Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for EDUCATION

Transfer Guidance

Transfer Admission Requirements

• Transfer applicants must present a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete an English composition equivalent to ENGH 101 (ENG 112). Students may provide secondary school coursework or test scores demonstrating English language proficiency.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete a college-level math course.

• GAA applicants must present a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA. For more information about Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements, visit: https://www.vccs.edu/transfer-programs/

Important Links & Dates

• Office of Transfer Services: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/office-transfer-services

• Admission Application: By Oct 1 or March 1 at https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now

• Financial Aid: https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: March 1 for Fall admission and October 1 for Spring admission at studentaid.gov.

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college within your first year. College connect available in your account of www.TransferVirginia.org

• Most of the general education classes are also needed to fulfill Content Area courses for licensure. Review those requirements here: https://education.gmu.edu/teacher-track/content-area-review/.

• Connect with pre-education advisors at George Mason prior to transfer: https://education.gmu.edu/teacher-track-office/team.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Individuals interested in this program typically enjoy working with groups of elementary-aged children (PK - 6).

• This is a full-time, cohort-style program that requires a student to commit to full-time class load and field observations during the day along with a full year of student teaching in the last year. Working full-time is not an option for students in this program. Students who need more flexible scheduling options should pursue the Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's (BAM) for ELED or consider the BSED in Early Childhood Education (PK-3rd grade).

• A student must pass the state licensure exams prior to completing the student teaching internship.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Students who complete a VCCS transfer associate degree (AS, AA, AA&S, & AFA) will receive a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower division) Mason Core general education categories. To be eligible for the waiver, the students must provide the George Mason Office of Admissions with a final, official transcript reflecting the degree conferral date. As a prerequisite for ENGH 302, ENGH 101 is not waived. Students must complete ENGH 100 or ENGH 101, or an equivalent, with a C or higher.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Applicants are required to apply as freshmen

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by exam may be used to fulfill General Education and/or major requirements. See: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first term of attendance at George Mason.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in Fairfax within the National Capital Region. George Mason enrolls 26,000 undergraduate students, in 80 in-demand majors, from 50 states and 130 countries.

• 4,000 new transfer students choose George Mason each year. George Mason is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse universities in the U.S.

• Transfer students are welcome to live among our 7700-student residential community or off campus. The Office of Contemporary Student Services is dedicated to the support of off-campus transfers.

• 66% of George Mason students receive financial aid

• 22 Division I men's and women's teams and 475+ student organizations

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• We also offer a bachelor's to accelerated master's (BAM) option for Elementary Education.

• This program is more flexible in structure than the BSED and is therefore the best option for students who work full-time and/or need evening classes.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at: http://www.transfervirginia.org/

• Obtain a Virginia license to teach grades PK - 6.

Program Successes & Highlights

• We're a Professional Development School (PDS) program with strong partnerships with multiple local school districts.

• Elementary teachers are in high demand; our graduates all find jobs in the field.

• We have a high national ranking by US News & World Report.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Earn a master's degree later to specialize and expand your career options within the field.

• After teaching a few years, you can become a mentor teacher for the program if you stay in Northern Virginia.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Students must earn a C or better in all major courses and Content Area courses.

• Students must maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and pass all Commonwealth of Virginia mandated tests for licensure area.

• Licensure testing requirements are determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia and may change at any time. If changes to these requirements occur, students must meet the current testing and licensure requirements as set forth in the legal code of Virginia.

• Students are encouraged to request an initial Content Area Advisor (CAR) prior to transferring: https://cehd.gmu.edu/endorse

• Incoming students must also complete a cohort preference survey prior to enrolling in George Mason junior-level ELED courses. Contact the program advisor for details: https://education.gmu.edu/elementary-education/bsed#advising.