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Spanish is the most common world language taught in US schools, with dual immersion programs growing rapidly.
Mason’s Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) Spanish concentration is designed to deepen your own language knowledge while you study advanced theory and pedagogy to strengthen the language learning of students in your classroom.
This 30-credit MEd includes the opportunity to take modern language and language pedagogy courses, as well as a set of Core program courses focused on learning, assessment, inquiry, reflection, and culture.
Graduate Certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education Option
If you teach or are interested in learning how to best meet the needs of Spanish Heritage Speakers in the language classroom, you are also eligible to pursue an online 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education as part of your ASTL Spanish MEd program.
The graduate certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education (SHLE) provides training in heritage language educational policy and practice as well as social justice-oriented approaches to teaching Spanish. Students develop familiarity with the linguistic, sociolinguistic, and cultural characteristics of Spanish-speakers in the US. The SHLE certificate prepares educators and affiliated professionals to advocate for heritage speakers of Spanish, design and implement Spanish for Heritage Speakers (SHL) curricula, and develop teaching materials and pedagogies for use in both SHL and mixed classes. Reach out to mclgrad@gmu.edu for more information on pursuing the SHLE Graduate Certificate as part of your MEd!
Where This Degree Will Take You
- The broad, research-based knowledge you’ll gain will position you as a leader in language instruction.
- Grow your career with the advantages of a master’s degree, including increased pay and an opportunity to be a voice for curriculum leadership in your school.
- Aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the courses help teachers think and practice with the same level of reflection and skill as Board-certified educators (a great next step after graduating!).
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 concentration courses chosen with support from a Mason advisor. This is not an initial licensure program.
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. 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.
Core Courses (12 credits)
Required Courses (18 credits)
- Select 12-18 credits of 500-600 level SPAN or FRLN courses with advisor approval.
Up to 6 credits of the following EDCI courses may be selected with advisor approval.
Note: Courses may be substituted with advisor-approved language and literature-related electives
The 15 credit certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education (SHLE) may be pursued as part of the 18 credit Concentration.
Total: 30 credits
Program Exit Requirement
Professional Development Portfolio: A performance-based assessment that provides concrete evidence of teacher professional development throughout the ASTL program. Students finalize and present their portfolios in their final spring semester.
- Includes both online and on-campus course options Dependent on course selection
- On-campus courses are held in the evenings at Mason’s Fairfax campus
- Designed to be completed in approximately two years while working full time as a teacher
- New students begin classes in May, August, or January (Summer, Fall, and Spring admissions)
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 19 |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 10 |
Priority*: February 1
Space Available: May 15 |
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:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
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.
Each student is responsible for knowing George Mason’s rules, regulations, requirements, administrative policies, and academic policies. The University Catalog, your program advisors, and the staff in the Student and Academic Affairs Office are key resources to assist you as you work toward completion of your degree requirements. It is highly recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once per semester to review degree progress and plan for future semesters.
You Have the Keys to Success:
Be an Informed Student
It is your responsibility to monitor your progress in completing your requirements. Your advisor is a resource to assist you. If you choose not to meet with your advisor, you may miss key information and opportunities to make your experience at George Mason a more valuable one.
Read your George Mason Email
Students are responsible for reading university communications sent to their George Mason email account (@gmu.edu) and are required to activate that account and check it regularly. If you wish to forward your @gmu.edu emails to a personal account, please do so as soon as possible once admitted to avoid missing key communications from various university offices.
Know and Use your Resources
Friends and other CEHD students are great, but they are not reliable sources of information for your individual degree requirements and progress. A reliable resource is the paid George Mason employee who is the subject matter expert on the question at hand (e.g. licensure, endorsements, advising, career services, admissions, registrar, and IT support). When in doubt, ask your advisor!
Spanish Concentration: Academic Advisor
Dr. Stephanie Dodman
ASTL Academic Advisors guide students through their program of study. After admission, reach out to your advisor to plan your program of study and plan for your first course! Stay in touch with your advisor each semester to consult on your course selection and program progress.
Nancy Holincheck
Academic Program Coordinator
Stephanie Dodman