Special Education

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with 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.
  • 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.
  • Complete graduate application to include application fee and a 750 -1000 word goal statement that addresses the reasons for choosing to become a special education teacher. Steps for Applying.
  • Three letters of recommendation from former or current employers or university professors, targeting work experiences and academic abilities. Please use the Letters of Recommendation Form. Letters are not required for non-licensure graduate certificates listed below.
    • Assistive Technology
    • Applied Behavior Analysis
    • Teaching Students with Autism
    • Special Education Leadership

  • Passing Praxis I test scores or qualifying SAT/ACT scores. These scores are not an admissions requirement for the master's program, but are for the licensure/certificate program.
  • If you are an applicant with international credentials, please consult the Information for International Applicants

Supporting documentation should be sent in one package to:

George Mason University
CEHD Admissions
4400 University Dr., MS 4D1
Fairfax, VA 22030


Application Deadlines

  • Fall/Summer: Rolling admissions, March 1 recommended
  • Spring: Rolling admissions, November 1 recommended

Post Admission

Most Special Education students enter the Master's program and then add-on their licensure/certificate as a secondary program once enrolled Declaration of Secondary Program. The Praxis I exam is required to enter a licensure program. In addition to the Praxis I there are two other tests you need to have passed prior to internship. It is recommended that you start taking them early to ensure you obtain passing scores on time.

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Non-Degree

Students accepted as non-degree students by the university may take special education courses providing there is space available. However, students may only transfer 12 credits of non-degree coursework into the master's degree and licensure program. This means that if students take courses as non-degree students and then are accepted into the master's and licensure program, only 12 credits of the non-degree coursework may be transferred into the program. Students must complete the Graduate Transfer of Credit Request form.

PhD Admissions

Detailed Admission information is available at PhD Admissions