George Mason University 1999-2000 Catalog

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Graduate School of Education

Introduction
Administration
Faculty
Course Work
Admission
Licensures
Graduate Degree Programs
Graduate Certificate Programs
Health Fitness and Recreation Resources

The Graduate School of Education (GSE) prepares scholars and practitioners in education through programs of study that have become increasingly multidisciplinary in response to the richness and complexity of a pluralistic society. Inaddition to providing the framework for the integration and application of knowledge from a variety of disciplines, the curricula of the school provide the opportunity for students to develop, examine, evaluate, and practice professional knowledge and skills. Teaching in GSE goes beyond imparting knowledge to include content mastery, critical thinking, research, analysis, and problem-solving activities. GSE also encompasses degree programs under the Department of Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources.

Administration

Gary R. Galluzzo, Dean
Martin E. Ford, Associate Dean
Mark B. Goor, Assistant Dean
Mary Anne Lecos, Director of Teacher Education
Bonnie Anderson, Director of Student Services

Faculty

Professors: Behrmann, Bowen (dean emeritus), Collier, Dede, Ford, Galluzzo, Isenberg, Jacob, Levy, Martin, Mastropieri, Mellander (dean emeritus), Scruggs, Seligman, Spikell, Wallace, Williams

Associate professors: Bonfadini, Chu, DeMulder, Duck, Dunklee, Dzama, Given, Goor, Maxwell, Norton, Murray, Pierce, Razeghi, Rigsby, Sanchez, Sturtevant, Sterling, C. Thomas, W. Thomas, Thorp, White

Assistant professors: Bannan-Ritland, Dabbagh, Davison Aviles, Dunlap, Fader, Hicks, LePage-Lees, Mankus, Morgan, Osterling, Phipps, Porter, Sprague, Varrella, D.Wood

Administrative faculty: Gangloff, Johnson, Jones, Neuber, Spurlock, Yamamoto

Course Work

GSE programs offer all course work designated COMC, EDCC, EDCD, EDCI, EDIT, EDLE, EDRD, EDRS, EDSE, EDUC, and IETT.

Admission

Instructions about the admission process and specific program requirements are available in the Graduate Application and in program handbooks available in the GSE Office of Teacher Education (Robinson Hall, Room A307) or from the program information specialist at (703) 993-4648. Consult website www.gse.gmu.edu

Information about undergraduate initial teacher licensure for the music education programs in instrumental or vocal/choral emphasis is available in the Music Department at (703) 993-1380; and for the health/physical education program in the Department of Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources at (703) 993-2060.

Information about graduate initial teacher licensure (with an option for an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, English as a second language, or foreign languages; or for an M.Ed. in Special Education) is available in the Graduate Application and in program handbooks available in the GSE Office of Teacher Education (Robinson Hall, Room A307). More specific information is available at monthly information sessions, "Think You Want to be a Teacher?" Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time. Distributed at these sessions are Graduate Applications, Praxis registration brochures, program handbooks, program requirements, and other essential information.

Information about master of education degree programs (M.Ed. in Counseling and Development, Curriculum and Instruction, Education Leadership, Instructional Technology, and Special Education) and graduate certificate programs is obtained from the program information specialist in Robinson Hall, Room A339 at (703) 993-4648. Information about the M.A. in New Professional Studies: Teaching can be obtained from the Initiatives in Educational Transformation office at (703) 993-8820. For information about the adult education track in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, contact the Office of Adult Learning and Professional Development at (703) 993-3675.

Information about doctoral programs is available in the Ph.D. Office at (703) 993-2011 and in the National Center for Community College Education at (703) 993-3210.

Generally, the application deadlines are April 1 for fall, November 1 for spring, and March 1 for summer. Some programs may have different application deadlines. Contact the GSE Admissions Office in Robinson Hall, Room A308 or at (703) 993-2144 for specifics.

General Admission Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
A 3.000 GPA (on a 4.000 scale) or better in the last 60 credits of undergraduate study or compensating postbaccalaureate course work. Some programs may offer provisional admission with a GPA of at least 2.750, if there is additional evidence that the applicant can succeed in a graduate program.
Three letters of recommendation written on the form provided in the Graduate Application, page 10.
A goals statement. (Refer to page 8 in the Graduate Application.)
Two official copies of transcripts from each institution attended. (Transcript Request forms are on page 9 in the Graduate Application.)
Completed application form including a Virginia Domicile Classification form. (Refer to pages 5-8 in the Graduate Application.)
Nonrefundable application fee of $30, payable by check, money order, or credit card. (Refer to page 16 in the Graduate Application.)
Standardized test scores as required by some programs.
Departmental forms as required by some programs.
Experience or licensure as required by some programs.

Professional Licensure

The Graduate School of Education is responsible for professional courses, special standards, and licensure recommendation for students desiring to complete requirements for licensure in state-approved and National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)-accredited programs preparing teachers, administrators, counselors, and related instructional personnel. The Virginia Board of Education has changed licensure regulations for school personnel, which has caused restructuring of many programs. Implementation of new programs in elementary education, education leadership, English as a second language (ESL), foreign languages, school counseling, and secondary education is anticipated in the spring of 2000.

Undergraduate Initial Licensure Programs

Music Education (PK-12)

Teacher licensure programs are available in instrumental or vocal/choral music education within the Department of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences. For information, call (703) 993-1380.

Physical Education/Health (PK-12)

A teacher licensure program is available within the Department of Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources. For information, refer to the department's section in this chapter or call (703) 993-2060.

Graduate Initial Licensure Programs

Elementary Education (PK-6)

This licensure program with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction option is anticipated in the spring of 2000. Itwill prepare professionals to teach children in grades prekindergarten through six. There will be full-time and part-time program options; both require internship/student teaching. Students will be admitted for spring of each year. For updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu

English as a Second Language (PK-12)

This licensure program with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction option is anticipated in the spring of 2000. Itwill prepare professionals to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in grades prekindergarten through twelve. The program will require internships/student teaching experiences at the elementary and middle or secondary levels. Students planning to teach ESL will be required to pass an oral proficiency interview and a writing sample in English. For updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu

Fast-Train (Elementary K-8)

Fast-Train is an alternative teacher licensure program that prepares teachers for international assignments. The curriculum consists of six required education courses offered over a one-year period. Upon successful completion of course work and passing scores on the Praxis exams, participants receive a Statement of Eligibility. Upon completion of an internship requirement overseaseither one semester of student teaching or one year of teaching in an international school abroad graduates can receive the K-8 Virginia license.

All courses have an international, multicultural emphasis reflecting the student populations abroad. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, though either schedule requires a year of enrollment. Each course includes a 20-hour field experience requirement. Fast-Train courses are applicable to an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Bilingual/Multicultural Education.

For information about admission and program requirements, contact the coordinator of Fast-Train, in Robinson Hall, Room A451, or call (703) 993-3689.

Foreign Languages (PK-12)

This licensure program with an anticipated M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction option is planned for the spring of 2000. It will prepare professionals to teach specific foreign languages (Spanish, German, French, Latin, Russian, and Japanese) to students in grades prekindergarten through twelve. The program will require internship/student teaching experiences at the elementary and middle or secondary levels. For updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu

Secondary Education (6-12)

This licensure program with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction option is anticipated for the spring of 2000. Itwill prepare professionals to teach adolescents in grades six through twelve. There will be full-time and part-time program options; both require internship/student teaching. Specific licensure areas will include biology, chemistry, earth science, English, history/social science, mathematics, and physics. Add-on endorsements will be available in speech communication and AlgebraI. Students will be admitted for the spring of each year. For updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu

Special Education

This licensure program with an M.Ed. in Special Education prepares professionals to teach children with special needs in three concentration areas: emotional disturbance/learning disabilities (K-12), severe disabilities (K-12), and special education early childhood (birth to age 5). All programs require internship/student teaching. Students can be admitted to the program in spring, summer, and fall. Course requirements vary from 33 to 54 credits depending on the program and prior course work. For updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu

Unified Transformative Early Education Model (UTEEM)

This triple-licensure program leads to an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and prepares professionals to work with culturally, linguistically, and ability-diverse young children and their families. Students completing this program are licensed in early childhood education, English as a second language, and special education early childhood. Participation in UTEEM requires a full-time, primarily daytime commitment for one summer and two academic years of integrated study and on-going practice as an intern in diverse school and community settings. Students are admitted to begin each fall semester. For updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu

Graduate Add-On Endorsement Programs

Any teacher licensure category may be added to an existing license after completion of appropriate course work. Inaddition, students may pursue more than one licensure area at the same time by declaring one category as an initial endorsement and additional categories as add-on endorsements.

Graduate Degree Programs

Counseling and Development, M.Ed.

This 37-credit program prepares students for careers as school counselors or as human development professionals in institutions of higher education. Two tracks are available: school counseling and development, and higher education counseling and development. The program emphasizes the integration of theory and practice and culminates in an internship in an appropriate setting. Degree applicants must have an undergraduate degree and at least 1,000 hours of counseling-related experiences. Persons with a master's degree in education or in a helping profession may apply to the program as a nondegree student leading to licensure as a school counselor. Applications are accepted for spring (deadline Oct. 1) and fall (deadline March 1) sessions. For updated information, call (703) 993-4648 or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu
Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction is offered as an option for persons preparing for initial teacher licensure (see descriptions above), and also in four tracks (one proposed) for persons who are licensed or experienced educators. The tracks are as follows:
Education Leadership, M.Ed.

This program prepares educators interested in administrative and supervisory roles such as principal, assistant principal, department chairperson, team leader, supervisor, or director of instruction. This program requires 39 credits, including a culminating 6-credit internship. Graduates are eligible for licensure. Applications are accepted for each semester. For updated information, call (703) 993-3636 or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu
Instructional Technology, M.Ed.

This program provides professionals with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to apply a wide range of computer and telecommunications technologies in achieving educational goals within school, community, and corporate/public settings. Three emphases serve the various needs and interests of specific types of instructional technology clients: instructional design and development, integration of technology in schools, and assistive/special education technology. All programs include internships, practica, or relevant projects. Required course work varies from 36 to 40 credits. In addition, three certificate programs, in integration of technology in schools, multimedia development,and assistive technology, are available for students who areinterested in shorter, focused course sequences. For updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu
New Professional Studies: Teaching, M.A.

A teaching track of the New Professional Studies program is offered only to teams of experienced teachers from school divisions that contract with Initiatives in Educational Transformation (IET). Participants follow a two-year, three-summer integrated program of school-based research linked to a subject specialization.
The degree is dedicated to the examination of four central questions: How do we understand ourselves as people and as teachers? How do we create knowledge of our world through the forms and genres of language? How do we seek knowledge and understanding of our world, students, classrooms, and schools? How do we build learning communities and reflective practice?
The degree program is grounded in seven seminal features: curriculum and pedagogy as primary intellectual and practical interests; work in teams; reflective practice; school-based inquiry; intensive scheduling; integrated technology; and continuous improvement.
Students develop ways to use "information highways" for research and curriculum development and to confer with other educators about research, curriculum development, and theory nationally and internationally. Students are expected to have easy access to a computer that runs Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Applicants to the M.A. in New Professional Studies: Teaching, must do the following:
1. Meet the university's general graduate admission requirement (GPA of 3.000 or better in last 60 credits of undergraduate study).
2. Be certified as teachers or have several years of successful experience as a teacher/trainer or educational administrator.
3. Be a member of a teacher team.
4. Submit a letter from the school principal endorsing the team.
5. Submit a team goals statement.
6. Be recommended for acceptance.
Students complete 30 credits of course work. During the first year, they complete a research project in their own classroom. In the second year, they complete a team research project that spans classrooms. Teams are expected to meet weekly and teachers are asked to journal and participate in web-based discussions tied to classroom work.
The specific information about required course work is available from the IET administrative office at the Prince William Campus, Manassas, VA 20110. Call (703) 993-8320, fax:(703) 993-8321, or e-mail: iet@gmu.edu.
Special Education, M.Ed.

Persons with a current teaching license may complete a master's degree leading to an endorsement in a concentration of special education: emotional disturbance/learning disabilities (K-12), severe disabilities (K-12), and special education early childhood (birth to age 5). All programs require internship/student teaching. Students can be admitted to the program in the spring, summer, and fall. Course requirements vary from 33 to 54 credits depending on the program and prior course work. For most updated information, attend an information session. Call (703) 993-2079 for dates and time or consult website www.gse.gmu.edu
Education, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Education provides advanced professional education for experienced educational practitioners pursuing or planning careers in nontraditional and traditional educational settings. The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 85 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 55 credits beyond the master's degree. A limited number of graduate hours takenpreviously may be applied to the program. However, an individual's total program may require more credits than these minimum requirements depending on the individual's goals, program requirements, and previous preparation. With the guidance of faculty, students develop individual programs of study in concert with their goals, program requirements, and self-assessed skills and knowledge. Each student's program must include study in a professional field such as education administration, educational technology, special education, curriculum, instruction, bilingual education, counseling and development, early childhood education, or literacy. The specific nature of courses is determined by the student in conjunction with a faculty doctoral advising committee upon completing two semesters in the Ph.D. program. Students also complete a minor area of study consisting of 15 credits.
To complete the Ph.D. program, each student must demonstrate competence in oral and written English; computer literacy; mastery of the knowledge and skills in the area of professional expertise, and the ability to apply general and specific knowledge and skills to significant educational problems. Students demonstrate these competencies by successfully completing courses and seminars, by completing a doctoral portfolio, and by preparing and orally defending a doctoral dissertation. Students have five years from the time they enroll in their first class to complete all course work and the doctoral portfolio. Five additional years, starting with the date on which students are advanced to candidacy, are allowed to complete the dissertation.
The purposes of residency are achieved in the Ph.D. program through a combination of core courses and seminars, and through continuous enrollment. These requirements include successful completion of the Leadership seminar and the Ways of Knowing seminar.
Candidates must enroll in a minimum of one three-credit internship designed to broaden their professional expertise. Internships may occur in a variety of settings. One three-credit internship must be taken in a setting that differs from the student's work setting. In all internships, the student works with university and on-site supervisors.
Admission Requirements
Candidates are admitted to study by GSE. Admission is highly selective. Applicants must fulfill the following program admission requirements:
1. A minimum of three years of successful experience as a practitioner in an educational setting
2. A baccalaureate and/or master's degree from an accredited institution
3. Demonstrated high intellectual capability
4. Demonstrated leadership potential
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. Graduate Record Examination test scores
7. A written goals statement relating study in the Ph.D. program to his or her educational and career plans
For further information about admission and program requirements, contact the Ph.D. Office at (703) 993-2011. Completed applications must be submitted to the GSE Graduate Admission Processing Center by February 1 for admission for the following summer or fall, or by September1 for admission for the following January.

Community College Education, D.A.

The Doctor of Arts in Community College Education is administered by the National Center for Community College Education. Course work educates prospective community college professionals, teachers, and administrators and helps current community college faculty members become more effective teachers. The program emphasizes a broad knowledge base in the student's teaching field or in college administration. Students select courses from designated departments in the university to develop a program of study. Knowledge areas include academic administration, chemistry, communication, computer science, economics, electrical and computer engineering, English, health and physical education, higher education, history, information systems, mathematics, nursing, operations research, applied statistics, and sociology. Applications for other fields are considered where appropriate course work is available. Under the guidance of faculty advisors and the National Center's staff, entering students develop programs of study.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements for graduate study, an applicant must do the following:
1. Visit the website at www.gse.gmu.edu/depart/nccce to determine appropriateness of the program to academic goals.
2. Have experience teaching or in an administrative capacity at the community college level, or desire to be a community college professional.
3. Submit a completed application (applications are available from the National Center for Community College Education or from GSE's Graduate Admission Processing Center).
4. Submit a short statement (750 to 1,000 words) describing interest in the program and how it will help achieve career objectives.
5. Submit two writing samples if English is the knowledge area.
6. Submit GRE scores if sociology or history is the knowledge area.
7. Schedule an interview with the staff of the National Center for Community College Education when application is complete.
8. Submit three letters of recommendation.
9. Submit official transcripts of all college work.
10. Submit current resume.
11. Additional material may be required, depending on the applicant's background.
The program requires a minimum of 55 credits beyond the master's degree. Minimum requirements include:

Credits

Knowledge area

Core curriculum

Internship

Doctoral dissertation
24

15

3

10

The remaining credits are completed in one or more of the above areas or in a field related to the student's knowledge area. The designation of these credits is determined by the National Center for Community College Education in consultation with the student. These credits may not be used to meet the minimum requirements in the knowledge area. For example, if a student is required to take more than 24 credits in the knowledge area, the credits are in addition to the 55 credits normally required in the program. The number of credits assigned to the knowledge area, core curriculum, internship, and doctoral dissertation may vary within the above guidelines. Departments may require additional course work in the knowledge area when the student has completed the master's degree in a field other than the designated knowledge area or when prior academic preparation is considered inadequate.
The knowledge area consists of courses in the student's teaching discipline or administration and may contain courses in related fields when appropriate and when approved by the knowledge area advisor. Each knowledge area department, working with the National Center for Community College Education, sets its own requirement, specifying a core set of courses and working with the student to develop a program of study consisting of advanced course work, directed reading, and independent study.
Students must complete a minimum of 15 credits in the core curriculum including the following:
Each student also chooses elective courses from the list below:
Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of three credits in an internship. A maximum of six credits may be earned through the internship. This may be in a teaching internship in a community college or a nonteaching internship, depending on the extent of the student's teaching experience. Nonteaching internships may be in community colleges, government, or business organizations.
Upon satisfactory completion of all course work and the internship, a student completes either a traditional comprehensive examination or a more nontraditional comprehensive experience demonstrating the student's mastery of the knowledge area and the core curriculum. Students must satisfactorily complete the examination or experience to be advanced to candidacy for the degree. A student must complete all degree requirements within five years following the semester of advancement to candidacy.
Upon advancement to candidacy, a student completes a written doctoral project. The amount of credit assigned to the project reflects the extent of the undertaking. However, a minimum of 10 project credits are required, of which 3 credits are earned in COMC 998 Doctoral Project/Research Preparation. The project is synthesizing in nature and must contribute new knowledge or reinterpretation of existing knowledge to the area being investigated. Doctoral projects must demonstrate high standards of scholarship and the ability to engage in dependent research resulting in a substantial contribution to knowledge or practice in the field.
Students are advised by the staff of the National Center for Community College Education for the community college portion of their studies. In addition, each student is assigned an advisor in the knowledge area. Working with those advisors, students prepare a program of study and complete all program requirements.
Doctoral students are required to remain in continual registration, not including the summer session. The doctoral program of study must include a minimum of 36 graduate credits (600 or higher) taken at the university after admission to degree-seeking status.
Twelve credits beyond the master's degree may, with the permission of the student's knowledge area advisor, be applied toward the D.A. in Community College Education, provided that the course work is relevant and appropriate to the student's program of study. Credit applied toward the degree must have been earned within six years before admission to the doctoral program. Students who have not used this provision at the time of admission to the program may, with approval, complete up to 12 credits of approved course work at other institutions while enrolled in the doctoral program, and apply these credits to program requirements. The Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area affords students an opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at 10 area universities while paying George Mason tuition.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Certificate in Integration of Technology in Schools

This 12-credit certificate program is offered to teachers who wish to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for integrating technology into the K-12 curriculum and is designed to fulfill the state-mandated technology competencies for teachers.
Certificate in Multimedia Development

This 15-credit certificate program is offered to persons who would like to learn the technology associated with multimedia development. This program provides students with training on current and timely technology products as well as with an introduction to design and development of educational and training products.
Certificate in Assistive Technology

This 15-credit certificate program provides supplemental training to practitioners needing to use assistive technology with persons with disabilities with whom they work. The certificate is appropriate for general and special educators, related service personnel (OT, PT, SLP, etc.), adult service providers, and families and caregivers who work with persons with disabilities and need to apply assistive technology solutions within their specific discipline or school, work, home, or community setting.
Certificate in Community College Education

The graduate certificate in community college education is designed for master's degree graduates who are planning (or exploring the possibility of) a community college career. It combines course work on pedagogy and the community college with an internship under the guidance of an experienced teacher or administrator.
Completion of the certificate program does not guarantee the student a community college position. Nonetheless, those who earn the certificate will enter competition for community college positions with the advantage of having pertinent experience.
The certificate requires 18 credits beyond the master's degree; the student may complete either 9 credits of course work and 9 credits of a teaching or an administrative internship or 12 credits of course work and 6 credits of an internship. Students usually select course work from a core curriculum that focuses on applied teaching techniques. With the permission of the requisite department, however, students may substitute six credits of graduate courses in their teaching field for six credits of course work on teaching-related subjects. Students following an administrative strand will pursue related courses. Core curriculum offerings include the following:
A maximum of three credits may, with the permission of the National Center for Community College Education, be transferred from another institution. At least six credits of George Mason course work must be completed before the student may enroll in an internship. The internship is an independent study course listed as COMC 885 Internship in Community College Education (1-6 credits).
Students admitted to the certificate program must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution in a subject area that is taught at the community college level. (These subject areas include most arts and sciences disciplines. Please check website www.gse.gmu.edu to be sure that the master's degree is applicable.)

George Mason University:1999-2000 University Catalog: Catalog Index: Graduate School of Education