Mild Disabilities Minor

Program Summary

Program: Special Education

Program Option: Mild Disabilities Minor

Credential(s): Minor

Credits: 15

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

Cost per Credit:
$596.50 in state
$1638.00 out of state

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2/23/2026: Project Patriots Virtual Interest Event — Virtual — 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Thinking about a Special Ed Bachelors Degree? Want it fully funded through GMU? Come learn about Project Patriot! This program is for individuals who have completed their associates degree in education at a Virginia community college and are eligible to transfer to George Mason. Scholars commit to working in the field of special education for two years for every year of funding received.

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If you plan to work with young children or youth in the future, the mild disabilities minor may be especially helpful. Learn about students with disabilities and the inclusive, teaching strategies that ensure that students with disabilities are actively involved and successful.

Mason’s minor in mild disabilities equips students with the skills and content knowledge necessary to support the needs of individuals with disabilities who access the general education curriculum. Completing the minor partially fulfills the requirements for Virginia's initial teaching license in special education—general curriculum K–12.

A total of five classes (15 credits) is required to complete the Mild Disabilities Minor.

Who are students with mild disabilities?

Students with mild disabilities are those who access the general education curriculum or those students with disabilities who are working towards the same standards as students without disabilities. These students may have a specific learning disability, other health impairment, autism spectrum disorder, emotional disturbance, speech or language impairment, hearing impairment, and/or a traumatic brain injury. Individuals with mild disabilities require specialized instruction and/or behavioral supports. Needs of the student can vary from mild to more intense.

What kind of information would I learn with the mild disabilities minor?

Look under the Courses tab for the specific knowledge and skills you will learn in each of the classes in the mild disabilities minor. In general, you will learn the historical factors and legal aspects of special education, the characteristics of individuals with disabilities, and the support services for individuals with mild to more intense needs. Also, you will learn to:

Collect, interpret, and use assessment data and the individualized education program (IEP) to provide research-based literacy instruction,
Collect, interpret, and use assessment data and the individualized education program (IEP) to plan for postsecondary transitions,
Collect, interpret, and use reading and writing assessment data to provide research-based instruction,
Design literacy lessons that include appropriate instructional accommodations and/or modifications, as needed,
Design and implement classroom and behavior management systems, and
Monitor student progress.

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.

Minor Requirements

At least 8 credits must be applied only to this minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of a major, concentration, undergraduate certificate, or another minor.

EDSE 201: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits)
EDSE 241: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum (3 credits)
EDSE 251: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports (3 credits)
EDSE 341: Language Acquisition and Reading and Writing Development (3 credits)
EDSE 441: Instructional Strategies for Reading and Writing (3 credits)

Students may elect minor programs of study in addition to major fields. Students interested in a minor should meet with the minor advisor to obtain the required signature on the Minor Declaration form and submit the completed Minor Declaration form to the Office of the University Registrar.

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT
Virginia Resident	$596.50 (includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident	$1,638.00 (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	$621.50 - $853.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$1,663.00 - $1,895.00
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): $163.50

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 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 Special Education-General 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. F 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 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.

Drop-In Advising

Drop-in advising hours are available virtually or face-to-face in Finley 102 at the following times:

Mondays: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

During these sessions, students receive one-on-one advising on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are limited to 15 minutes.

Click here to sign in to virtual advising.

Sessions are cancelled when George Mason is closed or if otherwise indicated.

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.

Program Summary

Program: Special Education

Program Option: Mild Disabilities Minor

Credential(s): Minor

Credits: 15

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

Cost per Credit:
$596.50 in state
$1638.00 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Program Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are students with mild disabilities?

What kind of information would I learn with the mild disabilities minor?

Licensure Disclosure

Minor Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Tuition (2025-26)

Financial Aid

Advising

Advisors

Schedule an Appointment

Drop-In Advising

Experience Opportunities

Special Education

Program Summary

Primary Faculty