Western was the first college established in the VCCS, in 1966, and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current annual enrollment of more than 9,000 students in credit courses and more than 1,400 enrollments in fast-track career training and continuing education courses. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.virginiawestern.edu/transfer/transfer-agreements/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences - Teacher Preparation Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Teacher Education Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Pre-Teacher Preparation Elementary (PreK-6) | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Teacher Preparation Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science - Mathematics and Science Teacher Preparation Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Teacher Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies (Teacher Preparation PreK-8) | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Math Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | Early Childhood Education | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Early Childhood Development Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Early Childhood Development, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Arts & Sciences Degree in Theatre Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Arts & Sciences Degree in Art | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies- Elementary Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Teacher Education - Secondary Mathematics Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Secondary Teacher Education (English/History) | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | Liberal Arts, Education Specialization: Teacher Preparation (PreK-8) | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Education Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | K-8 Education Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Develop | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Psychology/Social Work | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences - Pre-Social Work Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Liberal Arts Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | General Studies Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Deaf Studies Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Political Science Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Geospatial Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
25-1081.00 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-2021.00 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-2012.00 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-2011.00 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-2022.00 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-9042.00 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-9043.00 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
19-4061.00 | Social Science Research Assistants | Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1069.00 | Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-3099.00 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | All social scientists and related workers not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3099.01 | Transportation Planners | Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |