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. 

The coaching minor offered through the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education 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. Employment for coaches and related fields is expected to increase over the next few years and the expansion of new professional teams and leagues may create additional openings for coaching opportunities.

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.

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.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Counselor Education requires a total of 60 semester. Students will begin in the summer semester (only) after being admitted to the program. The M.Ed. in Counselor Education allows students to focus on one of two tracks: School Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The School Counseling track of the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). The newly developed Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is CACREP-like and adheres to CACREP accreditation standards.

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.

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 Middle, Secondary, Reading & Deaf Education within the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education at Valdosta State University. Students can enroll in the program as traditional/on campus residents, or complete coursework through distance learning/video conferencing technology. The Department offers undergraduate programs in ASL/Interpreting, Deaf Education, Middles Grades Education, Reading and master's degree preparation in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

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).

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 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.

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 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.

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 (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.

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. 

The program is

• Delivered completely online,
• Takes only 30 semester-hours, and
• Offers three guided elective courses, which you choose in conjunction with advisors. Elective concentrations include online teaching, multimedia, technology leadership, adult education, and more.
  

During the program, ongoing application of the instructional design knowledge you gain, and implementation of the new technology tools you learn will be central. Successful completion of the degree and associated GACE exam leads to a GaPSC service certificate at level 6 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 Ed.S. in Instructional Technology that leads to the P-12 Instructional Technology Certification can result in an add-on School Library Media Certification is a 36-hour program of study that helps prepare you to successfully pass 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 School Library Media at the level of certification they bring to the program. A level upgrade to Level 6 is, however a potential result of successful completion of the program because of the instructional technology core of the program that leads to certification in Instructional Technology. 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Middle grades teachers educate children in the 4th through 8th grade, giving them a solid foundation to continue their studies in high school, instilling them with a love of learning, and helping them gain confidence as they grow into teenagers and young adults. Middle grades education majors pursuing a bachelor’s degree choose two concentrations from the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, reading or social studies and engage in an extensive amount of hands-on teaching. Upon graduation, students are prepared to teach in a number of age-appropriate disciplines within the secondary school system. Several options are available for students pursuing advanced degrees in the discipline.

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. 

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.

Recreation and leisure is a thriving industry with phenomenal growth, tremendous potential, and diverse career paths. Nearly 300 million Americans work, go to school, complete tasks to maintain their family and still work to find time to participate in some form of recreation. When Americans stop for recreational activities, they typically spend about 4.5 to 5 hours each day engaging in those activities. In the future, Americans are likely to demand more from their free time and more from government offices, businesses, and agencies to provide opportunities for recreation and leisure. A variety of organizations and individuals are needed to engage in recreational programming and provide leisure activities, which is why earning a minor in Recreation and Leisure will lead you down an exciting career path.

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 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 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.

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.

The Department of Middle, Secondary, Reading & Deaf Education offers a 5th year Master of Education (M.Ed.) program for students graduating from the VSU Undergraduate Program of the same name. Valdosta State University students with B.S.Ed. pre-professional degree in deaf and hard-of-hearing have the option to do a fifth year master’s program to earn initial certification. 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

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