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"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
This bachelor’s degree provides students with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge in special education to work with young children and families from a diversity of abilities and cultural, racial, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. The courses in this major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded program of study that prepares them to be high-quality early childhood special educators.
Students pursuing this concentration will be eligible for Early Childhood Special Education birth-age 5 licensure upon graduation. Providing intervention for students at an early age enhances later academic outcomes as well as social, emotional, cognitive, motor, language, and adaptive development.
Please note that there are additional requirements when pursuing teacher licensure. See below for more information about the required licensure exams.
In addition to completing program courses, students must complete state-mandated licensure exams prior to their internship application deadline. The most up-to-date information regarding exams can be found on the TeacherTrack@Mason website.
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.
Students pursuing Early Childhood Special Education 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 completed in public school and birth to three early intervention settings.
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.
Students completing this licensure program may pursue careers in the following areas:
- Preschool Special Education Teachers
- Early Interventionist in Birth to Age 3 Settings
- Child Find Specialists
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.
The majority of ECED courses will be either in person on our Fairfax campus or in a hybrid format.
Foundation Requirements:
Exploration Requirements:
Integration Requirement:
Internship
Select 12 credits from the following:
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