Who should apply?
Students in the Higher Education Program come from varied professional backgrounds in college teaching, university administration, business, the performing arts, and government, and bring a vast spectrum of experience to their studies.
Why choose George Mason?
The Higher Education Program at Mason offers a close-knit community that includes small class sizes and hands-on research and advising opportunities with faculty. The program’s flexible timeline accommodates both full-time and part-time students. Additionally, students at Mason have access to unparalleled opportunities in research, internships, and work experience that come with being so close to the higher education organizations located within Washington D.C., including the many on One Dupont Circle. For example, the American Council on Education, the Institute for Higher Education Policy, the American Education Research Association, and American Association of Community Colleges all have headquarters in Washington, D.C., and there are conference, career, and learning opportunities that frequently occur within the city.
Requirements: 18 credits total
Core Courses (9 credits)
Choose 9 credits from the following courses:
HE 602 College Teaching | 3 credits
HE 605 Learning Assessment | 3 credits
HE 703 Higher Education in the Digital Age | 3 credits
HE 704 The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | 3 credits
HE 712 Assessment and Program Evaluation in Higher Education | 3 credits
Practicum (3 credits)
HE 685 Practicum | 3 credits
Electives (6 credits)
Choose 6 credits from the following courses:
HE 601 The Community College | 3 credits
HE 606 Cultural Pluralism in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 610 Research Methods in Higher Education | 3 credits
HE 641 Introduction to Helping Skills | 3 credits
HE 645 The Contemporary College Student | 3 credits
HE 646 Student Development Theory | 3 credits
HE 706 Students in Postsecondary Education | 3 credits
HE 721 History of Higher Education | 3 credits
Other HE courses, when relevant, with approval of director or advisor
Please Note: 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.
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. Additionally, your current employer may provide tuition reimbursement opportunities for graduate studies. (https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees/)
Careers
The certificate in College Teaching is designed for graduate students who are planning a career in undergraduate education. The program offers courses that enhance pedagogical skills and explore pedagogical assessment or scholarship with the use of technology in instruction.
3 Letters of Recommendation
Resume
Goals Statement (750-1000 words)
Writing Sample
Mason Online