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STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.
Mason’s Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) STEM concentration is designed to empower educators to spark a love of learning in their students by using research-based, progressive practices for teaching science, technology, engineering, and math in the classroom.
This concentration provides advanced professional development for practicing elementary, middle, or high school science teachers.
Benefits of the ASTL STEM Concentration
- Deepen your knowledge of pedagogy in STEM so you can bring an exciting, cutting-edge curriculum to your students and schools.
- Grow your career with the advantages of a master’s degree, including the possibility of increased pay and the opportunity to be a curriculum leader 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.
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, 18 credits of STEM courses chosen with support from a Mason advisor. This is not an initial licensure program.
Possibly! The program allows up to 12 graduate credits to be transferred from another accredited institution of higher education. Consultation with an ASTL advisor is necessary to determine if and what 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). Courses that are older than ten years or courses in which a grade lower than a B- was earned will not be accepted for transfer, even if the courses were taken at Mason.
Core Courses (12 credits)
Concentration Courses (18 credits)
Electives
In consultation with advisor, select an 15 credits from among the following; courses may be substituted with advisor approval:
Total Credits: 18
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 courses, with a 100% online option available 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, and 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 18 |
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.
STEM Concentration: Academic Advisor
Dr. Nancy Holincheck
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.
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.
Nancy Holincheck
Academic Program Coordinator
Dawn Hathaway
Designing Digital Learning in Schools
Stephanie Dodman