BSEd Early/Primary Education PK–3 Concentration
"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.
Mason Core (38 credits)
- Written communication (6) ( ENGH 302: Advanced Composition (3 credits) is recommended)
- Oral communication (3)
- Information technology and computing (3)
- Quantitative reasoning (3) ( MATH 106: Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits) is recommended)
- Literature (3)
- Arts (3)
- Western civilization/World History (3)
- Social and behavioral science (3)
- Global understanding (3) (GGS 101: Major World Regions (3 credits) is recommended course)
- Natural science (8) (Two lab sciences in different disciplines are recommended)
- Writing intensive (fulfilled by major requirements)
- Synthesis/Capstone (fulfilled by major requirements)
Program Core Requirements (33 credits)
- ECED 201: Introduction to Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners (3 credits)
- ECED 401: Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence (3 credits)
- ECED 402: Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Learners (3 credits)
- ECED 403: Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance (3 credits)
- ECED 404: Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 6 (3 credits)
- ECED 411: Assessment of Diverse Young Learners (3 credits)
- ECED 490: Internship in Early Childhood Education (3 credits) (12 credits are required)
- ECED 491: Seminar in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners (3 credits)
Concentration in Dual Licensure (27 credits)
- ECED 412: Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners (3 credits)
- ECED 413: Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners (3 credits)
- ECED 415: Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners (3 credits)
- ECED 416: Science for Diverse Young Learners (3 credits)
- MATH 110: Introductory Probability (3 credits) OR MATH 271: Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers I (3 credits) OR course approved by advisor
General Electives (34 credits)
Select an additional 34 credits from any courses. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements.
Total Credits (120 credits)