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School of Education - George Mason University

"My experience of being in the Early Childhood program at Mason, as an undergrad, has been valuable and worthwhile. I have encountered amazing professors, who challenged me and motivated me through different projects. It truly encouraged me to reflect on my knowledge and my practices as someone who wants to become a teacher who can make a difference in her students' lives." - Joo Kang, BSEd Early/Primary Education PreK-3, '22

By working with young children birth to age 8 and their families, early childhood education graduates create paths for success for children in the earliest years of their education.

This bachelor’s degree provides students with the opportunity to develop a strong cross-disciplinary foundation as well as specialized knowledge to work with young children with diverse abilities and cultural, racial, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. The courses in the major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded program of study that prepares them to be high-quality early childhood educators.

The BSEd in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners without concentration provides a foundation for work or further studies in the education and child development fields.

Field Experience

Some courses require field observation within a Northern Virginia regional school. If a course has a field experience requirement it will be noted in PatriotWeb. The field experience office coordinates with local schools to assign placements.

Internship

Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners students engage in a semester-long internship experience off campus. This internship is a capstone experience. It is a full-time obligation in the last semester of the program. The program assists with the placement process. Internships will either work directly with or on behalf of young children and their families.

Students must submit an internship application in the semester prior to the internship. Please consult with the Early Childhood Education advisor and review the information on this page for more details.

Careers in Early Childhood

Students completing this non-licensure program may pursue careers in the following areas:

  • Early Childhood Educators in Early Care and Education Settings
  • Inclusion and Support Paraprofessionals
  • Family Service Specialists
  • Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Specialists for Museums, Organizations, Community Centers, and Child Care Programs

Additional Opportunities

Licensure Disclosure

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 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.