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School of Education - George Mason University

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Classrooms are diverse. Your professional learning needs may be, too.

The Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) individualized concentration is developed in consultation with an advisor to offer course work in a specialized area that is not provided in other ASTL concentrations.

A student in an individualized concentration works closely with an advisor to design a program of study in an area of expertise relevant to the student’s professional educational setting.

What Does an Individualized Concentration Mean?

This ASTL concentration allows students to create an individualized program of study that meets their specific professional goals. Students schedule an appointment to design a customized concentration with a program advisor.

The concentration consists of 12 credits of core courses and 18 credits of additional concentration courses chosen in consultation with an advisor. It also has a performance-based portfolio that serves as a program-exit requirement and showcases the student’s work.

Importantly, graduates earn the advantages of a master’s degree, including the possibility of increased pay and opportunities to be curriculum leaders in their schools.

Who Should Apply?

Educators holding a bachelor's degree with or without a master's degree may apply for the full master's degree program, which includes 12 credits of core education courses and 18 credits of courses chosen with support from a Mason advisor. This is not an initial licensure program.

Can I Use Graduate Credits from Other Universities to Reduce my Course Load?

Possibly! University policy allows for up to 12 credits (depending on the program) that have not been previously used to complete a degree to be transferred from another accredited graduate program. Consultation with an ASTL advisor is necessary to determine if and which courses may be acceptable to a specific concentration. The literacy: K-12 reading specialist concentration does not allow for substitutions. Substitutions cannot be made for the five core courses of the ASTL program (EDUC 612, EDUC 613, EDUC 614, EDUC 606, EDUC 615). Course work that is older than six years will not be accepted, even if the courses were taken at Mason.