The Master’s of Education in Secondary Education (SEED) program provides students with the specialized knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to meet the educational needs of students in grades 6-12. The Secondary Education program also offers an MEd without licensure/concentration.
- Turn your passion into a high school or middle school student’s favorite subject by completing a state-approved program for Virginia teacher licensure in secondary education.
- Complete clinical experiences in one of 18 partner schools—know and be known in your school as you learn to be a teacher.
- Work with dedicated school- and university-based teacher educators committed to your success as a new teacher.
- Leave our program with the tools to bring about meaningful change through education by learning to focus on social justice, advocacy, and teacher leadership.
- Includes both on-campus and online courses.
- On-campus courses are held at Mason’s Fairfax campus.
- A 6-credit internship is required (teaching full-time in the endorsement area under a provisional license may satisfy this requirement, with the credits to be replaced by approved course work).
- Full-time students can complete the degree and licensure requirements in as few as four semesters.
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit (to be determined by the student and their advisor):
Advanced Standing Courses (3-12 credits)
Reserve Graduate Credit Courses (up to 6 credits)
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 17 |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 8 |
Priority*: February 1
Space Available: May 1 |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's (BAM) students can take graduate courses at the undergraduate tuition rate, depending on the program. Please meet with an admissions counselor to discuss your program options.
Undergraduate Tuition
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$596.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$1,638.00
(includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee
($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$621.50 - $853.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,663.00 - $1,895.00 |
Undergraduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $163.50
Graduate Tuition
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$779.00 (includes MSF*)
|
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$979.00
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,641.50)
|
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$662.00
(includes MSF*)
|
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$804.00 - $944.00 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,004.00 - $1,185.00 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$687.00 - $815.00 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $169.00
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Student Success Center
The secondary education (SEED) program includes multiple members of our advising team, including the SEED Academic Advisor and a subject area advisor for subject area track (English, history/social science, biology, chemistry, Earth science, and computer science). You should meet with the academic advisor and your subject area advisor at least once per semester to ensure that you are on track to complete your program successfully. Your advisors can do more than simply help you understand your program requirements; they can connect you to university resources that can aid in your success and can help you find ways to become engaged in learning outside of the classroom.
Secondary Education (SEED) Academic Advisor
Patty Hibner
Thompson Hall, Suite 1800
703.993.3931
Schedule an appointment
Secondary Education (SEED) Subject Area Advisors
English: Dr. Kristien Zenkov
History/Social Science: Lynda Herrera
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics): Dr. Erin Peters-Burton
Math: Dr. Theresa Wills
Computer Science: Lynda Herrera
Links and Resources from the Office of Teacher Preparation:
Primary Faculty
Lynda Herrera
Academic Program Coordinator
EdD, Hofstra University
