MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.ED.)

The M.Ed. is a master's program for students in the education profession. The M.Ed. in teaching areas requires candidates to have or be eligible for Georgia certification at the T4 level. The focus of the M.Ed. in teaching is Architects of School Improvement. GCSU offers the teaching M.Ed. in the following areas:

M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (path to T5 certification)
M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education (path to T5 certification)
M.Ed. in Music Education (path to T5 certification)
M.Ed. in Secondary Education (path to T5 certification)
M.Ed. in Special Education (path to T5 certification)
Additionally, we offer the M.Ed. in service and leadership areas:
M.Ed. in Educational Technology (Service)
Library Media (path to Service S5 certification)
Instructional Technology (There is no state certification in this field)
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (path to Leadership NL5 certification)

PREREQUISITES

Pass an on-site writing assessment /education/writing.html
Meet minimal Grade Point Average (Early Childhood M.Ed. and Middle Grades M.Ed. = 2.75; Secondary and Library Media = 2.5; others 2.25)
Hold or be eligible for a clear renewable, level four (4) Georgia Teacher Certificate-except Educational Technology Programs

ADMISSION

To be admitted as a graduate student in a M.Ed. degree program, an applicant must:

Submit a University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable,
Submit two professional recommendations (pdf) using the College of Education format,
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, and
Submit verification of immunization (pdf)

Applicants must have a Program of Graduate Study approved, signed and filed.

ADVISEMENT

The Department Chairperson, in cooperation with the departmental admission committees and program coordinators, assigns each admitted student to an advisor in the chosen area of study. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with the assigned advisor to develop an individualized program of study that meets the course work requirements. A signed program of study must be filed with the Departmental Chairperson in order to be fully admitted.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EMPHASIS

The core for the majority of the M.Ed. programs at GCSU is school improvement. In this program, educators focus on issues central to school improvement while also learning about best practices in their fields (e.g. early childhood, middle grades, secondary, special education, leadership, and educational technology). Based on data gathered in their own schools, educators begin to examine questions such as “What is school improvement? How does change occur? What changes need to be made at my school to best facilitate student learning?” Participants have the opportunity to enroll in classes with other educators from their school, thus creating a cluster of individuals ready to address school improvement as a team. This work is negotiated among educators, their administration, and professors. Through this experience, teachers examine their school and create a plan for investigating a problem and developing new practices. Results of school improvement interventions are shared with a wider professional community.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Master of Education degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work in professional education, the certification area, and program requirements or electives. The degree program must be completed within six years beginning with the initial date of course work. Students may be required to take more than the minimum 36 hours in order to qualify for certification in initial certification programs. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the appropriate departmental chairperson prior to enrollment. Grades below a C do not fulfill degree requirements.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Applications can be accessed at: /education/assistantships.html

PROGRAM ORIENTATION

Orientation programs for new students in M.Ed. programs are offered at the beginning of each semester. Please check with your department for details.