Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education, Concentration in General K–12 Licensure
Program Summary
Program: Special Education
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education, Concentration in General K–12 Licensure
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
Being a special education teacher is an opportunity to have a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children and youth with special needs.
Mason’s bachelor's degree in special education equips those who wish to work as special education teachers with the skills and content knowledge necessary to support the needs of individuals with disabilities. Graduates are eligible for Virginia's initial teaching license in special education—general curriculum K–12.
Why Choose Mason?
- Students have multiple opportunities to gain hands-on experiences in a variety of K-12 school settings with support from both school- and university-based special education professionals. Experiences are embedded throughout coursework to ensure students are prepared to be an effective special education teacher, including field experience assignments aligned with coursework, supervised clinical practice placements and seminars, and culminating full-time student teaching internships. Students have opportunities to not only connect coursework to authentic school settings with feedback and coaching from experts, but they have opportunities to build a professional network in a variety of school settings in Northern Virginia.
- Our Special Education Program is nationally recognized.
- Mason is the alma mater of one-third of the teachers and one-half of the administrators in Northern Virginia’s world-class school systems.
- Mason houses both Mason LIFE, a program providing a supportive academic environment for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities. Our undergraduates can often be found working on projects done by these leading organizations, giving them valuable real-world and research experience.
Program Format
Courses are offered in a primarily face-to-face format during the day at the Fairfax campus with some online and evening course options. Students spend their final semester in a full-day internship applying the knowledge and skills learned through their coursework to the classroom.
Tuition Assistance and Experience
Mason LIFE: The Learning Into Future Environments (LIFE) Program is an innovative post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment. Students focusing on special education have an opportunity to work as instructors, resident advisors and mentors in the LIFE program which provides them with experience in a supervised setting.
Accelerated Master’s
The Accelerated Master’s pathway allows students to apply up to twelve credits, taken while an undergraduate, toward both their Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Additionally, students can take an additional six credits as reserve graduate credit. Students planning to pursue Virginia teacher licensure can declare a concentration in K-12 Adapted Curriculum or PK-12 Blindness and Visual Impairments and maximize their program by taking Accelerated Master’s courses that will also apply towards an additional teacher licensure endorsement.
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.
Mason Core (37 credits)
Foundation Requirements:
- Written Communication (3)
- ENGH 101: Composition (3 credits) (Mason Core) (recommended course)
- Oral Communication (3)
- Quantitative Reasoning (3)
- Information Technology and Computing (3)
Exploration Requirements:
- Arts (3)
- Global Contexts (3)
- Literature (3)
- Natural Science (7)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)
- Global History (3)
Integration Requirement:
- Written Communication (3)
- ENGH 302: Advanced Composition (3 credits) (Mason Core)
- Writing Intensive (fulfilled by major requirements)
- Synthesis/Capstone (fulfilled by major requirements)
Special Education Core Requirements (45 credits)
- EDUC 200: Introduction to Education: Teaching, Learning and Schools (3 credits) (Mason Core)
- EDUC 302: Human Growth and Development (3 credits) OR PSYC 211: Lifespan Development (3 credits) (Mason Core)
- EDSE 201: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits)
- EDSE 251: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports (3 credits)
- EDSE 351: Technology Integration for Specialized Instruction (3 credits)
- EDSE 352: Assessment (3 credits)
- EDSE 353: Individualized Behavior Supports (3 credits)
- EDSE 354: Consultation and Collaboration (3 credits)
- EDSE 381: Exploratory Field Experience in Special Education (3 credits)
- EDSE 451: Transition and Self-Determination (3 credits)
- EDSE 452: Intersectionality and Disability (3 credits)
- EDSE 481: Internship: Professional Services (12 credits)* (Mason Core) OR EDSE 482: Internship: General Curriculum (12 credits) (Mason Core) OR EDSE 483: Internship: Adapted (Severe Disabilities) (12 credits) OR EDSE 484: Internship: Blindness and Visual Impairments (12 credits)
*Students enrolled in the BSEd without concentration must successfully complete EDSE 481: Internship: Professional Services (12 credits) (Mason Core). EDSE 482: Internship: General Curriculum (12 credits) (Mason Core) is required for students in the General K12 concentration. EDSE 483: Internship: Adapted (Severe Disabilities) (12 credits) (Mason Core) is required for students in the Adapted K-12 concentration. EDSE 484: Internship: Blindness and Visual Impairments (12 credits) (Mason Core) is required for students in the Blindness and Visual Impairments concentration.
BSEd in Special Education with Concentration in General K–12 Licensure (GLIC) (38 credits)
- EDSE 241: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum (3 credits)
- EDSE 341: Language Acquisition and Reading and Writing Development (3 credits)
- EDSE 441: Instructional Strategies for Reading and Writing (3 credits)
- EDSE 443: Instructional Strategies for Math (3 credits)
- EDSE 445: Clinical Practice and Seminar 1: General (3 credits)
- EDSE 446: Clinical Practice and Seminar 2: General (3 credits)
Electives (20 credits)
Non-course Requirements
Application Deadlines
Freshman
- Non-Binding Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 15
Transfer
- Fall Priority Deadline: March 1
- Spring Priority Deadline: October 1
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
Application Requirements
Prospective George Mason students can visit the How to Apply page for more information about submitting an application.
Admissions Requirements
Learn about submission deadlines and admissions requirements using the links below:
Tuition (2024-25)
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION | COST PER CREDIT |
|---|---|
| Virginia Resident | $592.50 (includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident | $1,612.00 (includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee ($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit | $617.50 - $849.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit | $1,637.00 - $1,869.00 |
| Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
Financial Aid
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.
Advising
To be successful in your program, it is important to remember that each student is responsible for knowing George Mason’s rules, regulations, requirements, administrative policies and academic policies. Every student must meet with his advisor upon admission to the program to create a program of study. Even if students know which program/s they will pursue and their sequence of coursework, it is beneficial to discuss plans for internships, testing requirements, transfer options if applicable, etc. It is highly recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once per semester to review degree progress and plan for future semesters. The University Catalog, your program advisors, and the staff in the Student and Academic Affairs Office are key resources to assist you as you work toward completion of your degree requirements.
Advisors
| Crystal Trebing | Jackie Beck | Jancy Templeton |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names A-H FCPS Special Education-General cohorts |
Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names I-S PWCS Special Education-General cohorts |
Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names T-Z LCPS & FCPS Adapted cohorts |
|
cgolden3@gmu.edu (703) 993-4361 M, T 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. R 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Appointments available virtually or face-to-face. |
jbeck26@gmu.edu (703) 993-3463 M, F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. T, W 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Appointments available virtually or face-to-face. |
jtemple1@gmu.edu (703) 993-2387 M, T 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. W, F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. R 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Appointments available virtually or face-to-face. |
| Click HERE to schedule a meeting with Crystal Trebing. | Click HERE to schedule a meeting with Jackie Beck. | Click HERE to schedule a meeting with Jancy Templeton. |
Schedule an Appointment
Current students may schedule or cancel appointments no less than 24 hours in advance. Advisor calendars are open two weeks in advance. If no appointments show as available with your assigned advisor, please check back in a day or two to see if new times have opened up. You can also e-mail general questions to your advisor.
Contact speced@gmu.edu if you have any questions or sschelp@gmu.edu if you have any issues with the scheduling system.
Drop-In Advising
Drop-in advising hours are available virtually through Blackboard or face-to-face in Finley 102. During these sessions, students receive one-on-one advising on a first-come, first-served basis. To access the virtual advising session please use the links below during the times listed:
Mondays: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Sessions are cancelled when George Mason is closed or if otherwise indicated.
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.
Internships
Internships provide students with an opportunity to put into practice what they are learning in their courses and to receive coaching and feedback on that practice from experienced school- and university-based professionals. Students spend their final semester of the program in a full-day internship across two school settings (one elementary and one secondary). As a culminating requirement of the state-approved licensure program, students must successfully demonstrate the ability to meet all internship requirements in both school settings.
Arrangement and completion of internship is a multi-step process. Students must make a plan with their advisor for internship, apply in advance, complete test and CPR/First Aid/AED requirements where applicable, register for the internship course and fulfill internship requirements. Internship application deadlines, instructions for applying and internship manuals with details of internship responsibilities and requirements are available at Student Internship.
Licensure
The BSEd in Special Education, when done with a licensure concentration, provides a route to meet the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requirements to earn a teaching license that corresponds to the concentration area. Once the BSEd with concentration has been awarded, the Mason licensure coordinator is available to assist students with submission of the VDOE teacher licensure packet.
Licensure requirements are state-specific. If you intend to seek licensure outside of Virginia, begin by consulting with the Department of Education of the state. You may also want to review the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement Facilitating Mobility of Educational Personnel. If a form is required by the state indicating your completion of a licensure program, or status in a licensure program, submit the form to the CEHD Licensure Specialist.
Resources
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.
Licensure Testing
Students should review licensure testing requirements for their teacher licensure program. Mason offers free licensure testing support resources for enrolled students.
Program Summary
Program: Special Education
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education, Concentration in General K–12 Licensure
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
Primary Faculty
-
Pamela Baker
Division Director
EdD, Bowling Green State University -
Joy Banks
PhD, University of Connecticut -
Jodi Duke
EdD, Johns Hopkins University -
Anya Evmenova
PhD, George Mason University -
Grace Francis
PhD, University of Kansas -
Linn Jorgenson
EdD -
Kristen O'Brien
PhD, University of Florida -
Sharon Ray
-
Kelley Regan
PhD, George Mason University -
Rajiv Satsangi
PhD, Purdue University -
Heather Walter
EdD, George Washington University -
Margaret Weiss
PhD, University of Virginia