Upcoming Infosession
A mathematics teacher-leader, interventionist, coach, or district leader can have an immense impact on the mathematics teaching and learning within a school community. Earn your master's and state endorsement with us!
This 30-credit program includes all required course work for state endorsement as a K–8 mathematics specialist. With both blended and 100% online program options, it is designed for working professionals, most of whom complete the degree in three years or fewer.
In this program you will:
- learn skills that are 100% transferable to your context
- engage with expert faculty who consistently spearhead change at all levels
- gain knowledge and experience through mathematics content and leadership courses
- participate in course work for your master's degree and state endorsement
This program is for those who already have teaching licenses in mathematics; it is not an initial licensure program (for initial licensure options please contact the Elementary Education or Secondary Education Program).
A math specialist is a specialized teacher-leader who works in a variety of capacities as a coach, interventionist, and teacher-leader. Math specialists may work in a variety of formal and informal capacities, including data coach, resource provider, mentor, curriculum or instructional specialist, classroom supporter, learning facilitator, school leader, and learner. These individuals provide ongoing professional development to school stakeholders with the ultimate goal of improving mathematics instruction and advocating for research-informed, effective practices.
No! While the program is designed for K–8 educators, high school mathematics teachers have found the course work provides valuable and transferable skills. Please note that both the master’s degree content and the Virginia math specialist endorsement are designated K–8 only.
Teachers who already have master’s degrees should have their transcripts evaluated by the state department of education to determine which courses are still needed for the math specialist endorsement. The Academic Program Coordinator can assist with developing a program of study once an evaluation has been completed. Contact us for additional support.
You may be able to transfer up to 12 credits from a Virginia partner institution. A transfer is dependent upon the approval of the academic program coordinator. Credits cannot have been used toward a previous master’s degree and must follow policies for transfer credit.
This program is offered in both blended and 100% online formats. Please note: all online courses in both formats are run in a synchronous format. As a part of the blended format, face-to-face courses meet in the evenings on our Fairfax campus.
Most of our students maintain full-time employment during the program and complete it in less than three years.
If you are applying for the blended format, please apply under “on campus.” If you are applying for the 100% online format, please apply under “online.”
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 21 |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 6 |
Priority*: February 1
Space Available: May 15 |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below. Please review the FAQ page for more information.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, and/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study when evaluating the GPA requirement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$709.70
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$909.70
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,624.25) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$603.25
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25.00 - $84.00 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$734.70 - $793.70 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$934.70 - $993.70 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$628.25 - $687.25 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $150.25
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
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.
Marie Champagne
Email: mchampa4@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-3173
Fairfax Campus: Thompson Hall, Suite 2600
To schedule an appointment: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/nZv9-21tdf
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.
Courtney Baker
Academic Program Coordinator
Toya Frank
Jennifer Suh
Theresa Wills