Mathematics Specialist Leader (K-8) (MEd)

Program Description

One of the first of its kind, this program prepares teachers to take on leadership roles as K-8 mathematics specialists. Designed for working professionals, this master’s degree program focuses on the study of mathematics content and pedagogy, curriculum, and professional development.

Students explore school-based leadership issues, and an internship provides individual experience designed and developed in consultation with a faculty advisor or mentor.

What it costs

The cost for this program is $707.00 per credit hour for VA state residents, $907.00 per credit hour for Non-VA residents, and $609.20 per credit hour for VA state residents who are eligible and apply for the 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount. See the Cost tab below for a breakdown of tuition and fees. All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.

Application Deadline

This program has a priority application deadline of April 1 for Fall and November 1 for Spring. The space available deadlines are August 15 for Fall and January 14 for Spring. For all application information and deadlines, see the CEHD Admissions site.

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DETAILS COURSES COST CAREERS CONTACT READY TO APPLY?

Who should apply?

Designed for working professionals, the MEd in Mathematics Education Leadership offers courses in the evenings, with some courses available fully online. The concentration focuses on mathematics education leadership with specific course work in mathematics content for the K-8 school setting.

The Math Specialist Leader (K-8) program is not an initial licensure program. Individuals seeking initial certification as a teacher should contact the Elementary Education or Secondary Education face-to-face programs.

Students who already have a Master’s should have their transcripts evaluated by the state to determine which courses are still needed. The academic program coordinator can assist with finding courses for the endorsement once an evaluation has been completed.

Why choose George Mason?

Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed in 3 years with some courses offered entirely or partially online.
Students gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics content of the K-8 classroom and its connections to advanced mathematics, as math content exams are a required assessment in these courses.
The internship in Mathematics Education Leadership (EDCI 702) offers an individualized experience, designed and developed in consultation with a faculty advisor or mentor.

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

Several courses required for this program are offered as fully online or hybrid online courses. Online availability varies per semester. Please contact your program advisor for more information.

Required Courses: 30 credits total

EDCI 644 Mathematics Learning and Assessment (K-8) | 3 credits (fully online synchronous)
EDCI 645 Curriculum Development in Mathematics Education | 3 credits (fully online synchronous)
EDCI 646 Mathematics Education Leadership for School Change | 3 credits (fully online synchronous)
EDCI 666 Research in Mathematics Teaching | 3 credits (fully online synchronous)
EDCI 702 Internship in Mathematics Education | 3 credits (fully online synchronous)
MATH 610 Number Systems and Number Theory for K-8 Teachers | 3 credits (face-to-face only)
MATH 611 Geometry and Measurement for K-8 Teachers | 3 credits (fully online synchronous)
MATH 612 Probability and Statistics for K-8 Teachers | 3 credits (face-to-face only)
MATH 613 Algebra and Functions for K-8 Teachers | 3 credits (face-to-face only)
MATH 614 Rational Numbers and Proportional Reasoning for K-8 Teachers | 3 credits (face-to-face only)

Tuition (2019-2020)

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT HOUR
Virginia Resident	$506.00
Non-Virginia Resident	$852.00
VA Resident and Prek-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program*	$408.20
Distance Learning Fee	$35.00
Mandatory Student fee (applicable only to Virginia residents)	$146.00
CEHD Course Fee	$20.00
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit	$707.00
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$907.00
Total cost for VA Resident and Prek-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program*	$609.20
Graduate New Student Fee	$60 (non-refundable, one-time fee)

Please Note: 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 Opportunities

The Mathematics Education Leadership Program prepares individuals for a variety of leadership positions in mathematics education. The 30-credit Math Specialist Leader K-8 concentration is unique for individuals who desire part-time study to become specialists in the teaching and leadership of school mathematics. Students study teaching, research, curriculum, and mathematics content, exploring school-based leadership issues in mathematics education.

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

Further Studies

The Mathematics Education Leadership Program also offers a unique PhD in Education with a Specialization in Mathematics Education Leadership face-to-face program, which prepares individuals for high level leadership positions in mathematics education, including college or university faculty and researchers, school and central office leaders, curriculum and instructional materials developers, state and national agency leaders, and mathematics education consultants.

USEFUL RESOURCES
Academic Office	Mathematics Education Leadership Graduate School of Education Phone: (703) 993-3640 Fax: (703) 993-9380 Email: mathspec@gmu.edu
Program Website	http://gse.gmu.edu/math-education-leadership/
CEHD Online Website	https://cehd.gmu.edu/academics/online
Follow CEHD on Twitter	@MasonCEHD
“Like” CEHD on Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/MasonCEHD

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

Prerequisites

Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
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)
One year of documented, successful teaching or related educational experience

Application Materials

Graduate application
Application fee
Goals statement (750-1000 words) that addresses reasons for choosing this ASTL 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 from professional references targeting applicant’s teaching skills and academic abilities
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.

Mathematics Specialist Leader (K-8) (MEd Concentration in Education Leadership)