International Baccalaureate (IB) in Teaching and Learning – Certificate

 Who should apply?

Experienced teachers with or without a master’s degree may apply for this program. This program may be completed concurrently with the face-to-face Curriculum and Instruction, MEd (Concentration in Teaching Culturally, Linguistically Diverse and Exceptional Learners) program. Or, students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in AIB studies may pursue the fully online Curriculum and Instruction, MEd (Concentration in ASTL: AIB Studies) program.

Why choose George Mason University?

• Mason is proud to be the first university in North America to offer graduate teacher education programs approved and accredited by the International Baccalaureate.
• This graduate certificate provides a highly flexible course schedule while incorporating international understanding through highly qualified faculty and globally-minded students.
• Students can begin the program in Fall or Spring, completing the certificate in as little as 18 months.
• With the entire program offered in an asynchronous online format, you can complete coursework from anywhere and on your own schedule.
• Successful completion of the graduate certificate program leads to eligibility to apply for the International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning.
• This program is accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).

Program requirements may change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Sufficient courses are offered to complete the entire program online. Most online courses are delivered asynchronously and offerings vary by semester.

Requirements: 15 credits total

• EDUC 621 Teaching and Learning in the IB Program | 3 credits
• EDUC 622 Curriculum Development across IB Programs | 3 credits
• EDUC 623 Models and Strategies for Teaching and Learning in IB Schools | 3 credits
• EDUC 624 Assessment and Learning in IB Schools | 3 credits
• EDUC 626 Inquiry into Action: IB Teachers, Learners, and Schools | 3 credits

Tuition (2021-2022)

Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described below, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher CEHD course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.

*VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Discount applies to tuition and mandatory student fees only.

Financial Aid

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.

Career Enhancement

This program is for teachers who are currently working, or wish to work, in International Baccalaureate schools worldwide. It develops research-focused, student-centered teacher leaders with coursework that focuses on the theory, pedagogy, and research that undergirds the International Baccalaureate program, specifically its Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.

Incorporating 15 credits of Advanced International Baccalaureate (AIB) coursework, this program leads to a graduate certificate in AIB Studies. Successful completion of the program leads to student eligibility to apply for the International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning.

As a Mason student, you may contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.

Further Studies

For students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in AIB studies, please see the fully online Curriculum and Instruction, MEd (Concentration in ASTL: AIB Studies) program. This graduate certificate program may also be completed concurrently with the face-to-face Curriculum and Instruction, MEd (Concentration in Teaching Culturally, Linguistically Diverse and Exceptional Learners) program.

All applicants should review the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Admissions page. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study (Some applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted provisionally if there is sufficient evidence of potential success)

Application Materials

• Graduate application
• Application fee
• Goals statement (750-1000 words) that addresses reasons for choosing this program
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (applicants do not need to send in transcripts for courses taken at George Mason University). Official transcripts are required after admission.
• Two letters of recommendation
• For International Applicants:
  • Copies of unofficial university transcripts and any earned degree, translated to English and evaluated by the Mason Office of Admissions or through a verified external evaluation service. Please visit this page for more information.
  • Verification of English language proficiency. Please see the English Proficiency Requirements page for more information.

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at cehdgrad@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2892.