Academics

PhD — Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Specialization: Literacy and Reading
The PhD in Education program prepares educational leaders, researchers, and teacher educators. The entire PhD in Education program requires a minimum of 56 credits beyond the master's degree. Literacy can be included as either a 21-credit specialization or a 12 credit minor. Graduate research assistantships at George Mason and internships in government and educational associations in the Washington, D.C. area are often available.

MEd — Curriculum and Instruction - Concentration: Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools: K-12 Reading Specialist (33 credits)
This concentration is designed for teachers with at least 1 year of classroom experience and includes a 21-credit sequence of courses in literacy/reading instruction and leadership, 3 credits in research methodology, and 9 credits in courses related to diverse learners (English as a second language [ESL], special education, or an individualized program). Completion of all requirements earns students a master's degree in curriculum and instruction plus eligibility for the K-12 Reading Specialist endorsement in Virginia. (Additional state licensure requirements include an initial teaching license, a satisfactory score on the Reading for Virginia Educators: Reading Specialist exam, and at least 3 years of teaching experience under contract). Some coursework in ESL and/or special education may be applied toward add-on licenses in those areas.

MEd — Curriculum and Instruction - Concentration: Literacy: K-12 Reading Specialist (33 credits)
This concentration includes a 21-credit sequence of courses in literacy/reading instruction and leadership, 3 credits in research methodology, and 9 credits in courses related to diverse learners (English as a second language [ESL], special education, or an individualized program). Completion of all requirements earns students a master's degree in curriculum and instruction plus eligibility for K-12 Reading Specialist License. (Additional licensure requirements include 3 years of teaching under contract and a passing score on state licensure exam). Some coursework in ESL and/or special education may be applied toward add-on licenses in those areas.

MEd — Curriculum and Instruction - Concentration: Literacy PK-12 Classrooms (30 credits)
The Literacy: PK-12 Classroom Teachers concentration includes three required literacy courses and three approved electives in ESOL, special education, psychology, secondary and elementary education, early childhood, writing, and other areas. Teachers PK-12 in any discipline will learn about theory and strategies in literacy and reading. This concentration is for teachers and other educators with one or more years of teaching or education-related experience who want to continue to grow professionally. The program offers advanced study in a specific concentration area, including Virginia's Standards of Learning content areas, cohort classes, an innovative schedule, and the use of technology. The courses, aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 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 teacher expertise in a concentration that will identify the teacher as a potential leader in that area.

Graduate Certificate: Literacy/Reading Instruction - Concentration in Literacy K-12 Reading Specialist
The Reading Specialist (K-12) concentration is designed for teachers who already have a master’s degree and are interested in developing the expertise needed to serve as literacy leaders. Coursework helps teachers develop an in-depth understanding of literacy development across the lifespan, instructional and assessment strategies for individuals and groups of students, and provides preparation as Reading Specialist. Successful completion of this state-approved sequence of courses can lead to eligibility for the K-12 Reading Specialist license in Virginia. Additional state requirements for the license include holding a master’s degree, having an initial teaching license, earning a satisfactory score on the Reading for Virginia Educators: Reading Specialist exam, and having at least three years of teaching experience under contract.

Graduate Certificate: Literacy/Reading Instruction - Concentration in Literacy Coaching
The Literacy Coaching concentration is designed for current Reading Specialists or others with a strong background in literacy who want to more effectively support teachers’ professional learning, and ultimately student achievement, through literacy coaching. Coursework provides an in-depth understanding of adult learning, effective professional development techniques, strategies for supporting collaboration and communication, using data to foster change, ways to more effectively use technology when working with teachers, and issues of diversity and equity in literacy instruction.