Project PATRIOTS | School of Education

WANT TO BECOME A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER — DEBT-FREE? THIS PROGRAM IS FOR YOU!

What is Project PATRIOTS?

A grant-funded opportunity (U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Programs) for qualified candidates to earn a BSEd from George Mason and be eligible for teacher licensure in special education at George Mason University — with full tuition and fellowships for:

housing
books
transportation
licensure exams

This project 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.

Program Highlights

2-year, full-time program
Primarily face-to-face daytime classes at Fairfax Campus
19 courses + internship to include concentration specific courses
Simultaneously earn up to 12 credits towards an MEd

Why George Mason University?

Highly ranked special education program
Nationally and internationally recognized faculty
Dedicated academic advisors
Supportive student organization: EDSE Council
Opportunities for research, volunteering, and campus life
Early school-based placements
Strong partnerships with local school divisions

Coursework Overview

Core Courses	General Curriculum	Adapted Curriculum
*May be taken before entry to George Mason
EDSE 352: Assessment (3 credits)	EDSE 241: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum (3 credits)	EDSE 361: Characteristics of Students with Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
EDSE 381: Exploratory Field Experience in Special Education (3 credits)	EDSE 341: Language Acquisition and Reading and Writing Development (3 credits)	EDSE 362: Communication with Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
EDSE 353: Individualized Behavior Supports (3 credits)	EDSE 441: Instructional Strategies for Reading and Writing (3 credits)	EDSE 463: Curriculum and Methods in Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
EDSE 451: Transition and Self-Determination (3 credits)	EDSE 443: Instructional Strategies for Math (3 credits)	EDSE 465: Clinical Practice and Seminar 1: Adapted (Severe Disabilities) (3 credits)
EDSE 354: Consultation, Collaboration, and IEP Development (3 credits)	EDSE 445: Clinical Practice and Seminar 1: General (3 credits)	EDSE 466: Clinical Practice and Seminar 2: Adapted (Severe Disabilities) (3 credits)
EDSE 452: Intersectionality and Disability (3 credits)	EDSE 446: Clinical Practice and Seminar 2: General (3 credits)	EDSE 467: Foundations of Language and Literacy for Individuals with Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
EDSE 201: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits) (*)	EDSE 482: Internship: General Curriculum (12 credits)	EDSE 469: Individualized Supports and Specialized Care of Students with Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
EDSE 351: Technology Integration for Specialized Instruction (3 credits)		EDSE 483: Internship: Adapted Curriculum (Severe Disabilities) (12 credits)
EDUC 200: Introduction to Education: Teaching, Learning and Schools (3 credits) (*)
EDUC 302: Human Growth and Development (3 credits) () OR PSYC 211: Lifespan Development (3 credits) ()
EDSE 251: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports (3 credits) (*)
ENGH 302: Advanced Composition (3 credits)

What's Covered?

Project PATRIOTS funding includes:

full tuition and fees for 4 semesters
fellowships for housing, transportation, books, licensure exams
summer conference travel between junior and senior year

Admission Requirements

To qualify for Project PATRIOTS:

apply and be admitted to George Mason's Special Education Licensure program
Successfully complete the application/admissions process for Project PATRIOTS
Maintain program eligibility for continued funding
Completed Associates degree in education or equivalent at Virginia community college

Fill out the interest form!