At George Mason University, teacher preparation programs can be majors, accelerated master’s programs, or traditional graduate programs.
Not all options are available for every teaching area. Click on the titles below to learn about each track.
Typically takes four years* to complete and students earn a bachelor’s degree. Students should select this track in their first year of college in order to meet all the requirements in four years.
Teaching Areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Fine Arts (Theater and Music only), Health and Physical Education, Special Education
Typically takes five years* to complete and students earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education. Students must be accepted by the master’s program in their junior year and then begin taking graduate courses during their senior year in order to complete the program in five years. This option is only available to students completing their undergraduate degree at Mason.
Teaching Areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Fine Arts (Art only), Foreign Language, ESL/ESOL Education, Secondary Education, Special Education
Typically takes two years* to complete beyond completing a bachelor’s degree and students earn a Master of Education or Graduate Certificate. This is the best option for students who already have a bachelor’s degree or are in their senior year.
Teaching Areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, ESL/ESOL Education, Secondary Education, Special Education
These courses are specifically designed for teachers who currently hold a provisional license. Learn more about these professional studies courses here.
*Estimated timeframe assuming the student chooses this option early enough to complete the prerequisite content area courses in sequence, applies to and is accepted by the educator preparation on schedule, and is a full-time student.
You can also review a full list of degrees and certificates offered by George Mason University that have have been approved by the Virginia Department of Education as educator preparation programs.
