Curriculum and Instruction, MEd - Concentration in Secondary Education Biology

Program Summary

Program: Secondary Education 6–12

Degree: Master of Education in Secondary Education, Concentration in Science

Credential(s): MEd

Credits: 30

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$636.00 (with VA educator discount)
$748.50 in state
$948.50 out of state

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Register for an Upcoming Information Session

5/28/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

6/18/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

7/9/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

7/30/2025: Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session — — 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Life is all around us, in beauty and abundance, and the people who introduce students to how life-forms live and interact are biology teachers.

Biology teachers, in particular, play an important role in developing the next generation of doctors, nurses, life scientists, and engineers. Their passion for conveying knowledge and an appreciation for living things helps students understand how organisms are connected to each other and to their environments.

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 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.

Core Coursework

EDRD 619: Disciplinary Literacy (3 credits)
SEED 522: Foundations of Secondary Education (3 credits)
SEED 540: Human Development and Learning: Secondary Education (3 credits)
SEED 677: Action Research Methods in Secondary Education (1 credit)
SEED 678: Action Research Seminar in Secondary Education (2 credits)

Required Courses

EDUC 545: Teaching Science and Engineering Practices (3 credits)
SEED 573: Teaching Science in the Secondary School (3 credits)
SEED 673: Advanced Methods of Teaching Science in the Secondary School (3 credits)
SEED 794: Internship: Secondary Education Science (6 credits)

Electives

Select 3 credits from the following courses. Substitutions allowed with advisor consultation and approval.

SEED 507: Assessing Learning and Teaching in the Secondary Classroom (3 credits)
SEED 508: Creating Advocacy with Adolescent Learners (3 credits)
SEED 509: Perspectives on Extraordinary Teaching (3 credits)
SEED 510: Secondary Education in International Contexts (3 credits)

Total Credits: 30

Content Area Requirements for Virginia Licensure

There may be additional coursework that is required for this licensure pathway. In addition to the required courses listed above, this degree pathway leading to licensure, requires coursework in the following areas:

Genetics
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Biodiversity or Botany and Zoology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Ecology and Evolution
Cell Biology with lab
Physics
Statistics
General Chemistry with lab
Organic Chemistry with lab
Earth/Space Science
Field Experience course (could be a course already listed)
English Composition

General Chemistry with lab
Biochemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry with lab
Physical Chemistry with lab
Analytical Chemistry with field component
Physics
Earth Science
Math (Calc or higher)
English Composition/Writing Course

General Geology (2 courses)
Mineralogy
Oceanography
Meteorology
Earth Science elective with field experience component
Earth Science elective (3 courses)
English Composition/Writing Course

Physics I (introductory physics course – mechanics) with lab
Mechanics course
Physics II (electricity and magnetism) with lab
Electromagnetic course
Physics III (Optics)
Physics elective with field experience course
3 Physics Electives
English Composition/Writing Course

*Many of these requirements may be satisfied by Mason Core classes, undergraduate coursework, or any coursework you may have previously completed. Please visit the Content Area Review website. All endorsement requirements are listed on Content Area Review (CAR) Forms also found on this site. A CAR review must be completed upon applying and/or enrolling in this licensure program. Please use the Content Area Review website link above to initiate this process.

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 18	Priority*: October 1 Space Available: January 10	Priority*: February 1 Space Available: May 15

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 18

Priority*: October 1

Space Available: January 10

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 George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.

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.
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.
Admissions Interview

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT
Virginia Resident	$748.50 (includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident	$948.50 (includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50)
VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program**	$635.50 (includes MSF*)
CEHD Course Fee	$25 - $84
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit	$773.50 - $832.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$979.50 - $1,038.50
Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program*	$660.50 - $719.50
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): $159.50

**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.

The secondary education (SEED) program includes multiple members of our advising team, including the SEED Academic Advisor and a subject area advisor for subject area track (English, history/social science, biology, chemistry, Earth science, and computer science). You should meet with the academic advisor and your subject area advisor at least once per semester to ensure that you are on track to complete your program successfully. Your 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.

Secondary Education (SEED) Academic Advisor
Patty Hibner
Thompson Hall, Suite 1800
phibner@gmu.edu
703.993.3931

Secondary Education (SEED) Subject Area Advisors
English: Dr. Kristien Zenkov, kzenkov@gmu.edu
History/Social Science: Dr. Andrew Porter, aporter7@gmu.edu
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics): Dr. Erin Peters-Burton, epeters1@gmu.edu
Math: Dr. Theresa Wills, twills@gmu.edu
Computer Science: Dr. Erdogan Kaya, ekaya3@gmu.edu

New Advising Platform: Patriot Connect

As of May 22, Navigate Mason will be de-activated and advisors will begin using Patriot Connect for appointment scheduling. Any appointments after May 22 will need to be scheduled in Patriot Connect. Instructions on how to access and utilize this new system will be added here in the near future.

Patriot Connect is George Mason’s new platform designed to enhance your student journey. It will be your go-to for student success scheduling – such as academic advising, student success coaching, learning services, and more – ensuring you have the support you need to reach your goals at George Mason. Students will be able to login to Patriot Connect starting May 1.

Program Summary

Program: Secondary Education 6–12

Degree: Master of Education in Secondary Education, Concentration in Science

Credential(s): MEd

Credits: 30

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$636.00 (with VA educator discount)
$748.50 in state
$948.50 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Master of Education in Secondary Education, Concentration in Science

Program Summary

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

Program Format

Licensure Disclosure

Core Coursework

Required Courses

Electives

Content Area Requirements for Virginia Licensure

Secondary Education: Biology

Secondary Education: Chemistry

Secondary Education: Earth Science

Secondary Education: Physics

Application Deadlines

Application Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Tuition (2024-25)

Financial Aid

Advising

New Advising Platform: Patriot Connect

Resources

Secondary Education 6-12

Program Summary

Primary Faculty