Bachelor of Science in Education in Special 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-t...

• 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?

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

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

• Consider taking introductory teaching and/or special education courses.

• Connect with the George Mason Special Education program prior to transfer: speced@gmu.edu.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• I know from experience that I enjoy working with diverse student or adult populations and want to support the needs of individuals with disabilities.

• I want to support the next generation and the community. I could see myself working with students across their K-12 academic career.

• I am exhilarated by challenges and want a career where each day brings something new.

• I am available for daytime coursework. Classes and field observations are scheduled during the day along with a full semester of student teaching in the final semester.

• My primary focus is my studies. It is recommended students work only part-time or focus fully on their studies. Students who need more flexible scheduling options, such as those working in schools already, can pursue this field through the Accelerated Master’s in Special Education with an individualized undergraduate degree. Contact speced@gmu.edu for details.

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 freshman.

• 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....

• 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…

• Field experiences allow students to see different aspects of special education and discover possible careers, and learn from experienced professionals

• Students choose from three licensure areas: PK-12 Blindness & Visual Impairments, K-12 Adapted Curriculum, or K-12 General Curriculum; or a non-concentration path.

• Specific concentrations prepare you to work as classroom educator, K-12, with specialized skills and content knowledge for areas such as autism, behavior, mild disabilities, multiple/severe disabilities, and visual impairments. Non-concentration prepares you to work as a home-bound student instructor, adult services provider, assistive technology specialist, behavior specialist, learning services provider, advocate/activist, or to teach overseas.

• Students pursuing a teaching degree who are participating in the VA Two-Year College Transfer Grant may be eligible for the STEM-N Bonus Award Funding.

• The program provides experiences through field placements and internships in both K-12 public and private schools, as well as other professional settings. Mentorship from school-based staff and university faculty help students apply what they learn.

• You could finish a Master’s in one additional year. The Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s allows students to begin fulfilling Master’s requirements as an undergraduate. They can then focus on a second licensure endorsement, behavior analysis, or other specialization area in graduate school.

• You can minor in American Sign Language to foster diverse communication as an educator.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at: TransferVirginia.org.

• Obtain a Virginia teaching license in one of three areas: K-12 Special Education- Adapted Curriculum, PK-12 Blindness and Visual Impairments, K-12 Special Education-General Curriculum.

• Work as a classroom educator, K-12, with specialized skills and content knowledge for areas such as autism, behavior, mild disabilities, multiple/severe disabilities, and visual impairments.

• Work as a home-bound student instructor, adult services provider, assistive technology specialist, behavior specialist, learning services provider, advocate/activist, or teach overseas.

Program Successes & Highlights

• Special Education teachers are in high demand. Our graduates find jobs!

• All three licensure concentrations are pre-approved by Virginia Dept. of Education to meet state teacher licensure requirements.

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

• Many of our graduates are now teaching successfully in local school systems.

• Mason LIFE, a unique on campus opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, trains teacher candidates to support, educate and foster the inclusion of Mason LIFE students in all aspects of the university including residential life, community involvement, academics, and employment.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Specialize in an area such as autism, behavior analysis, or leadership or earn an additional teaching endorsement by getting first your Bachelor’s degree in special education, and then a Master’s degree through the Accelerated Master’s pathway.

• After teaching for three years, 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 courses for licensure.

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

• Students must complete a full semester internship. Students pursuing licensure complete two 8-week internships, one at the elementary and one at the secondary (middle/high) level.