Home > Adult and Career Education > About Us > Undergraduate Programs > Business Ed Certification

Business Ed Certification

The Department of Adult and Career Education at Valdosta State University offers the coursework leading to teacher certification in Business Education. This program is designed for individuals who have obtained a Bachelor's Degree in another program area and are now interested in obtaining teacher certification in Business Education.

Students wishing to have their transcripts/records reviewed for certification requirements must complete a Certification Evaluation Form. This form can be obtained in the College of Education's Student Services Office (229/333-5925) for a filing fee of $35. The Student Services Office will provide the student with general information regarding certification and admission to Teacher Education.

Once the student has completed the Certification Evaluation form, paid the filing fee of $35, and submitted all necessary transcripts, the packet is forwarded to Dr. J. D. Thomerson, the advisor for Business Education certification students, for a complete review of all transcripts/records. He will determine the requirements needed to obtain certification in Business Education.

After completing the evaluation, Dr. Thomerson will send the applicant a letter listing the criteria/coursework which must be completed for certification. Students deciding to pursue certification must file an application for admission to VSU with the Admissions Office (229/333-5791) as an undergraduate student majoring in Business Education. After being admitted to the university, the students' transcripts/records will be reviewed by the College of Education's Student Services Office to determine if they meet the post-baccalaureate admission requirements (see below) for Teacher Education. Students meeting the Teacher Education admission requirements will be assigned to Dr. Thomerson as an advisee. Students not meeting the requirements for admission into Teacher Education will be informed of their deficiencies and assigned to the COE Advising Center until the deficiencies are resolved.

The Department of Adult and Career Education requires the completion of core, professional, and business education courses for certification. Some courses may be exempted by examination or through credit granted based upon previous coursework or other relevant experiences. Students should be aware that some of the required coursework is only offered during the day. Also, the Business Education courses required for certification are only offered on campus; they are NOT offered on-line or in an independent study format.  A formal Adult and Career Education Department evaluation based on the matrix of Teacher Certification Requirements (see below) will indicate the courses you will be required to complete. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the students must also meet the requirements for admission into Teacher Education. Upon reviewing this information, if you have additional questions, please contact us at 229/333-5928. We look forward to assisting you in achieving your educational goals.

Admission to Teacher Education

Students holding a bachelor’s degree applying for a teacher certification program must meet the admission requirements as listed below. Students failing to meet the admission requirements will be assigned to the Advising Center until they have achieved them. The overall GPA for all coursework taken will be used in determining admission to teacher education. Students who wish to appeal their denial of admission will follow the same procedures as undergraduate degree-seeking students. That is, they submit their appeal and documentation to the College of Education Undergraduate Policies Committee.

Admission Requirements

Post-baccalaureate students wishing to be accepted in teacher education for an initial teaching certification program must have:

  • Bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5

  • ACED 2999

  • GACE I

Note:   For details on passing scores and exemption policies please contact the COE Student Advising Center

  • Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check

  • Professional liability insurance

Other Requirements

All coursework used to meet certification requirements must be passed with a grade of "C" or higher.