Earth science is emerging as a profoundly important field in both public perception as well as active science research.
Earth science teachers relay to students how our lives and future depend on the depth of our collective understanding of our home planet. This program develops a deep knowledge of both the subject matter as well as its instructional practices and leads to Virginia state licensure in secondary education with an endorsement in Earth science.
- 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 18 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.
- Includes both on-campus and online courses.
- On-campus courses are held at Mason’s Fairfax campus.
- A 6-credit internship is required (teaching full-time in the endorsement area under a provisional license may satisfy this requirement, with the credits to be replaced by approved course work).
- Full-time students can complete the degree and licensure requirements in as few as four semesters.
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 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.
Required Courses
Electives
Select six credits from the following*:
*Note: SEED offers special topics courses that are currently listed as distinct sections of EDCI 597; students must obtain program approval before registering for any of these courses.
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 15 |
Priority*: October 1
Space Available: January 5 |
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.
- An earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the admissions policy \[here for information.]\(https://catalog.gmu.edu/admissions/graduate-policies/)
- 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, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for [additional requirements.] (https://catalog.gmu.edu/admissions/international-students/)
- Admissions Interview
| 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** per credit |
$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.
To ensure you are on track to successfully complete your program, at least once per semester you should meet with at least one member of the SEED (Secondary Education) advising team:
- Your SEED Faculty Advisor
- The SEED Lead Advisor
- The SEED Program Coordinator
- The Undergraduate Pre-Education Academic Advisor/Bachelor's Accelerated Master's (BAM) Coordinator, and/or
- Your Mason Undergraduate Academic Advisor
These advisors can do more than simply help you understand your program requirements; they 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.
SEED English Faculty Advisor and Program Coordinator
Kristien Zenkov, PhD
kzenkov@gmu.edu, 703.993.5413
SEED Science Faculty Advisor
Erin Peters-Burton, PhD
epeters1@gmu.edu
SEED Lead Advisor
Andrew Porter, PhD
aporter7@gmu.edu
Undergraduate Pre-Education Academic Advisor/Bachelor's Accelerated Master's (BAM) Coordinator
Ms. Kerri Marianos
kmariano@gmu.edu, 703.993.3539
Kristien Zenkov
Academic Program Coordinator
Toya Frank
Mark Helmsing
Erdogan Kaya
Erin Peters-Burton
Theresa Wills