University Catalog 2007-2008

University Catalog > College of Education and Human Development > Graduate School of Education

Graduate School of Education

Phone: 703-993-2010

Web: gse.gmu.edu

Faculty

Professors: Behrmann, Bemak, Brozo, Chung, Dimitrov, Earley, Ford, Galluzzo, Goor, Gorrell, Isenberg, Kelly, King-Sears, Mastropieri, Maxwell, Norton, Schrum, Scruggs, Self, Shaklee, Sterling, Sturtevant, White, M. Williams

Associate professors: Bannan-Ritland, Bauer, Bon, Brazer, Brigham, Burns, Castle, Clark, Dabbagh, DeMulder, Duck, Dunklee, Dzama, Falconer, Fowler, Grant, Haley, Hicks, Kaffenberger, Kitsantas, Moyer-Packenham, Murphy, Ndura, Osterling, Pierce, Razeghi, Reybold, Samaras, Sanchez, Sprague, Talleyrand, Thomas, Thorp, Upperman, Werner, Wong

Assistant professors: Baker, Berger, Buehl, Cozart, Fox, Frazier, Hjalmarson, Jackman, Kalbfleisch, Kayler, Kidd, Mirochnik, Nasser, Pieterse, Sheridan, Shockley, Strawn, Suh, Taboada, Weller, K. Williams

Instructors: Hathaway, Jerome-Kinas, Rollins

Administrative faculty: Ford, Goor, Gorrell, Isenberg, McCreadie, Parker

Professional faculty: Alvis, Anderson, Bublitz, Daniels, Deppe, Fahey, Fontana, Fulcher, Ganley, George, Hall, Ingram, Klein, Landeros, Levy, Lindstrom, Little, Miller, Neuber, Ok, Rollins, Shahrokhi, Sharp, Smith, Steeley, Stockton, Wiley

Research faculty: Oh, Wang

Course Work

GSE programs offer all course work designated EDAE, EDAL, EDCD, EDCE, EDCI, EDEP, EDIT, EDLE, EDRD, EDRS, EDSE, EDUC, EDUT, IETT, and MNPE.

Graduate Degree Programs

Counseling and Development, MEd

The master's program offers concentrations in school counseling (state licensure) and community agency counseling. It emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, and culminates with an internship in an appropriate setting. Those with a master's degree in education or a related profession who are seeking licensure either as a school counselor or professional counselor may apply to the post-master's counseling licensure graduate certificate program. A graduate certificate is also available in school counseling leadership. For more information, see the Graduate Certificate Programs section of this chapter.

Course Work Credits
Core Courses 37
Community Agency Concentration 15
School Counseling PK-12 Concentration 8

Curriculum and Instruction, MEd

This degree is offered to those preparing for initial teacher licensure, advanced teacher education, and ancillary educational programs. Concentrations are as follows:

Adult Education

The master's degree program prepares skilled and critically reflective professionals through knowledge development about adult learners and conditions for adult learning and through strengthening students' competence within their specialized field of practice. The program reflects a flexible and cross-disciplinary focus to appeal to a widely diverse group of professionals. For information, call the Office of Adult Learning and Professional Development at 703-993-3675 or consult the web site at gse.gmu.edu.

Course Work Credits
Core Courses 12
Individual Specialization 18
Specialization Courses: 12

Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL)

This master's program is for teachers and other educators with three or more years of teaching or education-related experience who want to continue to grow professionally. The program offers advanced study in Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL) content areas, cohort classes, an innovative schedule, and the use of technology. The courses, aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), help teachers think and practice as board-certified teachers. The program develops teacher-leaders who practice reflection through action research, problem-based learning, and self-inquiry, and develops teacher expertise in a concentration that will identify the teacher as a potential leader in that area.

The ASTL program has a 12-credit education core and an 18- to 21-credit concentration in alternative education, early childhood education, elementary mathematics, gifted child education, history, instructional technology, literacy and reading specialist, mathematics, physical education, science, special education, or an individualized concentration. The concentrations are also available as stand-alone graduate certificates. See the Graduate Certificate Programs section for courses.

Program Options

The program provides experienced teachers and other educators with three options. Educators without a master's degree may apply for a master's degree program, core, and concentration area; an 18- to 21-credit graduate certificate program for advanced study in a particular area; or a 12-credit graduate certificate in the NBPTS preparation core, for advanced study in teacher leadership or applying for NBPTS certification.

Course Work Credits
Master's Degree Core Courses 12

Educational Psychology

This master's program is designed to offer professionals and students the opportunity to apply principles of learning, cognition, and motivation to vital problems in the area of education; develop a solid understanding of research, assessment, and evaluation methodologies; and develop an analytical and scholarly approach to critically assessing theoretical perspectives, research, and practice within and across content domains. By creating a supportive and collegial environment with faculty from numerous educational disciplines and expertise, prospective students are expected to develop skills to meet the needs of diverse populations, and design and implement effective educational programs appropriate for a broad range of cultural contexts.

Course Work Credits
Educational Psychology Core 9
Research Methodology Core 9-12
Areas of Concentration 9

Complete one concentration area from below.

  • Learning, Cognition, and Motivation
    • EDEP 652 Processes of Learning and Development
    • Electives: 6 credits (Prerequisite: EDEP 652), choose from the following:
    • EDEP 653 Culture and Intelligence
    • EDEP 654 Learning, Motivation, and Self-Regulation
    • EDSE 667 Cognitive Development of Diverse Young Children
    • EDUC 597 Special Topics in Education
  • Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing
    • EDRS 630 Educational Assessment
    • Electives: 6 credits (Prerequisite: EDRS 630), choose from the following:
    • EDRS 631 Program Evaluation
    • EDEP 650 High Stakes Assessment and Accountability Systems
    • EDEP 651 Test Design and Interpretation
    • PSYC 557 Psychometric Methods
    • EDUC 597 Special Topics in Education

    • Teacher Preparation

    Any 9 credits within one teacher licensure certificate program, includingemotional disturbance/learning disabilities, severe disabilities, mental retardation, early childhood special education,ED/LD/MR, severe disabilities, secondary education,foreign language, or English as a second language.

    Course Work Credits
    Supervised Project or Thesis 3-6

    Choose from the following:

    Elementary Education (PK-6)

    The master's program with initial licensure component provides professionals with the specialized knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to meet the educational needs of students attending today's elementary schools. Specific content and endorsement courses are required. Full- and part-time program options are available; both require a student-teaching internship. Full-time students are admitted for the spring term; part-time students are admitted for the fall term.

    Performance-Based Assessment

    All students are required to submit and successfully complete a series of performance-based assessments. These assessments include content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and dispositions.

    Course Work Credits
    Professional Development Schools (PDS): Full-Time Program
    Required Sequence: Licensure Componentt32
  • Spring Semester
    • EDUC 542 Introduction to Elementary Curriculum
    • EDUC 543 Children, Family, Culture, and School
    • Summer Term, condensed schedule
    • EDCI 552 Mathematics Methods for the Elementary Classroom
    • EDCI 553 Science Methods for the Elementary Classroom
    • EDCI 554 Social Studies Methods for the Elementary Classroom
    • EDCI 555 Literacy Teaching and Learning in Diverse Elementary Classrooms I
  • Fall Semester
    • EDCI 552 Mathematics Methods for the Elementary Classroom
    • EDCI 553 Science Methods for the Elementary Classroom
    • EDCI 554 Social Studies Methods for the Elementary Classroom
    • EDCI 556 Literacy Teaching and Learning in Diverse Elementary Classrooms II
    • EDCI 790 Internship in Education
  • Spring Semester
    • EDCI 556 Literacy Teaching and Learning in Diverse Elementary Classrooms II
    • EDCI 557 Integrating Technology in the Elementary Curriculum
    • EDCI 558 Integrating Fine Arts, Movement, and Health in the Elementary Classroom
    • EDCI 790 Internship in Education
    • Additional Course Work15

    Extended Partnership Schools (PS) Program

    Course Work Credits
    Required Sequence: Licensure Component 32
    Additional Course Work 15

    English as a Second Language (PK-12)

    The master's program with an initial licensure component prepares professionals with the specialized knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions required to meet the educational needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Students whose first language is not English are required to pass an oral and written proficiency assessment in English. Six credits of a foreign language are also required.

    Licensure Component

    The first 21 credits of course work and a 6-credit internship make up the licensure component for individuals who are pursuing a full initial license or need to satisfy the state's requirements of a provisional license.

    Internship Options

    A 6-credit, 15-week daytime internship is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program. Both an elementary and a middle school or secondary school placement are required. Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

    Field Experience

    Field experiences in public schools are required throughout the program: a maximum of 15 clock hours per course or 30 clock hours per term. Arrangements are to be made at the beginning of each term.

    Course Work Credits
    Licensure Course Work 27
    Additional Course Work 12
  • Prerequisites: All licensure course work listed above
      • EDRS 590 Education Research
      • EDCI 521 Curriculum Development for Language Learners
      • Elective: EDUC 611 Cultural Issues in Second Language Acquisition (3 credits) or approved elective
      • EDCI 777 Research to Practice (exit course)

    • FAST TRAIN (Elementary PK-6)

    The master's program is an alternative teacher licensure program that prepares educators for international teaching assignments. The curriculum for licensure in elementary education PK-6 consists of six required education courses offered over one year. On successful completion of course work and passing scores on the Praxis exams, participants receive a statement of eligibility. After completing an internship requirement overseas, either one term of student teaching or one year of full-time teaching in an international school abroad, students are eligible to receive the elementary PK-6 Virginia license. The program can be completed part or full time; either schedule requires a year of enrollment.

    Course Work Credits
    Licensure Course Work 18
    Additional Course Work 15

    FAST TRAIN (ESL PK-12)

    This master's program is specifically designed for licensed teachers and educators who are working abroad or plan on teaching overseas, or individuals living outside the Washington, D.C., area who want a license and master's degree in ESL/ESOL. The convenient schedule enables participants to complete the program through on-campus study during two summers and online study during the academic year.

    Course Work Credits
    Licensure Course Work for Preservice Teachers (never held a teaching license) 18
    Additional Course Work 12

    Note: These courses are required for the Commonwealth of Virginia endorsement in ESOL. Students should check with the state where they currently hold a license to see whether these courses will meet their requirements.

    No other internship is required for licensed teachers.

    Foreign Language (PK-12)

    This master's program with an initial licensure component prepares professionals with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions needed to teach specific foreign languages, including Spanish, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, or Latin, to students in PK through 12. The program has a licensure component of 27 credits and requires an additional 15 credits for completion of the MEd. Internships at the elementary and middle or secondary levels are required. A language proficiency test is also required. Students are admitted each term. The graduate certificate licensure program offers required course work for teacher licensure to students currently enrolled in nonlicensure graduate programs at Mason.

    Licensure Component

    The first 21 credits of course work and a 6-credit internship make up the licensure component for individuals who are pursuing a full initial license or need to satisfy the state's requirements for a provisional license.

    Internship Options

    A 6-credit, 15-week daytime internship is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program. Both an elementary and a middle school or secondary school placements are required. Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

    Field Experience

    Field experience in public schools is required throughout the program: a maximum of 15 clock hours per course or 30 clock hours per term. Arrangements are made at the beginning of each term.

    Course Work (Recommended Sequence) Credits
    Licensure Course Work 27
    Additional Courses 12

    Instructional Technology

    The master's program provides professionals with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to apply a wide range of computer and telecommunications technologies in achieving educational goals within school, community, and corporate or public settings. The program concentrations combine current theoretical foundations of technology development and integration with practical, hands-on experiences in using state-of-practice and state-of-the-art technologies. Four concentrations serve the various needs and interests of specific types of instructional technology clients: instructional design and development, integration of technology in schools, technology innovations in education, and assistive and special education technology.

    Course Work Credits
    Concentration: Immersion Instructional Design and Development (Master's Degree) 30
    Concentration: Part-Time Instructional Design and Development # (Master's Degree) 30
    Required Courses 23

    Electives

     7


    Concentration: Integration of Technology in Schools (Master's Cohort Program) 36


    Concentration: Assistive and Special Education Technology (Master's Degree) 30

    Required Courses

     17

    Electives

     13
    8 credits from the following:

    Multilingual/Multicultural Education

    This master's program prepares professionals to work with a diverse population of individuals. It provides courses for licensed teachers and the required courses for an add-on endorsement in English as a second language (ESL) PK-12, also known as English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The program is appropriate for individuals who are not licensed and wish to complete a master's degree. Six credits of a foreign language are required.

    Course Work Credits
    Recommended Sequence 30
    Add-on Endorsement in ESL PK-12 (plus foreign language) 21


    Secondary Education (6-12)

    This master's program with a licensure component is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to be licensed or need to satisfy the requirements of a provisional license to teach at the secondary level. Specific endorsement areas are biology, chemistry, Earth science, English, history and social science, mathematics, and physics. Add-on endorsements are available in speech communications, English as a second language, and algebra I.

    The Career Switcher Program is an alternative licensure route that prepares experienced professionals for licensure as secondary school teachers with endorsements in biology, chemistry, Earth science, English, history and social science, mathematics, or physics. Successful applicants must have at least five years of work experience and passing scores on the Praxis I and II exams. In addition, they must have completed all required endorsement courses. The program consists of six months of course work and fieldwork, followed by a closely mentored year of full-time, paid classroom teaching.

    Licensure Component

    The first 15 credits of course work and a 6-credit internship make up the licensure component for individuals who are pursuing a full initial license or need to satisfy state requirements of a provisional license.

    Internship Options

    A 6-credit, 15-week daytime internship is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program. Three options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

    Field Experience

    Field experiences in public schools will be required throughout the program: maximum of 15 clock hours per course or 30 clock hours per term. Arrangements will be made at the beginning of each term.

    Course Work (Recommended Sequence) Credits
    Licensure Course Work 21
    Additional Courses 12


    Education Leadership, MEd

    This master's program with a licensure component prepares candidates for leadership and management positions in a variety of educational settings. The program emphasizes an understanding of the complexities of change in schools, communities, and organizations. Participants are expected to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to create and maintain learning environments that value diversity, continual knowledge acquisition, instructional leadership, innovative and ethical decision making, reflective practice, and successful achievement of all school-aged youth. Programs are also available in the mathematics or science education leadership concentration for those who desire to be specialists in the teaching of mathematics (K-8) or science (K-12).

    Course Work Credits
    Required Sequence 30

    * Internship experiences are required in a variety of administrative settings with the guidance of professionals on site and at Mason. Some field activities are integrated into the first 18 hours of the program. The focus of all internships is to prepare leaders who understand and demonstrate the following types of leadership: professional and ethical, strategic, instructional, organizational, and political and community.

    Licensure Component 21

    After being admitted into the program, participants who already have a master's degree and completed three years of teaching may complete only the licensure course work for the administration and supervision PK-12 license. The licensure course work is the first 21 credits of the master's degree program and must be taken in the required sequence shown above.

    The mathematics or science education leadership program offers a 30- to 33-credit master of education leadership degree with concentrations in mathematics education leadership (K-8), math specialist leader (K-8), or science education leadership (PK-12). The concentrations are unique, three-year programs for those who desire part-time study to become specialists in the teaching and leadership of school mathematics (K-8) or science (PK-12). Students in the program study teaching, curriculum, and professional development programs for teachers. They also explore school-based leadership issues in mathematics or science education.

    The concentration in mathematics education leadership prepares individuals for master teacher, lead teacher, or schoolwide leadership positions in elementary or middle school mathematics. Course work includes study or experiences in education leadership, mathematics teaching and learning, instructional technology, and curriculum development. Program participants study and use research that has significant positive effects on professional development, and teaching and learning mathematics. Program experiences prepare students to select, develop, and implement school-based curricula and teaching and learning materials, as well as in-service and professional development programs for teachers. The internship is an individual experience designed and developed in consultation with a faculty advisor or mentor.

    The math specialist leader concentration includes the required course work for state licensure as a K-8 mathematics specialist. Students study mathematics content and mathematics pedagogy in the program. Students who apply for math specialist licensure must have three years of successful teaching experience and a master's degree.

    The concentration in science education leadership is a PK-12 program that focuses on education leadership, and science teaching and learning. It includes the required course work for the administration and supervision PK-12 license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Students study the changing nature of science, science teaching, assessment, curriculum, technology, safety, and meeting the diverse needs of learners. Students also develop skills in science teaching and learning, data-driven decision making, systematic and continual improvement, and leading dynamic organizations. Internship experiences include working with a practicing scientist in a research setting and interacting with school leaders at the state and local levels who directly and indirectly influence science education.

    The science education leadership concentration includes the required course work for state licensure in administration and supervision PK-12. Students who apply for licensure must have three years of successful classroom teaching experience and a master's degree.

    Course Work Credits
    Concentration: Mathematics Education Leadership (K-8) (Master's Degree) 33
    Concentration: Mathematics Specialist Leader (K-8) (Master's Degree) 33
    Concentration: Science Education Leadership (K-8) (Master's Degree) 30


    New Professional Studies: Teaching, MA

    A teaching track of the New Professional Studies program is offered to teams of experienced teachers. Participants follow a two-year, three-summer integrated program of school-based research linked to a subject specialization. Specific information is available from the Initiatives in Educational Transformation administrative office at the Prince William Campus. For more information, call 703-993-8320 or e-mail iet@gmu.edu.

    Course Work Credits
    Master's Degree 30

    Special Education, MEd

    This program leads to a master of education degree for professionals who already hold a special education teacher license or are interested in working in a special education context outside the classroom. Students may also earn a master's degree by completing initial licensure course work in addition to the master's core.

    The teacher licensure program offers required course work through five graduate certificate programs that vary from 15 to 36 credits, depending on the endorsement area and prior course work. It prepares professionals with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to teach children with special needs. The endorsement areas are early childhood special education, emotional disturbance and learning disabilities, learning disabilities/emotional disturbance/mental retardation, mental retardation, and severe disabilities. Individuals who are seeking licensure and a master's degree must apply to a graduate certificate program as well as to this program. For required course work, see the Graduate Certificate Programs section of this chapter.

    Course Work Credits
    Concentration: Special Education (Nonlicensure program) (Master's Degree) 30
    Electives from EDSE courses 13




    Concentration: Early Childhood Special Education (Nonlicensure program) (Master's Degree) 30

    Graduate Certificate Programs

    Certificate in Alternative Education

    This certificate is designed for professionals who are interested in or are working in alternative education settings. It offers the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with at-risk students, their families, and involved agencies.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

    This certificate is designed to increase the professional training of individuals responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring behavioral treatment programs in schools, agencies such as psychiatric hospitals, and training centers for people with mental retardation.

    Credits
    Course Work 15


    Certificate in Assistive Technology

    This certificate provides supplemental training for practitioners, families, and caregivers who use assistive technology while working with people with disabilities. The certificate is appropriate for general and special educators, related service personnel, adult service providers, and families and caregivers who need to apply assistive technology solutions within their specific discipline or school, work, home, or community setting.

    Credits
    Course Work 15


    Required Course Work

     5

    Electives

     10


    Certificate in E-Learning

    This 15-credit graduate certificate provides professionals with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to apply today's Internet and web-based technologies to educational and training goals within school, community, and corporate settings. Courses are delivered in online, face-to-face, and blended formats that model e-learning delivery modes.

    Credits
    Course Work 15


    Required Courses

     9

    Electives

     6


    Certificate in Early Childhood Education

    This certificate is designed for early childhood professionals who work in various roles with young children and their families. It focuses on the practice and study of early childhood education and is based on the early childhood generalist standards of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education Licensure

    This certificate offers the required course work for teacher licensure in early childhood special education.

    Credits

    Credits
    Course Work 15-36


    Certificate in Emotional Disturbance/Learning Disabilities Licensure

    This certificate offers the required course work for teacher licensure in emotional disturbance and learning disabilities.

    Credits
    Course Work 15-30


    Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Licensure

    This certificate offers course work for teacher licensure to students who are currently enrolled in nonlicensure graduate programs at Mason or already hold a master's degree.

    Credits
    Course Work 21-27


    Certificate in English as a Second Language/Special Education

    This certificate offers course work for students and professionals seeking crossover training in ESL and special education.

    Course Work Credits
    ESL Courses 9
    Special Education Courses 9


    Certificate in FAST TRAIN Special Education

    This certificate is designed for preservice and in-service international teacher educators who desire additional training in special education.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    Certificate in Foreign Language

    This certificate offers course work for practicing teachers who wish to deepen their expertise in French or Spanish and augment their teacher development through course work in advanced pedagogy that is aligned with the Propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    French 12

    Choose 6 credits (two courses) in Language/Linguistics

    Choose 6 credits of Electives in Literature or Language (select from above and/or below)

    Spanish 18


    Required Courses

     9

    Choose 9 credits (three courses) from among the following

     9


    Certificate in Foreign Language Licensure

    This certificate offers course work for teacher licensure to students enrolled in nonlicensure graduate programs at Mason.

    Credits
    Course Work 21-27




    Certificate in Gifted Child Education

    This certificate program is designed for professionals who are interested in working with gifted children. It offers course work for an add-on endorsement in gifted education for currently licensed teachers.

    Credits
    Course Work 21


    Certificate in History

    This certificate is designed for PK-12 classroom teachers who wish to gain depth in history content to become leaders in their discipline.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    Certificate in Instructional Technology

    This certificate is designed for PK-12 classroom teachers who wish to gain depth in instructional technology content to become leaders in their discipline.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    Certificate in Integration of Technology in Schools

    This certificate is offered to teachers who wish to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for integrating technology into the K-12 curriculum. It is designed to fulfill the state-mandated technology competencies for teachers.

    Credits
    Course Work 12


    Certificate in Learning Disabilities/Emotional Disturbance/Mental Retardation Licensure

    This certificate offers required course work for teacher licensure in learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and mental retardation.

    Credits
    Course Work 15 - 36


    Certificate in Literacy

    This certificate is designed for teachers who have a master's degree and are seeking Virginia reading specialist licensure. Training is provided in literacy foundations from infancy to adulthood and literacy assessments for groups and individuals. An advanced seminar focuses on literacy program supervision, staff development, and research-based inquiry.

    Credits
    Course Work 21


    Certificate in Mathematics

    This certificate is designed for PK-12 classroom teachers who wish to gain depth in math content to become leaders in their discipline.

    Credits
    Course Work 21

    Middle Education, Grades 6-8:

    Secondary Education, Grades 9-12:



    Certificate in Mental Retardation Licensure

    This certificate offers the required course work for teacher licensure in mental retardation.

    Credits
    Course Work 15-33


    Certificate in Physical Education

    This certificate program is designed for professionals who are interested in enhancing and promoting teacher knowledge, abilities, and status as educators and professional leaders in physical education.

    Credits
    Course Work 18
    Elective 3

    Choose one of the following or a course preapproved by advisor:



    Certificate in Post-Master's Counseling Licensure

    This certificate offers courses toward school counseling and community agency counseling licensure for post-master's degree students.

    Credits
    Course Work 15


    Certificate in Science

    This certificate provides course work in the area of science related to the Virginia Standards of Learning. Students are prepared to be lead teachers on either of two levels: K-6 or 6-12.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    Certificate in Secondary Education Licensure

    This certificate offers course work for teacher licensure to students enrolled in nonlicensure graduate programs at Mason or those who already have a master's degree.

    Credits
    Course Work 15-21


    Certificate in Severe Disabilities Licensure

    This certificate offers required course work for teacher licensure in severe disabilities.

    Credits
    Course Work 15-33


    Certificate in Teacher Leadership

    This certificate provides practicing teachers with course work in educational leadership that can be applied in their school settings.

    Credits
    Course Work 18


    Admission

    Information about the MEd in counseling and development, curriculum and instruction (including initial teacher licensure), education leadership, or special education, and graduate certificate programs can be obtained from the GSE Admissions Office in Robinson Hall A, Room 103; 703-993-2010. Information about the MA in new professional studies: teaching can be obtained from the Initiatives in Educational Transformation Office at 703-993-8320. For information about the adult education concentration in the MEd in curriculum and instruction, call Adult Learning and Professional Development at 703-993-3675.

    Application Deadlines

    Generally, the application deadlines are April 1 for fall, November 1 for spring, and March 1 for summer. Some programs have different application deadlines. For more information, go to gse.gmu.edu, or call the GSE Admissions Office in Robinson Hall A, Room 103, at 703-993-2010.

    Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs

    Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education. They must have attained a GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale on the last 60 credits of undergraduate study or successful postbaccalaureate course work. Some programs may offer provisional admission to applicants with a lower GPA if there is sufficient evidence of potential success. Candidates should submit a completed Application for Graduate Study, including a Virginia Domicile Classification form, and a nonrefundable application fee payable by check, money order, or credit card. Other requirements are as follows (the application contains the necessary forms):

    In addition, some programs require standardized test scores, departmental forms, evidence of experience or licensure, and an interview and writing sample.

    Education, PhD

    The PhD in education provides advanced professional education for experienced educational practitioners pursuing or planning careers in educational settings. The program requires a minimum of 85 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 55 credits beyond the master's degree. A limited number of graduate credits taken previously may be applied; however, a student's total program typically requires 10 more credits than those minimum requirements, depending on goals, program requirements, and previous preparation. With the guidance of faculty, students develop individual programs of study in concert with their goals, program requirements, and self-assessed skills and knowledge. Each student's program must include study in a professional field, such as education administration, educational psychology, instructional technology, special education, curriculum, instruction, international education, bilingual education, counseling and development, early childhood education, or literacy. The specific nature of courses is determined by the student in conjunction with a faculty doctoral advising committee after completing two semesters. Students also complete a secondary concentration of study consisting of 12 credits.

    To complete the PhD program, each student must demonstrate competence in oral and written English, computer literacy, mastery of knowledge and skills in the area of professional expertise, and the ability to apply general and specific knowledge and skills to significant educational problems. Students demonstrate these competencies by successfully completing courses, seminars, and a doctoral portfolio, and preparing and orally defending a doctoral dissertation. Students have five years from the time they enroll in their first class to complete all course work and the doctoral portfolio. Five additional years, starting with the date on which students are advanced to candidacy, are allowed to complete the dissertation.

    Course Work Credits
    General Culture 8
    Research Methods 12
    Elective

    One of the following:

    Professional Specialization 21

    These courses differ according to a student's major specialization but always include 3 internship credits. Professional specialization fields of study include counseling and development, curriculum and instruction, early childhood education, education leadership, educational psychology, secondary education, international education, instructional technology, literacy and reading, mathematics or science education leadership, multilingual or multicultural education (English as a second language), research methodology, and special education.

    Secondary Concentration 12

    Students have several options including secondary concentrations within GSE or other Mason departments, interdisciplinary secondary concentration, or using the master's degree as part of the secondary concentration requirements.

    Dissertation 12


    Internships

    Students enroll in at least one and up to three internships designed to broaden their professional expertise. One internship must be taken in a setting that differs from the student's work setting.

    Admission Requirements

    Candidates are admitted to study by GSE; admission is highly selective. Applicants must fulfill the following admission requirements:

    For more information, call the PhD in Education Program Office at 703-993-2011.

    Completed applications must be submitted to the GSE Graduate Admissions Office by February 1 for admission for the following summer or fall, or by September 1 for admission for the following spring.