Program Title:

Master of Education in Literacy Education, Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure)

Program Description:

Students will develop additional expertise in scientifically-based literacy research and evidence-based K-12 classroom literacy instruction and assessment along with an understanding of the literacy development and unique learning needs of K-12 students. Courses combine current research and theory with practical, hands-on experience.

What is the cost:

The cost for this program is $748.50 per credit hour for VA state residents, $948.50 per credit hour for Non-VA residents. There is a 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount available for VA state residents who are eligible and apply. All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.

Application Deadline

Fall Semester
(classes starting in August)
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January)
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July)
Priority*: April 1

Space Available: August 18

Priority*: November 1

Space Available: January 10

Priority*: February 1

Space Available: May 15

 

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Program Summary

100% Percent Online

Program: Master of Education in Literacy Education, Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure)

Degree: MEd

College/School: College of Education and Human Development

Credits: 30 total

Who should apply?

This concentration of the MEd in Literacy Education is designed for educators interested in making a profound difference in the literacy development of the K-12 students they teach.

Why choose George Mason?

  • Mason’s literacy program has been a “Nationally Recognized” program by the International Literacy Association since 2003.
  • This 30-credit degree program is offered on both a full or part-time basis and can be completed in as few as 4 semesters (including fall, spring, and summer)
  • To meet students’ learning preferences and needs, the program is offered in fully online or blended formats.
  • In the fall and spring, 3-credit hour courses meet one time each week in the early evening, while summer classes meet 2 to 3 times per week. Literacy courses are offered at Mason’s Fairfax, Mason Square (Arlington), and Science and Technology (Manassas) campuses as well as other sites across Northern Virginia, allowing you to choose the cohort location that is most convenient for you.

Required Courses (16 credits)

*EDRD 644 and EDRD 645 must be taken concurrently.
Sequence of literacy courses may vary depending on program format. Students must earn a B- or higher in all required courses.

Concentration in K-12 Literacy Instruction (non-licensure) (14 credits)

Coursework
Select 14 credits from the following (including at least 9 credits of EDRD courses):*

*Check course descriptions for prerequisites. Students may choose an alternate elective with advisor approval.

Total Credits: 30

Tuition 2024-25

TUITION CLASSIFICATION COST PER CREDIT
Virginia Resident $748.50
(includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident $948.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50)
VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** $635.50
(includes MSF*)
CEHD Course Fee  (PDF) $25 – $84
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit $773.50 – $832.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit $979.50 – $1,038.50
Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* $660.50 – $719.50
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee)
$60

Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office  website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee  to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.

*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50

**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. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.

 

Graduates of this degree program work in a variety of settings. Most choose to remain in their classrooms and apply what they’ve learn to support their students’ literacy development there. Others move into resource positions including:

  • classroom teachers of literacy
  • reading interventionists
  • reading teachers
  • private literacy tutors

Academic Advisor

Dr. Jennifer Hathaway, Academic Program Coordinator
Email: jhathaw2@gmu.edu
Phone: (703) 993-5789

Academic Program Office

Literacy Program
Thompson Hall, Suite 1500
4400 University Drive, MS 4B3
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-993-7611
Fax: 703-993-5300
Email: literacy@gmu.edu

Program website: https://education.gmu.edu/literacy/med-non-licensure

Department/College contact/website: https://cehd.gmu.edu/

Application Requirements

All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements , applicants will need to provide the requirements below.

To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:

  • Graduate application and fee
  • 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
  • Current resume
  • Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
  • Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page  for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
  • Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.

Admissions Requirements

  • An earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the admissions policy here for information.
  • A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, any/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
  • International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
  • One year teaching experience

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at cehdooa@gmu.edu or 703-993-2892.