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School of Education - George Mason University

Life is all around us, in beauty and abundance, and the people who introduce students to how life-forms live and interact are biology teachers.

Biology teachers, in particular, play an important role in developing the next generation of doctors, nurses, life scientists, and engineers. Their passion for conveying knowledge and an appreciation for living things helps students understand how organisms are connected to each other and to their environments.

What Are the Benefits of Completing This Master’s Degree?

  • Turn your passion into a high school or middle school student’s favorite subject by completing a state-approved program for Virginia teacher licensure in secondary education.
  • Complete clinical experiences in one of 18 partner schools—know and be known in your school as you learn to be a teacher.
  • Work with dedicated school- and university-based teacher educators committed to your success as a new teacher.
  • Leave our program with the tools to bring about meaningful change through education by learning to focus on social justice, advocacy, and teacher leadership.

Program Format

  • Includes both on-campus and online courses.
  • On-campus courses are held at Mason’s Fairfax campus.
  • A 6-credit internship is required (teaching full-time in the endorsement area under a provisional license may satisfy this requirement, with the credits to be replaced by approved course work).
  • Full-time students can complete the degree and licensure requirements in as few as four semesters.

Licensure Disclosure

  • George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.

    This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.