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James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services

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James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services

MASTER, DOCTORAL, MINORS, CERTIFICATIONS

  • Adult and Career Education

    M.Ed.

    The Master of Education degree with a major in Adult and Career Education provides advanced, professional learning for individuals pursuing careers in teaching and leadership of adult and career education and related fields.  This program prepares students for working with adult learners in career education fields in the secondary and postsecondary education and private workforce education and government agency contexts. 

    For more information, please visit our program page

  • Adult Learning and Development

    Ed.D.

    VSU doctoral program  recognized as the #1 Most Affordable Doctoral Program by EdDPrograms.org.

    The Doctor of Education degree with a major in Adult Learning & Development provides advanced, professional learning for individuals interested in technical and higher education, career and technical secondary education, community development, workplace training and development, and any other context in which adults are learning. This program prepares learners to engage thoughtfully and skillfully in their teaching-learning with adult learners by providing in-depth engagement in the theories of adult learning and development and curriculum design and facilitation, while also preparing learners to become independent practitioner-scholars with high-caliber research courses.

  • Coaching

    Minor

    This fully online coaching minor is based on the Coaching Education National Standards issued by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. This minor is useful for those interested in sports programs, recreation, travel leagues, and more.  Students are not required to be in an education major to enroll in the coaching minor courses. 

    Careers

    • Athletic Administration & Management
    • Coaching Assistant
    • Fitness Center Manager
    • Interscholastic & Intercollegiate Athletics
    • Personal Trainer
    • See more careers
  • Communication Disorders

    M.Ed.

    Communication disorders can affect people of all backgrounds and involve problems with speech, language and auditory processing. People with communication disorders may have difficulty getting their message across or receiving communication from other sources. Students in the communication disorders program at Valdosta State University are introduced to the field of speech-language pathology and develop the intervention skills necessary to help individuals with communication disorders.

    Careers

    • Speech Clinician
    • Speech Therapist
    • Speech, Language and Hearing Scientist
    • Speech-Language Pathologist
  • Counselor Education

    M.Ed.

    Careers

    • Career Counselor
    • Licensed Professional Counselor
    • School Counselor
  • Curriculum & Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary Concentration

    Ed.D.

     

    VSU doctoral program  recognized as the #1 Most Affordable Doctoral Program by EdDPrograms.org.

    The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary Concentration degree offers an engaging and flexible educational model designed to fit the busy schedules of working professional educators in a variety of instructional fields. Our innovative program provides practical opportunities for students to relate theoretical foundations to curricular and instructional issues facing schools and other educational systems. You will enjoy learning from our quality faculty whose real-world experience and knowledge has been acquired through many years learning, researching, and working in the domains of our field. Our program delivery includes online and hybrid options. Additionally, 2 required one-day doctoral seminars are held on a Saturday in Valdosta, GA in June at the beginning of year one and beginning of year 2. Electives will vary in delivery format based on your approved selections, and they must align with your declared disciplinary concentration.

    Advantages of this program are:

    • Approved by the GaPSC as an advanced program, which will lead to a certificate upgrade but will add no new field to your certificate.
    • Students holding a valid GaPSC Standard Professional certificate (or higher) qualify for the Alternate Level 6 Certification Option upon successful completion of 36 credit hours and an approved portfolio.
    • Students holding a valid GaPSC Standard Professional certificate (or higher) qualify for a Level 7 Certification upon successful degree completion.
    • No GACE exam required
    • Available concentrations include:

    Art

    Architectural Drawing / Design

    Behavioral Sciences

    Business Ed.

    Curriculum & Instruction

    Elementary Education

    English

    ESOL

    Gifted

    Health & Physical ED

    History

    Instructional Technology

    Mathematics

    Media specialist

    Middle Grades Fields

    Music

    Political Science

    Reading

    Science

    Spanish

    SP ED Adapted Curriculum

    SP ED General Curriculum

    Speech

    Trade and Industrial Fields

     

  • Curriculum and Instruction/Accomplished Teaching

    M.Ed.

    The field of curriculum and instruction involves improving curriculum and academic achievement in schools, enhancing teaching strategies and bringing creativity into classrooms. The curriculum and instruction program at Valdosta State University provides opportunities for experienced practitioners in a variety of instructional fields to further study curricular and instructional issues facing schools, school systems, higher education establishments and other educational agencies.

    Careers

    • Assessment Specialist
    • Curriculum Development Specialist
    • Education Management Specialist
    • Educational Researcher
    • Educational Resource Coordinator
    • See more careers
  • Deaf Studies

    Minor

    A minor in Deaf Studies was established by Valdosta State University to provide students with knowledge and skills in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as Deaf Culture, linguistics. Students pursing a minor in Deaf Studies are exposed to the uniqueness of ASL as a world language while acquiring cultural knowledge that will enable them to successfully interact with the American Deaf community. The curriculum is designed to promote a cultural and linguistic understanding of Deaf individuals while encouraging students to analyze existing stereotypes pertaining to this population, so they in turn, can effectively educate hearing members of society.

    The Deaf Studies Minor is housed in the Department of Teacher Education and is part of the ASL and Deaf Education programs.  

    This minor complements any career in which you will be interacting with people.

  • Educational Leadership

    M.Ed.

    Through the combination of course work and field experiences, candidates will be able to develop the necessary competencies to become an entry-level leader.  The primary goal of the Internship Experience in the Master’s Degree or Certification-Only (Tier 1) Educational Leadership program is to link the theoretical and philosophical frameworks of educational leadership to actual practice.  This is accomplished with field experiences included as a part of the candidate’s program of study and documented through the candidate’s Inventory of Leadership Experience (ILE).

  • Educational Leadership (Tier I)

    Certification Only

    The Certification-Only Tier I Educational Leadership program is a comprehensive program of study including course work and related field experiences leading to a Tier I Georgia certificate in Educational Leadership. Candidates participating in the certification-only program may add the Tier I educational leadership certificate to an existing Level 5 Georgia certificate by completing the elements of this program not completed in another master’s program.

  • Elementary Education

    M.Ed.

    The M.Ed. in Elementary Education program is fully online. Candidates will gain a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge, research, and dominant theories of elementary education to support effective teaching of young children. The program also builds a strong link to classroom instruction and implementation of knowledge and skills in elementary school settings.

    Recognized for a T-5 certification status from Georgia Professional Standards Commission.  

    Careers

    • Camp Director
    • Child Advocacy
    • Daycare Director
    • Daycare Teacher
    • Education Consultant
    • See more careers
  • Health and Physical Education

    M.A.T.

    The Master of Arts in Teaching in Health and Physical Education program is an opportunity for college graduates who hold a bachelor's degree or more advanced degree in a content area from an accredited college or university to earn a master's degree in education and be recommended for a Georgia clear renewable T-5 teaching certificate. This is a 36-credit hour masters degree program requiring extensive field experiences and college course work. This program is designed for the preparation of teachers for core academic areas of health and physical education. Two options are available. Track one is for candidates who are current educators seeking certification in HPE and track two is for individuals who are not employed in education.

    Careers

    • Athletic Director
    • Certified Health Educator
    • Certified Physical Education Teacher
    • Coach
    • Community Center Athletic Director
    • See more careers
  • Health and Physical Education

    M.Ed.

    The Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) with a Major in Health and Physical Education prepares students to teach health and physical education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Completion of the M.Ed program meets GaPSC standards for a T-5 certification. Candidates must currently hold a valid teaching certificate to enroll in the M.Ed. 

    Careers

    • Athletic Director
    • Certified Health Educator
    • Certified Physical Education Teacher
    • Coach
    • Community Center Athletic Director
    • See more careers
  • Health and Physical Education

    Minor

    The minor in Health and Physical Education is designed to develop your attitudes and behaviors by focusing on current health issues and strategies. It is open to students from any major who are interested in health, physical education, fitness, and wellness. Our program provides coursework that you can utilize to improve your personal health and physical fitness in conjunction with career preparation. It is not designed to meet requirements for Georgia public school certification in health and physical education.

    Careers

    • Aerobics Instructor
    • Performance Analyst
    • Personal Trainer
    • Sports and Recreation Management
    • Sports Camp Director
    • See more careers
  • Higher Education Leadership

    M.Ed.

    To further your career in higher education and/or student affairs, having a well-rounded understanding of how a university functions is imperative. Valdosta State University’s online Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership program provides you with an opportunity to apply what you’re experiencing in your practice to course work in higher education. The coursework provides a strong foundation in understanding higher education administration and governance, college student development and identity, assessment, research, finance and additional areas that can address your own desired competencies and outcomes.

  • Instructional Technology

    M.Ed.

    Instructional Technology (IT) is a rapidly growing field of professional study and practice that values innovative use of technology and effective design for teaching and learning in the digital era. A master’s degree in this field prepares future instructional technology leaders and practitioners in diverse contexts: classrooms, school libraries, industry, and government.

    Careers

    • E-learning Specialist
    • Instructional Designer
    • Instructional Technologist
    • IT Coach/Coordinator/Director
    • Learning Consultant
    • See more careers
  • Leadership

    Ed.D.

    VSU doctoral program  recognized as the #1 Most Affordable Doctoral Program by EdDPrograms.org.

    The doctoral program in leadership (Ed.D.) develops capable, ethical, and diverse leaders who wish to effectively lead 21st century educational institutions and other organizations. This program connects the knowledge and inquiry skills developed in the core curriculum and research courses to the increasingly complex world of restructuring and organizational improvement. Students work with their academic advisor to select a cognate area that best fits their professional and academic goals. Cognates include: Organizational Leadership, Curriculum Leadership, Technology Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and Special Education Leadership.

    Program of Study

  • Library and Information Science

    M.L.I.S.

    The field of library and information science combines the disciplines of traditional library science and information technology to meet the needs of today’s ever-changing library systems. The Master of Library and Information Science program at Valdosta State University focuses on educating librarians for academic, public and special libraries in Georgia and beyond.

    Careers

    • Acquisitions and Serials Librarian
    • Archivist
    • Business Librarian
    • Children's Librarian
    • Collection Development Librarian
    • See more careers
  • Marriage and Family Therapy

    M.S.

    The MFT program addresses the interpersonal and social context of mental health and emotional problems. The curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to access and intervene in the interactions among people. It prepares students to use an active, positive approach to therapy that will help individuals and their families build upon their strengths, improve communication, and develop solutions to their problems.

    Careers

    • Caseworker
    • Child/family Psychologist
    • Clinical Therapist
    • Clinician
    • Marriage and Family Therapist
    • See more careers
  • Middle Grades or Secondary Education

    M.A.T.

    Valdosta State University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) initial certification program in either Middle Grades or Secondary Education, with two curriculum tracks. This program is designed for those who obtained an undergraduate degree in majors other than education.

     

    The Employed Teacher track is for those who are currently teaching on a non-renewable (provisional) certificate. It is designed as a two year program; at the end of the first year a candidate may be recommended for initial renewable certification (T-4) and at the end of the second year a candidate may earn a master's degree (M.A.T.) with a T-5 certification.

     

    The Full-Time Student track of the M.A.T. is a fifth year program beyond a bachelor's degree and is a full-time day time program in which candidates may earn a master's degree (M.A.T.) and renewable teaching certification in four semesters. Cohort groups begin in June or January.

    Careers

    • Certified Physical Education Teacher
    • Children’s Minister
    • Curriculum Development Specialist
    • Education Management Specialist
    • Family Services Worker
    • See more careers
  • Performance-Based Leadership (Tier II)

    Certification Only

    The Certification-Only Performance Based Leadership program is a comprehensive program of study including course work and related clinical experiences leading to a Tier II Georgia certificate in Educational Leadership.  Candidates participating in the certification-only program may add Tier II educational leadership certification to an existing Level 6 Georgia certificate by completing the elements of this program. Through the combination of course work and performance-based activities, candidates will develop the necessary competencies to become an educational leader. 

  • Recreation and Leisure Minor

    Minor

    The Recreation and Leisure minor provides a variety of courses during the Fall and Spring semesters that prepare you for working in a sports facility, recreation facility, parks, and more.

    Careers

    • Government Agencies
    • Non-profit organizations
    • Parks and Recreation Management
    • Private Organizations/Clubs
    • Sports and Recreation Management
  • School Library Media

    Certification Only

    The Library Media Certification Only program offers an engaging and flexible educational model designed to fit the busy schedules of working educational professionals seeking certification in library media. Our program provides practical opportunities for students to practice the standards of the American Association of School Librarians; and to design, develop, utilize, manage, and evaluate instructional technology. You will enjoy learning from our quality faculty whose real-world experience and knowledge have been acquired through many years learning, researching, and working in instructional technology and school library media.

  • Social Work

    M.S.W.

    Social workers help individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities restore and enhance their capacity for social functioning. Social Workers care about their fellow citizens, want to help people improve their situations and strive to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The social work program at Valdosta State University prepares students for clinical practice and licensure in social work and produces graduates who are qualified to practice with diverse populations in multiple settings.

    Careers

    • Case Manager
    • Caseworker
    • Child and Family Specialist
    • Child Welfare Worker
    • Client Advocate
    • See more careers
  • Special Education: General Curriculum or Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

    M.A.T.

    The MAT in Special Education program develops content knowledge in the area of teaching in SPED general curriculum or SPED deaf/hard-of-hearing.  Students in this graduate program will demonstrate skills in assessment, instructional strategies, use of technology and monitoring/modifying instruction during observed teaching episodes evaluated by a university supervisor and P-12 mentor teacher.

    Recognized for a T-5 certification status from Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

    Careers

    • Autism Center Manager
    • Autism Center Teacher
    • Behavior Specialist
    • Camp Director
    • Creative Arts Therapist
    • See more careers