Education Leadership, Mathematics Specialist Leader (K-8) Concentration (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. This program leads to Virginia state licensure as a K-8 mathematics specialist.

What it costs

The cost is $630.75 per credit hour for VA state residents or $536.14 per credit hour for VA state residents who are eligible and apply for the 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount. All out-of-state students qualify for an automatic 40% discount and a cost of $830.75 per credit hour. Fees include a $35 per credit hour Distance Learning fee. New Student and other mandatory university and course fees may apply.

Application Deadline

This program has an application deadline of April 1 for Fall and November 1 for Spring.

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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 (2018-2019)

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT HOUR
Virginia Resident	$630.75 plus fees
Virginia Resident and Prek-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program	$536.14*
Non-Virginia Resident enrolled in a CEHD graduate program	$830.75** plus fees
Distance Learning Fee	$35
Graduate New Student Fee	$60 (non-refundable, one-time fee)

*For Virginia Educators: Starting in Fall 2014, PreK-12 educators in Virginia may receive a 15% discount off of the university’s approved tuition rate for in-state CEHD graduate students. For application deadlines and requirements, see cehd.gmu.edu/tuition-discount-for-virginia-educators.

**For Out-of-State Students: Starting in Fall 2014, out-of-state CEHD students may receive an automatic discount of approximately 40% off of the university’s approved tuition rate for out-of-state graduate students. For further details, see cehd.gmu.edu/news/stories/tuition-discounts.

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. 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
Program Contact	Courtney K. Baker Academic Program Coordinator Phone: (703) 993-5081 Email: cbaker@gmu.edu
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)
Three years of documented, successful, full-time teaching experience in an accredited public or non-public school (Exceptions to this requirement may be addressed with the program coordinator)

Application Materials

Graduate application
Application fee
Goals statement (750-1000 words) addressing the reasons for choosing math education as your profession
Two sealed official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (applicants do not need to send in transcripts for courses taken at George Mason University)
Three letters of recommendation from former or current employers and/or university professors targeting work experiences and academic abilities
Interview required

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at cehdgrad@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2010.