Education & Public Service

Make a Difference

Do you want to feel good about your career? Of course, you do. Nothing is more rewarding than nurturing young minds or otherwise serving your community.

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Earn Your Degree, Strengthen Your Community

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington

NOVA’s Education & Public Service programs are the ideal choice for students who want to help others. All aspects of early childhood education are covered in depth: from classroom instruction to administration, from behavioral studies to health and nutrition. But it’s not strictly for teachers. NOVA also offers instruction in Administration of Justice.

Make the Smart Choice

Transfer is not always the goal, but transfer resources are available for students interested in applying to senior institutions.
In addition to the A.A.S. in Early Childhood Development, one-year certificate programs are also available.

Jobs That Help Others Learn and Thrive

Whether you see yourself teaching a child to read, being an administrator, or a public servant, NOVA can help you find a career that benefits your community, that you can be proud of.

Police Officer

Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
- Potential Salary: $62,960*
- Local Companies: City of Manassas, Central Intelligence Agency, Virginia Department of State Police
- Programs at NOVA: Administration of Justice A.A.S., Homeland Security Specialization
*Based on BLS data
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Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
- Potential Salary: $50,410*
- Local Companies: United States District Court, Fairfax County Government
- Programs at NOVA: Paralegal Studies A.A.S.
*Based on BLS data
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Corrections Officer

Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms.
- Potential Salary: $43,510*
- Local Companies: Government of the District of Columbia, Fairfax County Government
- Programs at NOVA: Administration of Justice A.A.S.
*Based on BLS data
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Teacher Assistant

Teacher assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction.
- Potential Salary: $26, 260*
- Local Companies: Public School Systems, Early Learning Academy, The Goddard School
- Programs at NOVA: Early Childhood Development A.A.S.
*Based on BLS data
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Preschool Teacher

Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. They teach language, motor, and social skills to young children.
- Potential Salary: $28,990*
- Local Companies: Minnieland Academy, Chesterbrook Academy, Falls Church Public Schools
- Programs at NOVA: Early Childhood Development A.A.S.
*Based on BLS data
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Discover Your Passion

It takes a special person to dedicate oneself to the service of others. Choose a program and get started.

Early Childhood Development, A.A.S.

What could be more rewarding than a career working with, and inspiring, the next generation?

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Administration of Justice, A.A.S.

Students in Administration of Justice are motivated to do something meaningful and impact their communities.

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Administration of Justice, Certificate
The program is designed for those students who wish to take only those courses that relate directly to the law enforcement field.
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Administration of Justice: General Forensic Investigation, C.S.C.
This curriculum is designed to provide an introduction to the forensic investigation aspect of law enforcement and investigation.
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Administration of Justice: Homeland Security Specialization, A.A.S.
This program prepares students for entry-level opportunities as a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer; commercial and industrial security officer; police officer; or private or government investigator, particularly in the areas of homeland security.
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Administration of Justice: National Security, C.S.C.
This program is designed for students interested in a career in national security or furthering a career that requires knowledge of national security issues.
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Administration of Justice: Advanced Forensic Investigation, C.S.C.
This curriculum is designed as an advanced program in forensic investigation intended to provide training beyond the General Forensic Career Studies Certificate, or to provide continuing training for private investigators, individuals in law enforcement, or persons licensed in various security and/or investigative-related areas.
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Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S.
This program is designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program in criminal justice, criminology, or related fields.
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Driver Education Instructor, C.S.C.
This program is designed for students who wish to become qualified teachers of driver education or maintain qualifications in the state of Virginia.
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Early Childhood Development, A.A.S.
The curriculum is designed for individuals who seek employment involving the care and education of young children, or for those persons presently employed in these situations who wish to update and enhance their competencies. Occupational opportunities include program leaders, supervisors, and/or directors in child development programs.
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Early Childhood Development, C.S.C.
This curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to work with young children in safe and healthy environments that are supportive of children’s individual physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development.
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Early Childhood Development, Certificate
The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for employment in environments where the care and education of young children is the primary focus.
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Early Childhood Development: Infant and Toddler Care, C.S.C.
The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to create developmentally appropriate learning environments for infants and toddlers.
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Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.
The curriculum is designed to provide an individual with a sufficient level of knowledge, understanding, and proficiency to perform the tasks associated with meeting a client's needs.
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Social Sciences: Political Science Specialization, A.S.
This program is designed for individuals who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree.
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Social Sciences: Teacher Education Specialization, A.S.
This curriculum prepares students to transfer to a 4-year college or university teacher preparation program. It is specifically designed for students who plan to seek endorsement and licensure as teachers in PK-3, PK-6, middle school, or special education.
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Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Counselor, Certificate
This curriculum is designed to fulfill the Virginia state educational requirements for the certification of substance abuse counselors.
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Want More About a Future in Education?

We understand that a career in service to others represents a special commitment. Find out more about what NOVA can do to help you start down that path.

*Indicates Required Field

Earn Your Degree, Strengthen Your Community

Make the Smart Choice

Jobs That Help Others Learn and Thrive

Police Officer

Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Corrections Officer

Teacher Assistant

Preschool Teacher

Discover Your Passion

Early Childhood Development, A.A.S.

Administration of Justice, A.A.S.

Administration of Justice, Certificate

Administration of Justice: General Forensic Investigation, C.S.C.

Administration of Justice: Homeland Security Specialization, A.A.S.

Administration of Justice: National Security, C.S.C.

Administration of Justice: Advanced Forensic Investigation, C.S.C.

Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S.

Driver Education Instructor, C.S.C.

Early Childhood Development, A.A.S.

Early Childhood Development, C.S.C.

Early Childhood Development, Certificate

Early Childhood Development: Infant and Toddler Care, C.S.C.

Paralegal Studies, A.A.S.

Social Sciences: Political Science Specialization, A.S.

Social Sciences: Teacher Education Specialization, A.S.

Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Counselor, Certificate

Want More About a Future in Education?