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Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Concentration in Secondary Education History and Social Science

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Mason undergraduates are eligible to apply to this bachelor's/accelerated master's program, which allows them to obtain both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree within an accelerated time frame. The program also offers the advantage of paying undergraduate tuition rates for graduate classes taken while finishing the bachelor’s degree, with some graduate classes able to count towards both degrees.

Teaching history and social studies allows you to prepare students to identify, understand, and work to solve the challenges facing our diverse nation in an increasingly interdependent world. Our program prepares graduates with a deep knowledge of both the subject matter as well as the goals of its instruction and leads to Virginia state licensure in secondary education.

What Are the Benefits of Completing This Master’s Degree?

  • Turn your passion into a high school or middle school student’s favorite subject by completing a state-approved program for Virginia teacher licensure in secondary education.
  • Complete clinical experiences in one of 16 partner schools—know and be known in your school as you learn to be a teacher.
  • Work with dedicated school- and university-based teacher educators committed to your success as a new teacher.
  • Leave our program with the tools to bring about meaningful change through education by learning to focus on social justice, advocacy, and teacher leadership.

Program Format

  • Includes both on-campus and online courses.
  • On-campus courses are held at Mason’s Fairfax campus.
  • A 6-credit internship is required.

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.