This bachelor’s degree provides students with the opportunity to develop a strong cross-disciplinary foundation as well as specialized knowledge to work with culturally, linguistically, ability, and socioeconomically diverse young children, families, and other professionals. The courses in the major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded, cohesive program of studies that prepares them to be high-quality early childhood educators. Students may select one of the optional teacher licensure concentrations (i.e., Early Childhood Special Education, Early/Primary Education PreK-3, Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3) or a non-licensure sequence to fulfill the requirements for the BSEd in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners.
Admissions
Students entering as freshmen with an interest in majoring in Inclusive Early Childhood Education will initially be accepted into the Inclusive Early Childhood Education, BSEd, without concentration.
Four-Year Students
To declare a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure), four-year students must:
- complete a minimum of 45 credits
- attain a cumulative GPA of 2.50.
To declare a concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) or Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure), four-year students must:
- complete a minimum of 45 credits
- attain a cumulative GPA of 2.50
- Pass Praxis II Elementary Education Multiple Subjects Assessment
Degree-Seeking Transfer Students
To declare a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure), transfer students must:
- complete a minimum of 45 credits
- earn a cumulative GPA of 2.50 at previous institution or complete 12 credits at Mason with a 2.50 GPA
To declare a concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) or Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure), transfer students must:
- complete a minimum of 45 credits
- earn a cumulative GPA of 2.50 at previous institution or complete 12 credits at Mason with a 2.50 GPA
- Pass Praxis II Elementary Education Multiple Subjects Assessment
Policies
Students in a licensure concentration must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 upon applying to their internship.
Inclusive Early Childhood Education students without concentration must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate.
In addition to coursework, students in Virginia Department of Education licensure pathways must complete additional licensure requirements to fulfill graduation requirements. See Degree Requirements.
Termination from Program Policy
Termination from the major may be imposed as a result of excessive repeating of required courses without achieving the minimum standard, and for other evidence of continued failure to make adequate progress toward completion of the major, including failure to maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA for Early/ Primary Education PK-3 Licensure, Early Childhood Special Education Licensure, and Dual Licensure concentration, or at least a 2.0 GPA for No Concentration, and/or failure to exhibit professional dispositions.
A grade of C or higher is required in each of the Inclusive Early Childhood Education major courses (see Requirements section in this catalog for list of required major courses). Students will not be permitted to make more than three graded attempts to achieve a C or higher in each course. Once a student has attempted a major course twice unsuccessfully, they must meet with Inclusive Early Childhood Education program leadership to develop a success plan and receive an override to register for the third attempt. Those who do not successfully complete a major course within three attempts will be eligible for termination from the major. See GMU Policy AP.5.2.3. Students have the right to appeal termination from major by following the CEHD academic appeal process.
Formerly: E1-BSED-ECDL
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
Mason Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements: | ||
| Written Communication | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (Mason Core) (recommended course) | ||
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements: | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Major World Regions (Mason Core) (recommended course) | ||
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 8 | |
Two lab sciences in different disciplines (recommended) | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Integration Requirement: | ||
| Written Communication | 3 | |
| Advanced Composition (Mason Core) | ||
| Assessment of Diverse Young Learners (Mason Core) 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 38 | |
- 1
Requires a grade of C or better.
Program Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 201 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 401 | Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence 1 | 3 |
| ECED 402 | Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Young Learners, Birth-Age 5 1 | 3 |
| ECED 403 | Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance 1 | 3 |
| ECED 404 | Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 6 1 | 3 |
| ECED 411 | Assessment of Diverse Young Learners (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| ECED 491 | Behavior Management Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education 1 | 3 |
| Internship | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Internship in Early Childhood Education (Mason Core) | ||
| Internship in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) (Mason Core) | ||
| Internship in Early Childhood Special Education (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
Requires a grade of C or better.
BSEd without Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education 1 | ||
| Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners 1 | ||
| Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners 1 | ||
| Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners 1 | ||
| Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners 1 | ||
| Science for Diverse Young Learners 1 | ||
| Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers 1 | ||
| Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Requires a grade of C or better.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select an additional 37 credits from any courses. | 37 | |
| Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements | ||
| Total Credits | 37 | |
Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure) (ECLC)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 405 | Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education 1 | 3 |
| ECED 406 | Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 422 | Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers 1 | 3 |
| ECED 423 | Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Requires a grade of C or better.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select an additional 37 credits from any courses. | 37 | |
| Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements | ||
| Total Credits | 37 | |
Licensure Requirements
Students enrolled in the licensure concentration (ECLC) must successfully complete the following licensure requirement to complete the program. This requirement must be satisfied prior to graduation:
- Emergency First Aid, Hands-on CPR and AED certification or training
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.
Concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) (EPEL)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 412 | Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 413 | Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 415 | Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 416 | Science for Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| MATH 110 | Introductory Probability (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or MATH 271 | Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers I | |
or MATH course approved by advisor | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 1
Requires a grade of C or better.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select an additional 34 credits from any courses. | 34 | |
| Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
Licensure Requirements
Students enrolled in the licensure concentration (EPEL) must successfully complete the following licensure requirements to complete the program. Unless otherwise noted, all requirements must be satisfied prior to graduation:
- Emergency First Aid, Hands-on CPR and AED certification or training
- Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (prior to applying for internship)
- Completion of Content Area Coursework (completed and approved Content Area Review form prior to applying for internship)
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.
Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure) (EEDL)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 405 | Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education 1 | 3 |
| ECED 406 | Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 412 | Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 413 | Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 415 | Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 416 | Science for Diverse Young Learners 1 | 3 |
| ECED 422 | Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers 1 | 3 |
| ECED 423 | Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches 1 | 3 |
| MATH 110 | Introductory Probability (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or MATH 271 | Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers I | |
or MATH course approved by advisor | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
- 1
Requires a grade of C or better.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select an additional 22 credits from any courses. | 22 | |
| Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements | ||
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Licensure Requirements
Students enrolled in the licensure concentration (EEDL) must successfully complete the following licensure requirements to complete the program. Unless otherwise noted, all requirements must be satisfied prior to graduation:
- Emergency First Aid, Hands-on CPR and AED certification or training
- Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (prior to applying for internship)
- Completion of Content Area Coursework (completed and approved Content Area Review form prior to applying for internship)
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.
Bachelor of Science in Education in Inclusive Early Childhood Education Sample Plan of Study
The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and within PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Without Concentration
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| UNIV 100 | 1 | Global Understanding - GGS 101 recommended | 3 |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline | 4 |
| Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline | 4 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended | 3 | Western Civilization/World History | 3 |
| Written Communication - ENGH 101 | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 201 | 3 | Arts | 3 |
| Literature - ELED 258 recommended | 3 | ENGH 302 | 3 |
| MATH 110 or 271 | 3 | Social/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 401 | 3 | ECED 411 | 3 |
| ECED 402 | 3 | ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423 | 3 |
| ECED 403 | 3 | ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423 | 3 |
| ECED 404 | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423 | 3 | ECED 491 | 3 |
| ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423 | 3 | ECED 492 | 12 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Early Childhood Special Education Licensure
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| UNIV 100 | 1 | Global Understanding - GGS 101 recommended | 3 |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline | 4 |
| Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline | 4 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended | 3 | Western Civilization/World History | 3 |
| Written Communication - ENGH 101 | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 201 | 3 | Arts | 3 |
| Literature - ELED 258 recommended | 3 | ENGH 302 | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Social/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 401 | 3 | ECED 411 | 3 |
| ECED 402 | 3 | ECED 405 | 3 |
| ECED 403 | 3 | ECED 406 | 3 |
| ECED 404 | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| Elective chosen with advisor | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 422 | 3 | ECED 490 | 12 |
| ECED 423 | 3 | ECED 491 | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Early/Primary Education PreK-3 Licensure
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| UNIV 100 | 1 | Global Understanding -GGS 101 recommended | 3 |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline | 4 |
| Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline | 4 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended | 3 | Western Civilization/World History | 3 |
| Written Communication - ENGH 101 | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 201 | 3 | Arts | 3 |
| Literature - ELED 258 recommended | 3 | ENGH 302 | 3 |
| MATH 110 or 271 | 3 | Social/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 401 | 3 | ECED 411 | 3 |
| ECED 402 | 3 | ECED 412 | 3 |
| ECED 403 | 3 | ECED 413 | 3 |
| ECED 404 | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 415 | 3 | ECED 490 | 12 |
| ECED 416 | 3 | ECED 491 | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Dual Licensure
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| UNIV 100 | 1 | Global Understanding -GGS 101 recommended | 3 |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline | 4 |
| Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline | 4 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended | 3 | Western Civilization/World History | 3 |
| Written Communication - ENGH 101 | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 201 | 3 | Arts | 3 |
| Literature - ELED 258 recommended | 3 | ENGH 302 | 3 |
| MATH 110 or 271 | 3 | Social/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 401 | 3 | ECED 405 | 3 |
| ECED 402 | 3 | ECED 406 | 3 |
| ECED 403 | 3 | ECED 411 | 3 |
| ECED 404 | 3 | ECED 412 | 3 |
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ECED 413 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| ECED 415 | 3 | ECED 490 | 12 |
| ECED 416 | 3 | ECED 491 | 3 |
| ECED 422 | 3 | ||
| ECED 423 | 3 | ||
| Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://advising.gmu.edu/academic-planning/.