Application and Admission

Depending on county requirements, cohort applicants may need to complete two separate application processes. All applicants must submit a graduate program application to George Mason University. Do not apply as a non-degree student. Applicants should also check with their school division or county to determine whether a separate county application is required. If so, both the Mason application and the county application must be completed. Cohort applicants are strongly encouraged to review and follow the step-by-step instructions below when applying. Following these steps carefully can help prevent processing delays that may affect your ability to continue with coursework.

George Mason University Application Deadlines

• Fall: April 1 priority. Students accepted for fall may register for summer classes. For summer, students must be accepted before their summer course begins. For fall, complete applications will be reviewed until August 21, provided space is available. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed after this date.
• Spring: November 1 priority. Complete applications will be reviewed until January 6, provided space is available. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed after this date.
• Summer: February 1 priority. Complete applications will be reviewed until May 15, provided space is available. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed after this date.

After acceptance: Students continue to be registered for cohort classes by the special education program office. Consult the Special Education Cohort website for cohort course-registration details.

Cohort students are required to submit a complete graduate GMU application, not a non-degree application.

Apply to George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development

Step 1: Select Your Program and Review Admissions Requirements

Program Options:

• MEd in Special Education
  • K-12 Adapted Curriculum Licensure concentration (E1-MED-EDSE-KACL)
  • K-12 General Curriculum Licensure concentration (E1-MED-EDSE-KGCL)
• Add-on Certificate, Special Education-General Curriculum (E1-CERG-EDGC)

Students who are unsure which program to choose should contact the Special Education Advising Office.

Important: When choosing your program in the application, use the program list and codes above to select the correct option.

Requirements for Admission

• An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified by official transcripts. An expected baccalaureate earned before the first day of classes for the application term also meets this requirement. See the Graduate Admissions Policy.
• 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 and address previous academic challenges and evidence for future success in the goal statement.
• A completed graduate application, including the application fee
• A 750-1,000 word goal statement explaining why you want to become a special education teacher and what you hope to accomplish after completing the program. The statement may also explain a low undergraduate GPA.
• Résumé
• Scanned, unofficial copies of transcripts for application review. Documents must be legible and include your full name, school name, and degree-conferral date, if earned. If admitted, applicants must submit official, final transcripts before the last day to add or drop courses in their first semester.
• Two recommendations from former or current employers or university professors, addressing work experiences and academic abilities, submitted through the online application system.

Applicants with international credentials

International students should review Admission of International Students for additional requirements.

Step 2: Apply Online

Access the George Mason University graduate application.

1. Select “Find Your Program.”
2. Scroll to “Special Education” to view all program options.
3. Select “Apply Now” on the left side of the screen.
4. Create a username and password for the application portal.

   Keep your login information: Check your email and select the link in your application email. Create a password. Make a note of the email address you use, because it will be your username, and save your password. You will use this account to update and check your application status.

5. Start your application and select Degree-Seeking.
6. Select the program you would like to apply for. If you are applying to a cohort program, be sure to select on-campus or hybrid program and not online. Please also indicate the cohort you would like to be a part of in the relevant field on the application form.

Step 3: Check Application Status

Check the George Mason University Application Status page. Applicants with incomplete applications will receive email reminders to complete the application. Applicants must sign in to the Application Portal through the status link to review missing documents. Admission decisions are communicated electronically.

Graduate Admissions Contact

For questions about graduate admission, contact the College of Education and Human Development Graduate Admissions Office.

• Email: cehdooa@gmu.edu
• Phone: 703-993-2892
• Fax: 703-993-2020
• Office: 1700 Thompson Hall, MSN 4D1
• Mailing address: Office of Graduate Admissions, 4400 University Drive, MSN 4C8, Fairfax, Virginia 22030

In certain circumstances, students enrolled in Special Education contract or cohort courses may be eligible for a Quick Admit (QA) Non-Degree status, which allows enrollment for one semester without completing the full university admissions process. To qualify for Quick Admit status, students must not have previously received Quick Admit status for a Special Education course, and must email the following documentation:

• Completed cohort course enrollment form.
• Completed In-State Tuition form. This form must be completed even if you live out of state, as addressed on the form, and even if you have already submitted one online with your formal application.
• Entire unofficial college or university transcript showing at least a bachelor's degree conferral. The transcript must include the full, preprinted name of the school and student, the type of degree, and the actual date of conferral. Copies of requests for transcripts, diplomas, or teaching licenses will not suffice.
• Students with international credentials or transcripts must also submit:
  • An international credential evaluation indicating that a degree has been earned and deemed comparable to a bachelor's degree or greater from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
  • Passing scores, no older than two years, on the IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo exams.

Quick Admit requires less documentation than a formal university application and provides temporary, one-semester student status. Students who wish to continue coursework beyond their first semester must complete the full admissions process and be formally admitted to the Special Education graduate program before enrolling in additional courses.

Attention Students Who Plan to Continue with Coursework in Special Education

Students must be formally admitted to the program before registering or continuing in coursework beyond the initial semester. Beginning coursework in quick-admit status does not guarantee formal admission into the George Mason University graduate program. Admissions requirements apply.

Detailed information about the application process is available on the Graduate Application Process webpage.

If you plan to continue coursework into the summer: Immediately submit the online Special Education program application for summer and pay the application fee through the George Mason University application webpage. Do not apply to non-degree.

Submitting the online application now will start the admissions process so that you are notified of the information required to complete your application. These reminders will prompt you to send the remaining documentation, reducing the chance that you will have to delay your program plans because of an incomplete application.

If you have questions regarding these policies, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office directly at 703-993-9700.