Inclusive Early Childhood Education (BSEd)

Program Summary

100% Online

Credits: 120 total

Degree: BSEd

Accreditation: SACSCOC

College/School: College of Education and Human Development

Start Date: Spring '27

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Program Description | Careers | Courses | Details | Ready to Apply

Program Description

George Mason University’s Inclusive Early Childhood Education program prepares future educators to teach, lead, and advocate for young children of all abilities, backgrounds, and learning needs. Graduates are prepared to work collaboratively with families, colleagues, and educational specialists to create child-centered learning environments where every child can thrive. They are prepared for careers in early childhood education and special education and can pursue Virginia teacher licensure pathways aligned with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) standards for Early/Primary Education (PreK-3) and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Age 5). Whether your goal is classroom teaching, educational leadership, or advocacy, George Mason’s programs provide a strong foundation for supporting every child’s success.

Banner code: E1-BSED-ICED

Career Opportunities

Students completing dual licensure in Early/Primary Education (PreK-3) and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Age 5) within the BSEd can pursue careers as:

Licensed Prekindergarten Teacher
Licensed Kindergarten Teacher
Licensed 1st-3rd Grade Teacher
Licensed Early Childhood Special Education (birth-age 5) teacher
Early interventionist
Early Childhood Educators in Early Care and Education Settings
Inclusion and Support Paraprofessionals
Family Service Specialists
Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Specialists for Museums, Organizations, Community Centers, and Child Care Programs

Students completing Virginia Early/Primary Education (PreK-3) licensure pathway within the BSEd can pursue careers as:

Licensed Prekindergarten Teacher
Licensed Kindergarten Teacher
Licensed 1st-3rd Grade Teacher
Early Childhood Educators in Early Care and Education Settings
Inclusion and Support Paraprofessionals
Family Service Specialists
Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Specialists for Museums, Organizations, Community Centers, and Child Care Programs

Students completing Virginia Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Age 5) licensure pathway within in the BSEd can pursue careers as:

Licensed Early Childhood Special Education (birth-age 5) teacher
Early interventionist
Early Childhood Educators in Early Care and Education Settings
Inclusion and Support Paraprofessionals
Family Service Specialists
Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Specialists for Museums, Organizations, Community Centers, and Child Care Programs

Students completing the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program, non-licensure pathway can pursue careers as:

Early Childhood Educators in Early Care and Education Settings
Inclusion and Support Paraprofessionals
Family Service Specialists
Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Specialists for Museums, Organizations, Community Centers, and Child Care Programs

Courses

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

New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.

Details

Who should apply?

This program is designed for students who want to work with young children from birth through third grade and support their families in a variety of educational settings. Ideal candidates include aspiring early childhood educators, special education teachers, and professionals seeking a career in inclusive early childhood education. Graduates are prepared to serve diverse learners in public and private schools, community programs, early intervention settings, and other child-centered environments while pursuing Virginia teacher licensure pathways aligned with VDOE standards.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

For information on other loans, scholarships, and other types of financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Why choose George Mason?

Flexible pathways for every educator. Choose from undergraduate, graduate, certificate, PhD, or accelerated BAM options. The Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program offers online, hybrid, and part-time formats to accommodate working teachers and career changers.
Virginia licensure alignment. Programs are VDOE-approved for Early/Primary Education PreK-3 and Early Childhood Special Education Birth-Age 5 licensure, providing direct routes to teaching certification.
Faculty who lead by example. Learn from nationally recognized educators, policy advocates, and researchers who blend scholarship and classroom expertise. Faculty model the same inclusive and equitable teaching practices they instill in their students.

Inclusive, reflective learning. Inclusion isn’t an add on. It’s the foundation of every course at Mason. You’ll engage in reflective learning practices that help you continuously improve instruction and foster a collaborative classroom community where every child belongs.
Hands-on field experience. All programs require a practicum and full-semester internship, providing direct, supervised teaching experience. Mason places more than 600 students annually across 14 school divisions, including FCPS, Virginia’s largest district.
Explore research opportunities. Across our programs, faculty seek to engage students to participate in and conduct research that is shaping the future of inclusive early childhood education.

Ready to Apply?

Application Requirements:

Undergraduate Freshman: Two letters of recommendation, 250 word personal statement, high school transcript.

Transfer students: Two letters of recommendation, 250 word personal statement and also include transcripts from any and all previous institutions. Undergrad transfer students use this link.

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