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I am currently enrolled in the Masters of Education, Curriculum and Instruction (individualized concentration) at George Mason University. I love the flexibility of this program. I investigated many different graduate schools for education before choosing George Mason. I teach music at the elementary school level. Many music teachers pursue more straightforward advanced degrees in music education. While this was an option at George Mason (and the program has a good reputation there), I've known for... Read More a while that this course of study was not for me. I am confident in my music teaching abilities; I was more interested in deepening my understanding of the special populations in my classes (special education students, English language learners, gifted learners). The individualized concentration allows me to specialize in music education, while also branching out into coursework which will allow me to better serve all of my students, not just musically but across all learning styles.

The professors and accessibility network of support are superior in my opinion. I am half way through my graduate degree in MEd with License in ECSE. I have had only one teacher that I would rate less than par. My student adviser is committed and generous with her time. Course materials are never older than 2010 copyright and thus current in research based practices most current. Weaknesses I would say that the counseling services are very poor in my opinion, however Office of Disability Services... Read More could use additional support but is exemplary overall. I think the accessible and general student parking is a drag and weakness. The location is not great and the campus is less than stellar in looks. Some buildings are very old and outdated with small rooms and cramped feeling. However my school recently relocated to a new building I find great. They have the Thomas Haggai and Associates Scholarship for my program, which has allowed me to attend graduate school despite the need to re-apply each year. I would prefer to qualify for this additional years if my GPA was kept high. This would be a weakness.

George Mason has been a terrific school to go to as a Graduate student because it allows me to work in school districts that I would like to teach in upon graduation. As an Undergraduate student it lacked the same fun, "college town" atmosphere that most students look for. The faculty at GMU, especially those in the New Century College Program, are phenomenal teachers and human beings. They go out of their way to help you achieve all that you can both personally and academically. The Elementary Education... Read More program is filled with teachers who are passionate and extremely knowledgeable about effective teaching practices. I would highly recommend this Graduate School program.