Secondary Education 6–12

Register for an Upcoming Information Session

• 12/11/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 12:00pm - 12:30pm
• 1/7/2026: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 10:30am - 11:00am
• 2/11/2026: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Secondary Education (Grades 6-12) at George Mason

Licensure Pathways for Future & Current Teachers

Future teachers, career-changers, and practicing educators come to George Mason to build skills that matter: planning meaningful instruction, leading equitable classrooms, and earning a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) 6-12 licensure across high-demand endorsement areas in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, English, History/Social Science, Mathematics, and Physics. 

You can choose the path that matches your timeline, budget, and career goals with degree options from the Bachelors of Secondary Education (BSEd) and the Bachelor's-to-Accelerated Master's (BAM)to Master of Education in Secondary Education(MEd). We also offer a Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education Licensure.

From day one, you will have experience learning and teaching in schools through the SEED School-University Partnership Network comprised of middle schools and high schools in Northern Virginia districts where you will "know and be known" in the schools where you want to work. A strong SEED community, dedicated faculty mentors, blended/on-campus formats, and competitive tuition (including a Virginia educator discount, where applicable), keep your path to the classroom clear and attainable. Want to expand your learning globally? Our optional, annual study-abroad course in Cambridge, England will allow you to gain a global perspective on teaching and learning. 

Why Choose George Mason CEHD

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)-approved licensure pathways. Start your career confidently with a curriculum structured around VDOE-approved pathways to initial secondary teacher licensure (6-12).
Commitment to equity and leadership. Graduate as an "empowering" teacher, prepared to engage with all learners as you champion social justice and student advocacy in a 6-12 classroom setting.
Supportive learning community. Join a supportive, tight-knit community that students describe as a family, giving you a professional "hub" with a vast network of connections.
Accessible and affordable. Advance your career affordably with competitive tuition rates and a Virginia educator discount, where applicable.
In Person and hybrid class formats. The secondary educaiton program offers most classes in-person, giving students the opportunity to engage in face-to-face instruction, the mode you will be interacting with students in the secodnary educaiton classroom setting. 
Dedicated mentorship. Receive ongoing mentorship and career support from our dedicated faculty, professional partners, and a powerful alumni network connected to Virginia's largest and most diverse public university.

What Sets Us Apart?

Comprehensive program options. We offer a complete range of pathways, from our Bachelor in Sedconary Education and accelerated bachelor's-to-master's to flexible Master of Secondary Education programs and certificates.
Deep local school partnerships. Our SEED Partnership School Network includes middle and high schools in all Northern Virginia local school districts—Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, Falls Chruch City, Alexandria, and Loudoun—allowing you to "know and be known" in the schools where you want to work.
Immersive clinical experience. You will get hands-on experience in classroom settings with clinical experiences and internship. We use a teacher-mentor model so you will have access and support from teacher-mentors from the very beginning of your secondary teacher preparation program.
High-demand endorsement areas. Earn your teacher certification in Virginia in critical, high-demand fields, including biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, English, history/social science, mathematics, and physics.
Global education opportunity. We offer an optional study abroad course every year in Cambridge, England to broaden your perspective on global education.