College of Education and Human Development

CEHD Offerings Climb in U.S. News & World Report Rankings of Best Online Graduate Education Programs

The graduate education program offerings within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University have soared to new heights in the just-released rankings of the 2025 U.S. News & World Report listing of the best online graduate programs in the nation. Collectively, CEHD’s online graduate education program jumped seven spots to its current ranking of No. 38 in the category of “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” among all universities nationwide, an increase from its previous ranking of No. 45 in this category. With this new ranking, George Mason continues to hold a place among the top 50 online graduate education programs in the country.

CEHD Dean Ingrid Guerra-López shared her thoughts on the robust performance of CEHD’s graduate education program as reflected by its boost in the rankings. “Today’s newly released rankings reflect the unwavering dedication of our CEHD faculty, whose innovative teaching and scholarship empower our students to lead and make meaningful contributions to education professions. This recognition highlights the impact of our commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to shape the future of education,” she stated. “CEHD faculty are at the forefront of consequential transdisciplinary research that drives innovation in education and improves outcomes for learners in K-12 schools and beyond. Our graduate students benefit from unparalleled access to this cutting-edge scholarship, gaining practical insights that prepare them to address real-world challenges and make an immediate impact in the field.”

CEHD’s online graduate degree program in special education was recognized as one of the nation’s top performing programs within this specialty earning a ranking of No. 5 in the category of “Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs.” In the span of just two short years, George Mason’s special education program jumped an incremental six spots, rising from No. 11 in 2023, to No. 8 in 2024, to its current ranking of No. 5 in 2025. With this year-over-year increase, the program now finds itself placed among the five best university programs in this category nationwide, a testament to its high-quality and excellence.

Commenting on the impressive climb in ranking, Dean Guerra-López stated, “We are thrilled to see George Mason’s special education program recognized among the top five online programs by U.S. News & World Report. This achievement highlights the remarkable expertise and dedication of our faculty, who are leaders in the field and deeply committed to preparing professionals to create inclusive learning environments that empower children with disabilities to thrive. By leveraging innovative online teaching practices, fostering inclusive learning spaces, and translating cutting-edge research into meaningful classroom practices, our faculty provide exceptional mentorship that equips graduate students to bridge theory and practice effectively. This hands-on guidance ensures our graduates are well-prepared to address the diverse needs of their students with confidence, compassion, and a commitment to educational equity.”

Offering her remarks on this significant increase in ranking, CEHD Special Education Division Director Pam Baker acknowledged the contributions of the program faculty and staff that led to this achievement. She stated, “We have a tremendous faculty and staff who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of people who have disabilities. They work diligently to position our graduates to make significant contributions towards this mission across a variety of settings. We are grateful for this recognition, which affirms our ongoing commitment to designing and delivering relevant programs that provide a truly excellent learning experience for our students.”

The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings also illustrate the strong commitment of CEHD in meeting the educational needs of military veterans who are acclimating to civilian life in Northern Virginia. The graduate education program of CEHD is recognized as being among the nation’s top twenty programs in the category of “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs for Veterans” with a ranking of No. 16.

Dean Ingrid Guerra-López commented on why so many veterans seek matriculation into George Mason’s teacher preparation program in pursuing the goal of becoming an educator. She explained, “Many veterans in Northern Virginia transition from military service to service in the classroom, bringing with them a wealth of leadership and cultural insight. George Mason’s online graduate education program provides the flexibility, quality, and support they need to achieve their aspirations and make a lasting difference in K-12 education. When veterans enter our teacher preparation program, they receive the benefit of studying under faculty who are known and respected in their fields. They also receive pre-education advising, inclusive learning opportunities, enhanced career support, and many other supportive services on their journey to becoming a licensed teacher in Virginia.”

“Veterans possess a wealth of knowledge developed through their lived experiences in the military,” Dean Ingrid Guerra-López continued, “Veterans bring exceptional leadership, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills from their military service. Through George Mason’s comprehensive training in pedagogy and classroom strategies, these strengths are transformed into impactful teaching practices, enabling veterans to create meaningful and inclusive learning opportunities for K-12 students. We at CEHD welcome the chance to support our veterans in this endeavor.”