Launching in Fall 2023, this 15-credit, non-licensure graduate certificate (with an option to complete a master's in special education in parallel) will enable educators to develop a deep level of knowledge in literacy development, assessment, and science-based instruction for students with difficulties in reading and writing.
According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), literacy instruction for students who experience severe difficulties requires considerable teacher knowledge and skill. The coursework and practica in reading, vocabulary, and writing assessment and instruction offered in the certificate follows the professional standards of the IDA for dyslexia specialists.
The certificate content has been scaffolded to prepare teachers to meet the unique needs of students who experience severe deficits in reading, vocabulary, and written language from K to grade 12. It fosters a deep level of knowledge in literacy development, assessment, and science-based instruction for students who require intensive instruction typically considered to be Tier II, Tier III, or special education instruction.
Coursework culminates in a practicum that provides a rich hands-on learning experience for candidates.
Students who wish to attain the master's in special education in conjunction with this certificate program complete an additional 15 credits of coursework. See the Courses tab below for detailed requirements. Students wishing to pursue the master's option should apply to the master's program and contact an advisor to add the certificate once enrolled.
- Study part-time, or as part of a full-time load in parallel with another program.
- Start in fall or spring semesters.
- Courses are offered mostly online, with a final practicum completed on location, usually in the Northern Virginia area.
- Virginia Educator Discount: A 15% discount off the university’s approved tuition rate is available for qualifying in-state graduate students who are educators in Virginia.
- Graduate Research Assistantships: Part-time positions are available for students interested in providing research support to faculty.
- Mason LIFE: The Learning Into Future Environments (LIFE) Program is an innovative post-secondary program at Mason. Students focusing on special education have an opportunity to work as instructors, resident advisors and mentors in the LIFE program which provides them with field experience in a supportive, supervised setting.
- Students wishing to pursue the master's option should apply to the master's program and contact an advisor to add the certificate once enrolled.
- This program does not lead to teacher licensure.
Certificate Courses (15 credits)
Additional Master's Degree Courses (15 credits)
Required Courses
Language Development and Reading
Choose one from:
Consultation and Collaboration
Choose one from:
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*: November 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: apply to the online option or apply to the on-campus/blended option. 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.
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more 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 additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, and/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study when evaluating the GPA requirement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| 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 be successful in your program, it is important to remember that each student is responsible for knowing 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 |
Jancy Templeton |
Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names A-R
FCPS Special Education-General cohorts
PWCS Special Education-General cohorts
|
Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names S-Z
LCPS & FCPS Adapted cohorts
|
cgolden3@gmu.edu
(703) 993-4361
M, R 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
T 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
W, F 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Appointments available virtually or face-to-face.
|
jtemple1@gmu.edu
(703) 993-2387
M 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
T 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
W, F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
R 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 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 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 Mason is closed or if otherwise indicated.
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.
Linda Mason