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. 

The Certificate in Online Teaching program is designed to meet the needs of instructors in many different educational environments.  The curriculum is a competence-based, professional development program designed for individuals who teach in online environments outside the P-12 educational setting.  This program is not for initial certification. Educators teaching in higher education and training and development professionals in the private or public sectors will gain knowledge and skills for instructional planning, design, and delivery. Experiential learning, application of knowledge, and the enhancement of professionalism are vital components of each class

The Ed.S. in Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education is a rigorous academic program of 27 semester hours of fully online course work. Graduates of the program who meet all criteria may be eligible for upgrade to T-6 certification in the state of Georgia or reciprocal states.

The Ed.D. with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and a concentration in learning and development offers an engaging and flexible educational model designed for those who are currently working, or who wish to work, in corporate or higher education learning environments (If you are a P-12 Georgia educator seeking an action to your Georgia certificate, please review our GaPSC approved program). Our innovative program provides practical opportunities for students to relate theoretical foundations to curricular and instructional issues faced in real-world settings. 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. We have also integrated strategically designed elective pathways that could lead to certificates that increase your personal equity and marketability. Elective pathways include:

• Higher education
• Certificate in Online Teaching
• Certificate in Public Sector Human Resource Management
• Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration

Our program delivery includes online and hybrid options.

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.

The Educational Leadership Master’s Degree Program is a comprehensive program of study including course work and related field experiences leading to a Tier I Georgia certificate in Educational Leadership.  The candidate will undertake activities addressing curriculum development, student and program evaluation, staff development, scheduling, interpretation and use of statistical data for school improvement planning, budgeting procedures, school/community relations, facility maintenance and operations, and the uses of technology for administrative and instructional purposes

The Educational Specialist’s Degree in Educational 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.  The Education Specialist’s Degree program incorporates clinical practice linking theoretical and philosophical frameworks of educational leadership to actual practice.  Through the combination of course work and performance-based activities, candidates will be able to develop the necessary competencies to become an educational leader.

The Master of Education in Elementary Education is designed to build on the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Candidates are expected to refine this base, developing abilities to deal with more of the intricate aspects of the teaching experience.

Degree programs in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education prepare students for professional careers in health and physical education (teacher education). 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. This program gives students a solid foundation in health and physical education both in and out of the classroom. Students engage in invaluable fieldwork, interacting with public school children in a variety of grades and settings. Students have access to a number of technologies, including heart rate monitors, pedometers, LiveText, and various forms of software applicable to public school health and physical education instruction. The graduate teacher education program is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

The Instructional Technology & Training (IT2) program is a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology degree with a Corporate Training concentration.  It offers engaging and meaningful educational experiences design specifically for professionals working in, or entering, the corporate training field. 

The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology with a P-12 Technology Applications concentration offers an exciting and practical way to enhance the learning environment of the students with whom you work. Delivered completely online, the program calls for ongoing application of the instructional design knowledge you will gain, as well as the implementation of the new technology tools with which you will develop skills. Successful completion of the degree and associated GACE exam leads to a GaPSC service certificate at the 6th level in Instructional Technology. Aligned to ISTE Coach’s NETS and the GA PSC Instructional Technology standards, our up-to-date program provides valuable opportunities for students to prepare to be technology coaches, coordinators, or instructional technologists in public schools. One recent graduate commented, “I thrive on feedback. I seek it out, and the design of this program is wonderful for that. I have learned so much from working with my classmates in these classes. I also intend to continue my relationships with these people.”

The M.Ed. in Instructional Technology with a P-12 Technology Applications concentration offers engaging and flexible educational experiences designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals in a variety of instructional and educational-support fields. Aligned to the GA PSC Instructional Technology standards, completion of the degree and associated GACE exam will prepare you for the GaPSC Service certificate at Level 5 (S-5) in Instructional Technology. Delivered completely online, our program provides practical opportunities to discover how to enhance the learning environment of the students with whom you work.

The P-12 Technology Applications program prepares our students to be technology coaches, coordinators, instructional technologists, or lead teachers with IT knowledge and skills. You will enjoy learning from our quality faculty whose real-world experience and knowledge have been acquired through many years teaching, researching, and working in our field.

The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology that leads to the P-12 Instructional Technology Certification can result in an add-on Library Media Certification by adding 9 hours to the 30-hour program of study, and successfully passing the Media Specialist GACE. It is an inventive program of study that qualifies students to take the Media Specialist GACE and apply for certification in Library Media at the level of certification they bring to the program. Coursework offers continuous opportunities to apply new technology tools in the learning environment in which you work, while at the same time developing the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective School Library Media Specialist. Successful completion of the degree and Instructional Technology GACE makes graduates eligible for a Level 6 service certificate in IT. Come join the online learners at Valdosta State and take advantage of the qualified team of instructors who are committed to making your learning experience a practical and valuable one.

The M.Ed. in Instructional Technology/ Library Media is an ALA/AASL recognized degree program in which students gain practical skills and knowledge through incorporation of the American Association of School Librarian standards. Students have opportunities to demonstrate the roles and dispositions of the 21st century school media specialist through class projects, field experiences, and a final internship. Through collaborative and independent experiences, students progress through a series of online courses designed to develop the technological, administrative, and instructional tools needed to effectively serve as a leader, manage a school library, and work as an effective collaborative partner with teachers with the P-12 school setting.

The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology with a Technology Applications concentration for non-P12-school-based professionals offers an interactive, online educational model designed to work around busy schedules in a variety of fields. Our commitment to guide students to practically apply the tenets of IT theories, to integrate research and practice in the field, and to develop competency in project management, instructional design, and technology tools opens the opportunity for graduates to be technology coaches, coordinators, or instructional technologists in a variety of contexts: business, industry, government, the military, health fields, and higher education. Join us online at VSU and be among those who can say, “The skills I developed in evaluating technology in this program are utilized continuously in my career. I am seen as a leader in the use of our technology resources.”

The Mathematics Endorsement Program for K-5 Teachers is a graduate level online competency-based program designed to strengthen and enhance the content knowledge and pedagogical skills of individuals teaching mathematics in grades K-5. In this project-based program, candidates demonstrate their competence by completing performance-based assessments. Upon mastery of all program-associated competencies, candidates certified in Georgia will be eligible to add the K-5 Mathematics Endorsement to their professional certificate.

The program requires an authentic residency in which candidates further develop their knowledge and skills through real applications in actual elementary classroom settings. These authentic experiences shall occur in candidates’ assigned classrooms, as well as in settings other than candidates’ assigned classrooms to ensure experiences with diverse students and with students in multiple grade level bands.

The identified competencies are organized into three courses (ELED 6010, ELED 6020, and ELED 6030). Each course focuses on a unique area of mathematics (Numbers and Number Systems, Measurement and Geometry, and Algebra, Patterns, Data Analysis and Probability) as well as interdisciplinary mathematics perspectives as defined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards at the K-8 level.  The courses may be taken in any sequence to allow the candidate to align what is being taught in their own classrooms with the content of the course. For more information on certification requirements for this program please contact, Crystal Marshall at cmarshall@valdosta.edu.

The Science Endorsement Program for K-5 Teachers is a graduate level online competency-based program designed to strengthen and enhance the content knowledge and pedagogical skills of individuals teaching science in grades K-5. In this project-based program, candidates demonstrate their competence by completing performance-based assessments. Upon mastery of all program-associated competencies, candidates certified in Georgia will be eligible to add the K-5 Science Endorsement to their professional certificate.

This program requires an authentic residency in which candidates further develop their knowledge and skills through real applications in actual elementary classroom settings. These authentic experiences shall occur in candidates’ assigned classrooms, as well as in settings other than candidates’ assigned classrooms to ensure experiences with diverse students and with students in multiple grade level bands.

The identified competencies are organized into three courses (ELED 6110, ELED 6120, and ELED 6130). Each course focuses on a unique area of elementary science (life, physical, and earth/space) as well as interdisciplinary science perspectives as defined by the National Science Education Standards at the K-8 level. The courses may be taken in any sequence to allow the candidate to align what is being taught in their own classrooms with the content of the course. For more information on certification requirements for this program please contact, Crystal Marshall at cmarshall@valdosta.edu.

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

• Ed.D. Degree in Leadership Program of Study

The field of library and information science combines the disciplines of traditional library science and technology to meet the needs of today’s ever-changing library system. 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.

The M.Ed. in Middle Grades Math and Science is an advanced degree, offering in-service middle grades teachers the opportunity to pursue advanced training in their teaching fields. Current certification in Middle Grades Math and/or Science is required for admission to the degree program, in order for the candidate to be considered for a teaching certificate upgrade. The degree is awarded through the NCATE accredited Dewar College of Education & Human Services at Valdosta State University. Top graduate faculty from Valdosta State University and North Georgia College and State University teach the courses. This 12-course program can be completed in four consecutive semesters – about 16 months - with full-time enrollment. Courses are offered on a continuous basis, allowing for part-time enrollment. All course-work, including exams, is done online. No campus visits are required to complete the program.

Professionals in the field of office administration and technology are responsible for financial planning, billing, record keeping, personnel, physical distribution and logistics within an organization. They also plan work assignments for staff, supervise staff, request new office equipment and make repairs on existing equipment. The office administration and technology program at Valdosta State University prepares students for administrative, supportive and supervisory positions in business or industrial settings, professional offices, public institutions, and government agencies.

The Reading Endorsement is an online program specifically for PreK-12 classroom teachers wishing to add expertise to their current State of Georgia Teacher Certification. The endorsement is designed to help meet the literacy needs of the students, regardless of content area. The program meets the competencies required by the Professional Standards Commission’s Georgia Reading Endorsement. Emphases include understanding readers and the reading process, linking assessment and instruction, and exploring specific instructional strategies that can be applied in individual classroom contexts.

The mission of the Valdosta State University School Counseling Program is to educate professionals who will be leaders in the school environment and who accept responsibility for removing barriers and offering equal access to services for all students.  The main emphasis of the School Counseling Program is to train school counselors who function as leaders utilizing data, advocacy, collaboration and consultation to provide academic, career, and personal/social counseling and services to assist students from diverse backgrounds in achieving high levels of academic success.

Effective for students starting the EdS in School Counseling in Fall 2021, the degree requires 30 hours. Your advisor will provide you with a program of study that reflects this change.

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Special Education is designed for practicing special educators who hold a master's degree in special education (or related field such as speech language pathology, deaf education, vocational rehabilitation, or adapted physical education) who wish to advance their professional skills in special education. Information and skills in special education acquired and developed at the undergraduate and master’s level in special education are specifically designed for and focused on the provision of services. The Ed.S., however, focuses on knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles and advanced teaching positions in special education.

This online graduate program is an initial certification program for teachers who are employed in P-12 classrooms serving students with significant disabilities. The program focuses on increasing teachers’ knowledge and skills in implementing evidence-based interventions to positively impact the learning and behavior of their P-12 learners.

Majors in special education/deaf education demonstrate content knowledge through passing the state required content assessment in deaf education. 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. This is an online program.

This online graduate program is an initial certification program for teachers who are employed in P-12 classrooms serving students with mild to moderate disabilities. The program focuses on increasing teachers’ knowledge and skills in implementing evidence-based interventions to positively impact the learning and behavior of their P-12 learners.

The Teacher Leadership Ed.S. Degree is an advanced degree that prepares educators to meet the GaPSC Teacher Leadership standards providing a foundation for effective collaboration with students, parents, and colleagues. These standards are related to curriculum and instruction, assessment, a school culture that fosters excellence in teaching and learning, modeling best practices in instruction, working with others to design assessments, and using data to work with colleagues in collaborative efforts to improve instruction for all students. By completing this online degree and passing the appropriate Georgia content assessment, candidates will be eligible for the new Teacher Leadership (level 6) certification

Workforce educators teach students of all ages the skills necessary to succeed in technical fields and other areas that require specific knowledge. Most students seeking a degree in workforce education and development have extensive career experience in their chosen fields. Students in the workforce education and development program at Valdosta State University can pursue one of four options in their quest to become professional educators: Workforce Training and Development, Secondary Career-Technical Education, Technical Leadership, or Human Resource Development.