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"My experience in George Mason's teacher program was great. The professors were all extremely supportive and passionate about what they were teaching. Many of the professors came from a practical background, which, in my opinion, gave the curriculum some real world punch. The courses and assignments were well structured and challenging, but the professors were always there to help and clear up any confusion. It was clear that the professors wanted you to succeed not only in your courses but also succeed as a teacher once you were out teaching in the real world. The passion they have for education is contagious." - Erica Ramirez Estrada, '21
The Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) Concentration prepares professionals to work in primary grade public school settings with children and families who bring diverse cultural, racial, linguistic, ability, and socio-economic backgrounds to the classroom.
Students completing this licensure program pursue careers in Public, Private, and Independent School contexts as licensed teachers at the following levels:
- PreKindergarten Teachers
- Kindergarten Teachers
- First Grade Teachers
- Second Grade Teachers
- Third Grade Teachers
By working with young children and their families, our students create pathways for success for children in the earliest years, helping them learn and develop in ways that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Teachers for the youngest learners are in high demand.
This bachelor’s degree provides students with a strong cross-disciplinary foundation as well as specialized knowledge for working with young children with diverse abilities and backgrounds. The courses in the major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded program of studies that prepares them to be high-quality educators of students in prekindergarten through third grade.
Students pursuing the Early/Primary Education PreK-3 concentration will be eligible to apply for Earl/Primary Education PreK-3 teacher licensure upon graduation.
Please note that there are additional requirements when pursuing teacher licensure. See below for more information about the required licensure exams and content area coursework.
In addition to completing program courses, students must complete state-mandated licensure exams and content area coursework prior to their internship application deadline. The most up-to-date information regarding exams can be found on the TeacherTrack@Mason website. Students need to initiate a content area review and meet with an endorsement advisor to discuss the remaining requirements. Instructions on the content area review process can be found here.
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. Our field experience office coordinates with our local schools to assign placements.
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 be working in primary grade public school classrooms.
Students must submit an internship application in the semester prior to internship. Please consult with the Early Childhood Education advisor and review the information on this page for more details.
Students completing this licensure program pursue careers in Public, Private, and Independent School contexts as licensed teachers in the following areas:
- PreKindergarten Teachers
- Kindergarten Teachers
- First Grade Teachers
- Second Grade Teachers
- Third Grade Teachers
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 George 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.
Foundation Requirements:
Exploration Requirements:
Integration Requirement:
Internship
Select 12 credits from the following:
There may be additional coursework that is required for this licensure pathway. In addition to the required courses listed above, this degree pathway leading to licensure, requires coursework in the following areas:
- English composition
- Literature (preferably children’s lit)
- Survey of US history
- Survey of world history
- One geography or economics course
- Two science courses each with a lab (from different disciplines)
- Two math courses
- Fine arts
*Many of these requirements may be satisfied by Mason Core classes, undergraduate coursework, or any coursework you may have previously completed. Please visit the Content Area Review website. All endorsement requirements are listed on Content Area Review (CAR) Forms also found on this site. A CAR review must be completed upon applying and/or enrolling in this licensure program. Please use the Content Area Review website link above to initiate this process.
The program is a standard-length, 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Course work is primarily completed in person on Mason’s Fairfax campus.
Freshman
- Non-Binding Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 15
Transfer
- Fall Priority Deadline: March 1
- Spring Priority Deadline: October 1
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
Prospective George Mason students can visit the How to Apply page for more information about submitting an application.
Learn about submission deadlines and admissions requirements using the links below:
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$592.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$1,612.00
(includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee
($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$617.50 - $849.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,637.00 - $1,869.00 |
Undergraduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
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.
Your Academic Advisor is Kayla Turner
Email Address: kturne4@gmu.edu
Phone Number: 703-993-4242
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00
Office Location: Fairfax Campus, Thompson Hall, Suite 2300
Schedule an appointment
Virginia Testing Resources
Links and Resources from the Office of Teacher Preparation:
Bweikia Steen
Academic Program Coordinator (Undergraduate)
Colleen Vesely
Academic Program Coordinator (Graduate)
Daniel Ferguson
Carley Fisher-Maltese
Erin Geiger
Leslie La Croix
Deborah Stone