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In this non-degree series of courses, students will explore the forms and manifestations of giftedness across student populations, focusing on culturally diverse, multilingual, twice exceptional, and traditionally defined gifted students.
Mason’s Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) endorsement courses in gifted education provide advanced professional development for teachers of gifted students. They meet graduate standards set by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
This four-course standalone series (12 credits) is 100% online and is approved for application to a Virginia Department of Education Add-on Endorsement in Gifted Education.
Gifted learners need content relevant to their lives, activities requiring them to process important ideas at a high level, and products that cause them to grapple with meaningful problems and pose defensible solutions.
Our gifted education endorsement courses prepare educators to:
- Enact challenging, differentiated pedagogical practices
- Address the social and emotional needs of gifted learners
- Critique and compare gifted identification and assessment methods
- Advocate for students who have traditionally been under-identified as gifted
This course series is for teachers and other educators interested in gifted education who are interested in pursuing a Virginia Department of Education add-on endorsement in gifted education, but who are not interested in pursuing a Masters degree at this time.
Note: This non-degree option is a great option for teachers who only need one or two of the courses or for district cohorts. If you are interested in the entire four-course series for endorsement, we suggest applying to the Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education. Contact us for more information.
Yes! If you are a district gifted programming leader and are interested in helping your teachers obtain their VDOE add-on endorsement in gifted education, we have special contract cohort rates available. Contact us for details.
Courses
EDCI 627: Advanced Practicum in Gifted Education (3 credits) is available for students to take to fulfill the teaching requirements of the VA DOE Add-on Endorsement application. However, one year of successful full-time teaching in an accredited public or non-public school may be accepted in lieu of the EDCI 627 practicum (VA Licensure Regulations for School Personnel, 1998) when applying to VA DOE for the Add-on Endorsement in Gifted Education.
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
| August 26 |
January 22 |
June 27 |
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.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$748.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$948.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$635.50
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$773.50 - $832.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$979.50 - $1,038.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$660.50 - $719.50 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
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.
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.
Nancy Holincheck
Academic Program Coordinator
Stephanie Dodman