Secondary education teachers are subject-matter experts with specialized training that enables them to effectively share their knowledge with different types of learners.
This 24-credit certificate is for students enrolled in non-licensure graduate programs at Mason or for those who already have master's degrees. It leads to eligibility for initial Virginia licensure in secondary education.
Students enrolled in the licensure concentration must successfully complete the following licensure requirements to complete the program. Unless noted, all requirements must be satisfied prior to applying for internship:
George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require George Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.
Core Courses (12 credits)
Concentration in Secondary Education Earth Science (SECS) (12 credits)
Licensure Requirements
Students enrolled in the licensure concentration (SECS) must successfully complete the following licensure requirements to complete the program. Unless noted, all requirements must be satisfied prior to applying for internship:
Licensure testing and statutory requirements are determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia and may change at any time. If changes to these requirements occur, students must meet the current testing, statutory, and licensure requirements as set forth in the legal Code of Virginia.
Total credits: 24
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.
| 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
Lynda Herrera
Thompson Hall, Suite 1800
703.993.3702
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
Primary Faculty
Lynda Herrera
Academic Program Coordinator
EdD, Hofstra University
