Secondary Education - English (6-12) Undergraduate Certificate

Program Summary

Program: Secondary Education 6–12

Degree: Undergraduate Certificate in Secondary Education, English 6–12

Credential(s): Undergraduate Certificate

Credits: 23

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Register for an Upcoming Information Session

5/28/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

6/18/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

7/9/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

7/30/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

English is at the heart of education in the 21st century due to an increasing awareness of the importance of language in relation to learning and the role of communication in an advanced technological society.

This 23-credit certificate is available only to students pursuing a BA in English. Students who complete both the bachelor's degree and this certificate will be eligible for initial Virginia licensure in secondary education 6–12 with an endorsement in English.

Turn your passion into a high school or middle school student’s favorite subject by completing a state-approved program for Virginia teacher licensure in secondary education.
Complete clinical experiences in one of 18 partner schools—know and be known in your school as you learn to be a teacher.
Work with dedicated school- and university-based teacher educators committed to your success as a new teacher.
Leave our program with the tools to bring about meaningful change through education by learning to focus on social justice, advocacy, and teacher leadership.

Includes both on-campus and online courses.
On-campus courses are held at Mason’s Fairfax campus.
A 6-credit internship is required.

George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require George Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

Teacher Licensure Coursework

EDRD 419: Literacy Across the Disciplines (3 credits)
SEED 422: Foundations of Secondary Education (3 credits)
SEED 440: Human Development, Learning, and Teaching (3 credits)
SEED 469: Teaching English in Secondary School (3 credits)
SEED 479: Advanced Methods of Teaching English in the Secondary School (3 credits)
SEED 491: Internship Seminar in Secondary Teaching (2 credits)
SEED 492: Internship: Secondary Education English (6 credits)

Total credits: 23

Content Area Requirements for Virginia Licensure

There may be additional coursework that is required for this licensure pathway. In addition to the required courses listed above, this degree pathway leading to licensure, requires coursework in the following areas:

British Literature
American Literature
World Literature
Young Adult AND Multicultural Literature
Linguistics
Oral Language: Communications or Public Speaking
Grammar
Two English composition courses (one of which is upper level)

*Many of these requirements may be satisfied by Mason Core classes, undergraduate coursework, or any coursework you may have previously completed. Please visit the Content Area Review website. All endorsement requirements are listed on Content Area Review (CAR) Forms also found on this site. A CAR review must be completed upon applying and/or enrolling in this licensure program. Please use the Content Area Review website link above to initiate this process.

Fall Semester (classes starting in August)	Spring Semester (classes starting in January)	Summer Semester (classes starting in May, June, or July)
Applications not accepted for this term	Applications not accepted for this term	Applications not accepted for this term

For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.

* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT
Virginia Resident	$592.50 (includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident	$1,612.00 (includes MSF*)
CEHD Course Fee ($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses)	$25 - $257
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit	$617.50 - $849.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$1,637.00 - $1,869.00
Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee)	$350 \| $275 for transfer students

Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.

*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.

The secondary education (SEED) program includes multiple members of our advising team, including the SEED Academic Advisor and a subject area advisor for subject area track (English, history/social science, biology, chemistry, Earth science, and computer science). You should meet with the academic advisor and your subject area advisor at least once per semester to ensure that you are on track to complete your program successfully. Your advisors can do more than simply help you understand your program requirements; they can connect you to university resources that can aid in your success and can help you find ways to become engaged in learning outside of the classroom.

Secondary Education (SEED) Academic Advisor
Patty Hibner
Thompson Hall, Suite 1800
phibner@gmu.edu
703.993.3931

Secondary Education (SEED) Subject Area Advisors
English: Dr. Kristien Zenkov, kzenkov@gmu.edu
History/Social Science: Dr. Andrew Porter, aporter7@gmu.edu
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics): Dr. Erin Peters-Burton, epeters1@gmu.edu
Math: Dr. Theresa Wills, twills@gmu.edu
Computer Science: Dr. Erdogan Kaya, ekaya3@gmu.edu

New Advising Platform: Patriot Connect

As of May 22, Navigate Mason will be de-activated and advisors will begin using Patriot Connect for appointment scheduling. Any appointments after May 22 will need to be scheduled in Patriot Connect. Instructions on how to access and utilize this new system will be added here in the near future.

Patriot Connect is George Mason’s new platform designed to enhance your student journey. It will be your go-to for student success scheduling – such as academic advising, student success coaching, learning services, and more – ensuring you have the support you need to reach your goals at George Mason. Students will be able to login to Patriot Connect starting May 1.

Program Summary

Program: Secondary Education 6–12

Degree: Undergraduate Certificate in Secondary Education, English 6–12

Credential(s): Undergraduate Certificate

Credits: 23

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Undergraduate Certificate in Secondary Education, English 6–12

Program Summary

What Are the Benefits of Completing This Certificate?

Program Format

Licensure Disclosure

Teacher Licensure Coursework

Content Area Requirements for Virginia Licensure

Application Deadlines

Tuition (2024-25)

Financial Aid

Advising

New Advising Platform: Patriot Connect

Resources

Secondary Education 6-12

Program Summary

Primary Faculty