Elementary Education Programs

  • Elementary Education Licensure/Master's Degree (PK-6)
  • Peace Corps Fellows Elementary Education Licensure/Master's Degree (PK-6)

Application Requirements - Please read through the following steps very carefully.  The application process can take up to four months ... be sure to plan accordingly.

Application Requirements:

  1. Completed Graduate Application Form (online application).
  2. Completed General Education Requirements Endorsement Review. Please go to General Education Requirements to complete and submit the review.  This review is part of the application and your application cannot be considered until the FAST TRAIN office receives a completed review.  Once you have been notified that it is completed, email a copy to fastrain@gmu.edu.
  3. Non-refundable application fee (click here for current fee amounts). Payment can be a check made out to GMU or a credit card.
  4. Completed FAST TRAIN Elementary Program Departmental Form: See: http://cehd.gmu.edu/documents/ for specific program forms. Include a copy with the mailed application materials and also fax a copy to 703-246-8996.
  5. Three official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants with degrees from abroad must have transcripts officially translated and evaluated. Please read additional admission requirements for International Students for more information.  Your transcripts must show the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (four-year degree) from an accredited institution.
  6. At least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate study. Some applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted provisionally if there is sufficient evidence of potential success.
  7. A passing score on the PRAXIS I exam or a passing SAT or ACT score as a substitute for the PRAXIS I exam.   For detailed information on passing scores, go to Qualifying Test Scores.
  8. Three letters of recommendation targeting experience and/or academic abilities. These letters should be sent separately to the Admissions office in a sealed, signed envelope.  One of the recommendation letters should address the future graduate student’s ability academically; other appropriate letters may be from a principal, director or other school official who can describe the student’s ability to teach and work with children.  Letters from friends, colleagues or relatives are NOT acceptable.
  9. One- to two-page goal statement that addresses reasons for choosing to become an international teacher.

International students: Please refer to the International Students page for additional application requirements.

Application Submission:
If at all possible, submit your application online (otherwise the application fee will be more expensive and the application process will take more time). If the application is submitted online, please notify the FAST TRAIN office by sending a faxed copy of the Departmental Form to:

Jennifer Coarts
703-246-8996

If the application packet (including transcripts and other materials) must be sent through the mail, send to:

Jennifer Coarts, Coordinator
FAST TRAIN Programs, MS: 1E8
University Townhouse Complex, A1
George Mason University
4260 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030