BSEd Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK–3 (Dual Licensure)

Program Summary

Program: Early Childhood Education

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners, Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PK–3

Credential(s): BSEd

Credits: 120

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$575.50 in state
$1582.50 out of state

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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 Childhood Education Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreKindergarten-Third Grade (PK-3) Dual Concentration prepares professionals to work in either Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Age 5), Preschool/PreKindergarten classrooms with children who access Special and General Education curriculum, or PreK-3rd Grade settings.

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 from a diversity of abilities and cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The courses in the major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded, cohesive program of study that prepares them to be high-quality early childhood educators.

Students who complete this dual licensure concentration are eligible to apply for licensure in both Early/Primary Education PreK–3 and Early Childhood Special Education (birth through age five) upon graduation. Early childhood educators help students learn and develop in ways that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

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 either working directly with or on behalf of young children and their families.

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 dual licensure program may pursue careers in the following areas:

Licensed Prekindergarten Teacher
Licensed Kindergarten Teacher
Licensed 1st-3rd Grade Teacher
Licensed Early Childhood Special Education (birth-age 5) teacher
Early interventionist

Students in the bachelor’s degree program may be eligible to apply for an accelerated master’s and complete an MEd within one year after finishing the bachelor’s degree.
Students have the opportunity to engage with professional organizations to create connections, learn about advocacy opportunities, and stay informed about current trends and developments in the field. Our professional organizations include Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (NVAEYC).

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.

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)
Global 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 Young Learners, Birth-Age 5 (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 (6 credits) (12 credits are required)
ECED 491: Seminar in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners (3 credits)

Concentration in Dual Licensure (27 credits)

ECED 405: Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education (3 credits)
ECED 406: Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners (3 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)
ECED 422: Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers (3 credits)
ECED 423: Early Intervention for Infants & Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative & Consultative Approaches (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 (22 credits)
Select an additional 22 credits from any courses. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements.

Total Credits (120 credits)

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 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	$575.50 (includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident	$1,582.50 (includes MSF*)
CEHD Course Fee ($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses)	$25.00 - $257.00
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit	$600.50 - $832.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$1,607.50 - $1,839.50
Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee)	$360 \| $285 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): $155.00

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

VCLA and Praxis Elementary Ed Multiple Subjects Preparation Workshops are offered on campus.
Virginia Test Requirements includes a breakdown of each test, online study materials, registration, etc.

Program Summary

Program: Early Childhood Education

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners, Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PK–3

Credential(s): BSEd

Credits: 120

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$575.50 in state
$1582.50 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Primary Faculty

Bweikia Steen Academic Program Co-Coordinator (Undergraduate)
EdD, University of San Francisco
Colleen Vesely Academic Program Co-Coordinator (Graduate)
PhD, University of Maryland
Christan Coogle
PhD, Florida State University
Daniel Ferguson
EdD, Teachers College, Columbia University
Carley Fisher-Maltese
PhD, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Erin Geiger
PhD, George Mason University
Leslie La Croix
PhD, George Mason University
Heather Walter
EdD, George Washington University
Deborah Stone
PhD, University of Denver

BSEd Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK–3 (Dual Licensure)

Program Summary

Dual Licensure Requirements

Field Experience

Internship

Careers in Early Education

Additional Opportunities

Licensure Disclosure

Mason Core (38 credits)

Program Core Requirements (33 credits)

Concentration in Dual Licensure (27 credits)

Program Format

Application Deadlines

Application Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Tuition (2023-24)

Financial Aid

Advising

Resources

Early Childhood Education

Program Summary

Primary Faculty