Practicum Types
The practicum (HE 685) is an essential part of the Higher Education degree program. It is a supervised on-the-job experience in an approved college or university setting or public agency involved with higher education.
Such experience can include:
- Gaining experience in a particular higher education unit
- Assisting with or attending higher education study abroad tours
- Participating in academic community outreach; or
- Participating in field work such as grant-funded research data collection
Teaching Practicum
Students are expected to co-teach at least one three-credit or four-credit course in their discipline under the direction of a mentor from the faculty of the internship site.
At a minimum, students need to help design a syllabus, teach the course, and utilize classroom research techniques to evaluate teaching effectiveness.
Administrative Practicum
Students work in an organization in higher administration.
Examples of placements:
- American Association of Community Colleges Research Office
- The Office of the Virginia Secretary of Education
- Virginia Community College System/Richmond
- New Century College, George Mason University
- Career Development Services Office, George Mason University
- Foundation Office, George Mason University
- BIS Office, George Mason University
- NOVA/Manassas Community orchestra, NVCC
- Provost's Office, Annandale Campus, NVCC
- Dean's Office, Manassas Campus, NVCC
- Center for Teaching Excellence, George Mason University
- Higher Education Study Abroad tours
- Student Success Coaching, George Mason University
Community-Based Practicums
Students work in an organization that works to advance education, but not directly in an institution that offers degrees.
- Professional association
- Non-profit concerned with education policy
- Service Learning