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Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education

Program Summary

Program: Secondary Education 6–12

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Secondary 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

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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 secondary education. Currently approved subject area tracks include English, biology, chemistry, Earth science, and computer science (math and physics tracks are under development). 
 
Strong partnerships with local high schools and middle schools ensure that teacher candidates are immersed in classroom settings with secondary 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 6-12 in the state of Virginia. Currently approved subject area tracks include English, biology, chemistry, Earth science, and computer science (math and physics tracks are under development). 
 
Graduates gain hands-on experience and make a difference through Mason’s local partner schools. The Mason Secondary Education (SEED) Partnership School Network is comprised of high schools and middle schools in Fairfax County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Alexandria City, Manassas City, and Falls Church City. In these school/university partnerships, the SEED teacher preparation program and high/middle school mentors take joint responsibility for: 

  • teacher preparation 
  • faculty development 
  • enhanced student learning 
  • inquiry directed at the improvement of practice 

Program structure

During their first two years in the BSEd program, students complete Mason Core, content area, and required foundational education courses. During this time, they have some flexibility in course selection. Students spend their last two years largely as part of a cohort, completing a prescribed sequence of upper-level secondary education (SEED) 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, most of which occur during the day. Students who need to take classes part-time or who need all evening classes should pursue the SEED Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's (BAM) program instead.

The majority of the secondary education (SEED) courses will meet once per week on Mason’s Fairfax campus or will be blended with a mix of on-campus and online instruction. Many require observation hours in the field (in SEED partner high schools and middle schools), for which students will be assigned to a specific school and classroom teacher in our SEED Partner School Network. 

Internship 

Secondary education students engage in a year-long internship experience (student teaching) that spans the fall and spring semesters of their final year. As with field work (or “clinical” work), internship assignments are made by the program and take place in a SEED Partnership Network school.  

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.

Program Summary

Program: Secondary Education 6–12

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Secondary 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

Request Information
Apply Now!

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