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