2013-2014 University Catalog 
  
2013-2014 University Catalog

College of Education and Human Development


Phone: 703-993-2010
Web site: cehd.gmu.edu
College Code: E1

Schools

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) comprises the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism (RHT), and the Graduate School of Education (GSE). The college is committed to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in research and the preparation of professionals for the highest levels of practice and service in diverse schools, organizations, and communities.

CEHD provides leadership in transforming schools, organizations, and communities through research, teaching, and collaboration. CEHD faculty members prepare scholars and practitioners through multidisciplinary programs of study that facilitate the understanding, integration, and  application of knowledge. Through research activities, faculty and students expand and refine the knowledge base for teaching and learning. In response to the richness and complexity of a pluralistic society, CEHD infuses diversity into academic programs and research. The faculty develops and supports knowledgeable, caring, and reflective professionals who facilitate excellence  and equity for all learners. CEHD students and faculty demonstrate their growth and development in ways meaningful to their communication and professional organizations. Innovative programs and the integration of technology provide opportunities for students to develop, examine, evaluate, and practice professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Administration

Mark Ginsberg, Dean
Martin Ford, Senior Associate Dean
Peter Barcher, Associate Dean for Research
Ellen Rodgers, Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs
C. Stephen White, Associate Dean for Academic Program Development
Iris Robinson, Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Affairs

Undergraduate Degrees, Minors, and Certificates

CEHD offers four undergraduate degrees, 16 minors, and one undergraduate certificate. The School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism within the College of Education and Human Development collaborates with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to offer three minors in interdisciplinary areas of study.  Students may elect to take a minor in addition to their major field of study. For policies governing all minors, see the  Academic Policies  section of this catalog. Students interested in earning a minor should complete the appropriate section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form

In addition, the college also collaborates with the College of Science  (Departments of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Science; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Mathematical Sciences; and the School of Physics, Astronomy and Computational Sciences) and the College of Visual and Performing Arts  (Schools of Dance and Music) to provide seven collaborative undergraduate degree concentrations or emphases in Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Earth Science Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education, Physics Education, and Theater Education, and one licensure program in Dance Licensure. CEHD also collaborates with New Century College  to support three interdisciplinary degree concentrations which prepare students for graduate study in education. The requirements for each degree, minor, and certificate are described on their respective catalog pages.

Graduate Degrees and Certificates

CEHD offers one doctoral degree, eight master’s degrees, and 24 graduate certificates.  The requirements for each degree and certificate are described on their respective catalog pages.

Applicable to All Students

In addition to the policies stated in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog, the following policies and procedures apply to all students in the college. 

Communication Policy

All correspondence from the program, school, college, and university administration is sent to the student’s official Mason e-mail account. Students should use their Mason e-mail account to communicate with their programs and other administrative units.

Academic Policies

Students are ultimately responsible for their academic progress towards their degrees and/or certificates.  They are strongly advised to consult the Academic Policies   section of this catalog for information concerning university-wide requirements for degree and nondegree students in addition to those for this college.  Students with questions regarding academic policies and college-level requirements should contact the CEHD Student and Academic Affairs (Thompson Hall, Suite 2300; 703-993-2080; cehdacad@gmu.edu).  Additional policy information and forms are available online at http://cehd.gmu.edu/saa/.

Grading Policy

All CEHD undergraduate and graduate students are held to the university grading policies as described in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog.  Those students enrolled in a CEHD licensure program, however, must earn a B- or better in all licensure coursework.  The following licensure programs have more stringent grading policies that are detailed in their respective catalog sections: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with concentrations in Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, Foreign Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish), International Education FAST TRAIN ESOL (PK-12), International Education FAST TRAIN Elementary PK-6, Secondary Education; and the MEd in Counseling and Development.

Grade Appeals

Students may appeal grades that they believe were assigned unjustly or were based on unclear criteria in accord with the Academic Policies  section of this catalog. Grade appeals should initially be directed to the Program Coordinator for courses taken within the College of Education and Human Development. The decision may be further appealed to the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, who reserves the right to convene the elected members of the CEHD Appeals Committee if there is sufficient evidence of procedural irregularity. The Associate Dean’s decision is not subject to review or further appeal.

Professional Teacher Licensure

CEHD is responsible for professional courses, special standards, and licensure recommendations for students completing state-approved (Virginia) licensure programs that prepare teachers, administrators, counselors, and related-instructional personnel.

Initial teacher licensure is available at the undergraduate level in Biology, Chemistry, Dance, Earth Science, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Secondary Education English, and Theatre Arts.  Initial teacher licensure is available at the graduate level in Art, Early Childhood, Elementary, English as a Second Language, Foreign Language, Secondary, and Theatre Arts. The Special Education Program offers initial teacher licensure exclusively through graduate certificates that include Early Childhood Special Education, Visual Impairment, Students with Disabilities who Access the General Curriculum, and Students with Disabilities who Access the Adapted Curriculum.

For more information and the dates and times of Think You Want to Be a Teacher? information sessions, please contact the CEHD Office of Admissions (Thompson Hall, Suite 2700; 703-993-2892; cehdgrad@gmu.edu).  Additional information is available online at http://cehd.gmu.edu/admissions/.

Note: George Mason University will verify completion of the requirements of a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of 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.

Course Work

CEHD offers all course work designated ATEP, ECED, EDAL, EDAT, EDCD, EDCI, EDEP, EDIT, EDLE, EDPD, EDRD, EDRS, EDSE, EDUC, EFHP, HEAL, IETT, KINE, MNPE, PHED, PRLS, SPMT, SRST, and TOUR in the Courses  section of this catalog.