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

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
• EDCI 645 Curriculum Development in Mathematics Education | 3 credits
• EDCI 646 Mathematics Education Leadership for School Change | 3 credits
• EDCI 666 Research in Mathematics Teaching | 3 credits
• EDCI 702 Internship in Mathematics Education | 3 credits
• 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 (Face-to-face only)
• 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 (2017-2018)

*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.

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.