Dear Graduate Education Student:
Thank you for choosing the graduate education programs at UMW’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies for your continued studies. I think you will find that our courses are excellent learning experiences and that the faculty are very willing to assist you in achieving your licensure and professional development goals.
We are proud of Mary Washington’s reputation for excellence, and our programs are designed and delivered in that tradition--but with a definite emphasis on meeting the needs of adult learners. Our programs are tailored to your needs, with classes held in the evenings and Saturdays and portions of classes delivered online. Some sections of classes, where the subject matter lends itself to this form of delivery, are offered totally online if you prefer that format.
We pride ourselves on the individual attention we offer students. You will be assigned a program advisor early in your first semester of study with us. Your assigned advisor will help you with your questions, course selection, and registration, and will see you through to the successful completion of your program. Course instructors are similarly very approachable, and you will also have the support of our very helpful student services staff. I frequently hear comments from individuals on how quickly they receive a response to their questions or concerns. You are basically always an email or phone call away from the answer to your query.
The graduate education faculty is topnotch. They are knowledgeable and experienced in the subjects they teach, and they care about our students and the quality of our programs. Our courses, while covering theoretical bases, emphasize the application of research-based best practices. Faculty stay current in their fields of expertise, and student participation and the use of technology replace the traditional lecture format. You will enjoy the interaction that occurs in your coursework and be amazed at how much you learn from each course.
Be prepared to work. Preparing professionals for our K-12 schools is a task we take very seriously. But also be prepared to be well supported in achieving your educational goals. As a state-approved program we must adhere to the Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel, which will determine the extent of our flexibility in working with the unique background you may bring to our program. But we will work with you. We are a collegial place to study, and I am proud of our program completers. Soon we will add your name to that impressive list.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Brenda E. Vogel
Director of Education Programs