Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education
Program Summary
Program: Elementary Education
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education
Credential(s): BSEd
Credits: 120
100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes
Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state
Register for an Upcoming Information Session
This four-year bachelor's degree program provides a robust, well-rounded curriculum that includes general and content-specific teaching methods courses and leads to initial licensure in elementary education.
Strong partnerships with local elementary schools ensure that teacher candidates are immersed in classroom settings with elementary students throughout the program. Graduates will be able to recognize and adapt to students’ needs, interests, and readiness levels through innovative, research-based pedagogical practices.
More Information about the Program
- Graduates of this program earn their initial teaching license upon graduation, enabling them to teach grades PK–6 in the state of Virginia.
- Graduates gain hands-on experience and make a difference through Mason’s local partner schools.
- The Mason Elementary PDS Network is comprised of elementary schools in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Arlington County, Loudoun County, and Manassas Park. In a PDS partnership, the elementary school and the teacher preparation program take joint responsibility for:
- teacher preparation
- faculty development
- enhanced student learning
- inquiry directed at the improvement of practice
- A convenient option for transfer students:
- Transfer students can take advantage of the ADVANCE program to complete an AS in social science at Northern Virginia Community College and then finish the BSEd at Mason within two years.
Our Cohort Model
Once a student has completed 45 credits and achieved at least a 2.5 GPA, they can declare a concentration in either Elementary Education PK-6 (Licensure) or Educational Studies (Non-Licensure). Beginning in the fall of their junior year, students join a cohort and complete a prescribed sequence of upper-level ELED courses that are offered once a year in either the fall or spring. The structure of this program works for students who can enroll full-time and complete the majority of their courses during the day. Students who need to take classes part-time or who can take only evening classes, should pursue the ELED Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's (BAM) program instead.
Our Courses
The majority of the ELED courses will meet once per week on Mason’s Fairfax campus or will be hybrid with a mix of on-campus and online instruction. Students will be assigned to a specific elementary school within our PDS Network to complete the fieldwork and observations required for the courses.
Internship
Students in the BSED ELED program engage in a year-long student teaching experience that spans the fall (ELED 480 Practicum) and spring (ELED 490 Internship) of their final year. As with fieldwork, practicum and internship placements are made by the program and take place in a PDS Network school.
To be approved to do the practicum and internship classes, students must apply and meet all requirements by the deadlines set by the Office of Teacher Preparation (OTP). Requirements include:
- Official, passing scores on the required licensure exams (Praxis Teaching Reading and Praxis Elementary Education Multiple Subjects Exam)
- CPR/AED/First Aid certificate (an in-person skills component is required)
- Completion of all Content Area coursework
Visit the Office of Teacher Preparation website for information about the internship application, a list of resources for preparing for the exams and completing the CPR/AED/First Aid training, and details about Content Area coursework.
Licensure Disclosure
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.
Mason Core (37-38 credits)
Foundation Requirements:
- Written Communication (3)
- ENGH 101: Composition (3 credits) (Mason Core)
- Oral Communication (3)
- Quantitative Reasoning (3)
- MATH 272: Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers II (3 credits) (Mason Core) (recommended course)
- Information Technology and Computing (3)
- ELED 257: Integrating Technology in PreK-6 (3 credits) (Mason Core) (recommended course)
Exploration Requirements:
- Arts (3)
- ARTH 101: Introduction to the Visual Arts (3 credits) (Mason Core) (recommended course)
- Global Contexts (3)
- GGS 101: Major World Regions (3 credits) (Mason Core) (recommended course)
- Literature (3)
- ELED 258: Children's Literature for Teaching in Diverse Settings (3 credits) (Mason Core) (recommended course)
- Natural Science (7-8)
- Two lab sciences in different disciplines (recommended)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)
- EDUC 200: Introduction to Education: Teaching, Learning and Schools (3 credits) (Mason Core) (recommended course)
- Global History (3)
Integration Requirement:
- Written Communication (3)
- ENGH 302: Advanced Composition (3 credits) (Mason Core)
- Mason Apex
Major Course Requirements (60 credits)
- ELED 242: Foundations of Elementary Education (3 credits)
- ELED 305: Foundations of Elementary Methods and Management (3 credits)
- ELED 390: Clinical Experience: Theory to Practice Integration I (2 credits)
- ELED 391: Clinical Experience: Theory to Practice Integration II (1 credit)
- ELED 401: Classroom Management and Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners (3 credits)
- ELED 402: Differentiating Elementary Methods and Management (3 credits)
- ELED 410: Emergent and Early Literacy (3 credits)
- ELED 411: Reading Development, Processes, Assessment, and Pedagogy (3 credits)
- ELED 412: Writing Development, Processes and Pedagogy (3 credits)
- ELED 421: STEM in the Elementary Classroom (3 credits)
- ELED 443: Children, Family, Culture, and Schools, Ages 4-12 (3 credits)
- ELED 452: Mathematics Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3 credits)
- ELED 453: Science Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3 credits)
- ELED 454: Methods of Teaching Social Studies and Integrating Fine Arts in the Elementary Classroom (3 credits)
- ELED 480: Practicum in Elementary Education (3 credits)
- EDUC 301: Educating Diverse and Exceptional Learners (3 credits)
Concentration in Educational Studies (Non-Licensure) (12 credits)
Choose 12 credits from the following or other education-related classes approved by advisor:
- ECED 404: Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 6 (3 credits)
- EDCI 423: Methods for Teaching PK-6 English Learners in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
- EDEP 350: Perspectives on Achievement Motivation (3 credits)
- EDSE 241: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum (3 credits)
- EDSE 353: Individualized Behavior Supports (3 credits)
- EDSE 354: Consultation and Collaboration (3 credits)
- ELED 422: Collaboration in PK-6 Inclusive School Settings (3 credits)
- ELED 495: Internship in Elementary Education (Non-licensure) (1 credit)
- PHED 330: Health and Physical Activity for Classroom Teachers (3 credits)
Concentration in Elementary Education PK-6 (Licensure) (12 credits)
Choose one course from the following:
- ECED 404: Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 6 (3 credits)
- EDCI 423: Methods for Teaching PK-6 English Learners in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
- EDEP 350: Perspectives on Achievement Motivation (3 credits)
- EDSE 241: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum (3 credits)
- EDSE 353: Individualized Behavior Supports (3 credits)
- EDSE 354: Consultation and Collaboration (3 credits)
- ELED 422: Collaboration in PK-6 Inclusive School Settings (3 credits)
- PHED 330: Health and Physical Activity for Classroom Teachers (3 credits)
Electives (25-26 credits)
Students can select 25-26 credits of electives. They are encouraged to use these to fulfill endorsement requirements.
Content Area Requirements for Virginia Licensure
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
- Oral communication (communication or public speaking course)
- Literature (preferably children’s lit)
- An English elective
- Survey of US history
- Survey of world history
- One geography, US government or economics course
- VDOE’s Civics Module: https://www.civiceducationva.org/
- 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.
Application Deadlines
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.
Application Requirements
Prospective George Mason students can visit the How to Apply page for more information about submitting an application.
Admissions Requirements
Learn about submission deadlines and admissions requirements using the links below:
Tuition (2024-25)
| 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
Financial Aid
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.
Advising
You should meet with your academic advisor at least once per semester to ensure that you are on track to complete your program successfully. Your advisor can do more than simply help you understand your program requirements; she can connect you to university resources that can aid in your success and can help you find ways to become engaged in learning outside of the classroom.
Elementary Education Academic Advisor
Valerie Bartush
Thompson Hall, Suite 1400
vbartush@gmu.edu
703.993.3931
Prepare for your Appointment
To make the most of your time with your advisor, please prepare for your appointment ahead of time. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Plan ahead: Schedule your appointment prior to your registration time ticket so you have a plan ready and know which courses you should take next when it’s time to register.
- Make a list of questions: Review your degree evaluation in Patriot Web and look at the 4-year plan for your major. If you've met with your advisor once, you should have a personalized completion plan that you are expected to save, review and reference. Write down any questions you have before coming to the appointment.
- Be informed: Students who've been admitted into a cohort should review program information that's available in the ELED Blackboard organization site. If you are interested in doing anything outside of the ordinary (e.g. taking a class somewhere other than Mason, withdrawing from a class, repeating a course, adding a minor), please review academic policies. The best source for policy information is the University Catalog. CEHD has also created both an undergraduate and a graduate policy page that contains some of the policies most frequently encountered by students.
Schedule an Appointment
Elementary Education advising is available both in-person and virtually. To schedule an advising appointment, please use the Navigate Mason scheduling system. Click here to access the ELED advisor's calendar in Navigate.
- Follow the prompts and select the type of advising service you want.
- Select the date and time that works for you.
- You will receive an email confirmation. If the appointment is virtual, you'll receive a calendar invitation with the zoom link prior to the appointment.
Resources
Elementary Education Program Student Ambassadors
These student leaders assist with university and college recruitment events and plan professional development and social events for their peers in the program.
Links and Resources from the Office of Teacher Preparation:
Elementary Education
School of Education
4400 University Drive, MS 4B3
Thompson Hall, 1800
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
Phone: (703) 993-3696
Fax: (703) 993-2013
Program Summary
Program: Elementary Education
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education
Credential(s): BSEd
Credits: 120
100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes
Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state
Primary Faculty
-
Audra Parker
Academic Program Coordinator
PhD, University of Georgia -
Courtney Baker
PhD, George Mason University -
Mandy Bean
PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill -
Stephanie Dodman
PhD, University of Florida -
Andrew Gilbert
PhD, New Mexico State -
Lois Groth
PhD, University of Maryland -
Jennifer Hathaway
PhD, Vanderbilt University -
Betsy Levine-Brown
PhD, University of Pittsburgh -
Allison Parsons
PhD, University of Virginia -
Seth Parsons
PhD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro -
Debra Sprague
PhD, University of New Mexico -
Jennifer Suh
PhD, George Mason University -
Theresa Wills
PhD, George Mason University