Majors & Degrees

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ASSOCIATE, MASTER, DOCTORAL, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADITIONAL, ONLINE, HYBRID

  • 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.

  • Biology

    M.S.

    Biology is the study of life and living organisms. Biologists study the five principles of biology including cell theory, gene theory, homeostasis, evolution, and energy and thermodynamics. Biology students at Valdosta State University learn the basic principles of biology, along with the latest developments in the biological sciences, and develop the ability to understand and critically analyze biological issues. Students are prepared for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs and for careers in biology-related fields.

    Careers

    • Agricultural Scientist
    • Biologist
    • Botanist
    • Clinical Laboratory Scientist
    • Doctor of Medicine
    • See more careers
  • Business Administration

    M.B.A.

    A master of business administration degree helps business professionals succeed by equipping them with advanced skills in areas such as accounting, marketing, economics, quantitative methods, organizational behavior and finance. The degree is one of the most popular postgraduate degrees and is an important tool for professionals hoping to advance their careers. The Master of Business Administration program at Valdosta State University integrates knowledge of the functional areas of business with ongoing developments in business practice. Graduates of the program are able to solve real-world business problems, have an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives and are prepared for management careers in both for-profit and not- for-profit organizations.

    Careers

    • Accountant
    • Budget Analyst
    • Chief Executive Officer
    • Chief Financial Officer
    • Chief Information Officer
    • See more careers
  • Communication Arts

    M.A.

    Valdosta State University offers a graduate program with emphases in Mass Media and Communication. The mission of the program's faculty is to provide a graduate-level curriculum that combines advanced theoretical knowledge and applied skills that will allow students to assume positions of leadership in their chosen professions and prepare them for study at the doctoral level. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.

  • 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
  • Criminal Justice Administration

    M.S.

    Criminal justice is a rapidly expanding field of academic study. Many governmental agencies are requiring advanced degrees for those seeking administrative and managerial positions. The Master’s Degree is designed to broaden the perspectives of criminal justice practitioners, to equip practitioners with advanced knowledge and administrative skills, and to prepare students with further graduate work and scholarship. Graduates are provided the necessary skills to succeed in the governmental agencies and private sectors.

    Applications for the MS degree are accepted during the Spring, Summer and Fall semesters.

  • 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
  • Dental Hygiene

    A.A.S.

    Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who work in dental offices. Dental hygienists focus on several areas of oral care, including cleaning teeth, conducting screening procedures for a variety of dental conditions, taking and developing dental x-rays, making impressions of patients’ teeth, educating patients about good oral health and more. The dental hygiene program at Valdosta State University trains students to be professional dental hygienists and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree.

  • 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
  • Engineering Studies

    A.S.

    Engineers have the power to shape the future of the world. They design and build machines and other structures and use mathematical and scientific principles, technological tools and practical experience to solve real-world problems. Students with an engineering degree can choose from a wide variety of careers in specialized areas such as aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and more.

    Careers

    • Aerospace Engineer
    • Agricultural Engineer
    • Biomedical Engineer
    • Biosystems Engineer
    • Civil Engineer
    • See more careers
  • English

    M.A.

    English majors are good writers and effective communicators and possess the ability to process complex ideas and understand and successfully communicate with others. The English program at Valdosta State University builds upon the basic knowledge, skills and values provided by the core curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers and for graduate study in numerous fields.

    Careers

    • Advertising Professional
    • Book Publisher
    • Communications Specialist
    • Copy Editor
    • Copywriter
    • See more careers
  • English Studies for Language Arts Teachers

    M.A.

    Whether you are seeking opportunities for professional development, certification advancement or an advance in salary, our rigorous program, housed in a premier regional university that also offers a traditional English MA in a regular bricks-and-mortar setting, will provide you with the training you seek in order to succeed professionally. The curriculum includes advanced courses in composition theory, rhetoric, grammar, second language learners, creative writing, and literature.  Our British, American and multicultural literature courses are intended to provide the kind of deeper content that leads to sophisticated teaching of familiar authors and works but also to the teaching of writers and texts that may be less well known.  Overall, because our curriculum covers every major subfield, we are able to offer a wide range of course offerings.

  • English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

    M.A.T.

    The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Education – English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The MAT in Education with a concentration in ESOL is a 36 semester hour, fifth-year program beyond the bachelor’s degree in which candidates may earn a master’s degree (MAT) and become eligible for initial teaching certification in English as a Second Language. This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Graduates will also earn the English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement for Georgia certified teachers, speech and language pathologists, or school counselors.

    The MAT is for candidate seeking initial certification only! Teachers with current certification in any subject matter are not suitable for this program.

    The MAT in Education – ESOL can be completed on a fully online basis.

  • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    M.S.N.

    Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (FPMHNP) are advanced practice registered nurses who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues across the lifespan through pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interventions. FPMHNPs work in clinical settings that include private, state or Veterans Administration in-patient or outpatient psychiatric facilities, private psychiatric practices, and community mental health centers. PMHMPs also provide services in settings such as correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, residential substance abuse facilities, and schools.

  • Foreign Language Education (French or Spanish)

    M.A.T.

    The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Education – Foreign Language Education (FLED) (French or Spanish). The MAT in Education with a concentration in FLED is a 36 semester hour, fifth-year program beyond the bachelor’s degree in which candidates may earn a master’s degree (MAT) and become eligible for initial teaching certification in French or Spanish. Successful candidates may receive the ESOL endorsement for certified teachers. This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

    The MAT is for candidate seeking initial certification only! Teachers with current certification in any subject matter are not suitable for this program.

    The MAT in Education – FLED can be completed on a fully online basis. 

  • Georgia WebMBA

    M.B.A.

    Valdosta State University’s College of Business Administration is a member of the Georgia WebMBA®. This program offers qualified and highly motivated students the opportunity to earn an accredited Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Convenient and affordable, the WebMBA® provides quality instruction in a Web-based virtual setting.

    You will work with top business professors from five University System of Georgia institutions. VSU is among five schools listed in U.S. News & World Report's report of online MBAs offered by regionally and professionally accredited business schools. The program also is listed with Business Week Online, World Wide Learn, and geteducated, among others.

    The Georgia WebMBA® includes a residential orientation course held during two days at an Atlanta area hotel.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology

    M.S.

    Since the inception of the I-O Program at VSU in 1984, our students have had a high success rate in acquiring jobs in human resources, research, and human services. Part of the success of our students can be attributed to the opportunities provided by on-site practicum experiences. Students have served as human-resource interns with local, regional, national, and international organizations in manufacturing, human services, health care, civil service, banking, and government contracting. The opportunity for on-site experience is further enhanced by VSU's Office of Cooperative Education.

    Students and faculty in the I-O program staff Azalea Consulting, a vibrant consultation service that assists regional companies, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies to solve critical administrative issues. Students learn to assist organizations with the creation, implementation, and evaluation of core functions such as strategic planning, HR development, personnel selection, and job analysis. Students and faculty work together to strategically solve workplace challenges using the latest technology and data resources, combined with a creative and collaborative approach.

    Each student is required to complete 45 semester-hours for the Master of Science degree in I-O Psychology. These requirements include 6 credit hours of on-site practicum experience. Completion of a master’s thesis is optional, but recommended for those preparing for doctoral study.

  • 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
  • Music Education

    M.A.T.

    The MAT in Music Education is a full-time fifth-year program beyond the bachelor's degree in which candidates may earn a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree and become eligible for initial certification in Music Education after meeting all program requirements, passing the GACE at the Induction or Professional level, and earning a passing score on the edTPA certification portfolio. The curriculum is designed to produce graduates with exceptional content knowledge and pedagogical expertise who will engage, inspire, and educate P-12 students. The MAT in Music Education program provides preparation in pedagogy and necessary skills to perform as teachers in the P-12 environment. This program prepares students to document and assess student learning outcomes and to be conversant with innovative practices within the field.

    Careers

    • P-12 Band Director
    • P-12 Chorus Instructor
    • P-12 Music
  • Music Performance

    M.M.P.

    Music is the art of combining vocal or instrumental sound to evoke emotion, produce beauty of form, or create harmony, melody or rhythm. Humans have been making music since the beginning of time, and music is present in some form in every culture and society around the world. The music department at Valdosta State University prepares students to have lifelong careers as musicians, music educators or professionals who work in the field of music.

    Careers

    • Accompanist
    • Acoustical Engineer
    • Arts Educator
    • Band Director
    • Band Leader
    • See more careers
  • Nursing

    M.S.N.

    Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in the medical system as clinicians with expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions. NP’s emphasis is on health promotion, management, and disease prevention. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, health care provider offices, clinics, schools, academia, and other environments in which medical care is rendered. Students in the Valdosta State University MSN program develop critical thinking skills, gain an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives, and learn how to address policy disputes and social problems related to health care. Upon graduation, Valdosta State MSN students assume leadership in the fields of nursing and health care, making a positive impact on their communities and touching people’s lives every day.

    Careers

    • Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • 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. 

  • Public Administration

    D.P.A.

    The DPA a practitioner-based terminal degree designed for those wanting to advance their careers in government, non-profits, or non-government organizations (NGOs). Coursework further enhances the essential leadership, management, communication, and problem-solving skills required in today’s professional environment.

    Careers

    • Assistant City Manager
    • Budget Analyst
    • Budget Director
    • Chief Information Officer
    • City Administrator
    • See more careers
  • Public Administration

    M.P.A.

    The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a non-thesis program. Applicants for admission to the MPA program are considered for acceptance regardless of their undergraduate degree area. This program is designed to allow in-service professionals the opportunity to meet the degree requirements in a swift, convenient manner. The MPA is offered in three concentrations: Public Sector Management, Public Sector Human Resource Management, and Public Policy. The Public Sector Management and Public Policy concentrations are offered fully online, while the Public Sector Human Resource Management is offered in a traditional setting at the Moody Air Force Base Campus.

    Careers

    • Assistant City Manager
    • Budget Analyst
    • Budget Director
    • City Administrator
    • City Manager
    • See more careers
  • 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
  • Sociology

    M.S.

    Sociology is a social science that involves the study of human society. It’s an expansive discipline, encompassing a range of research areas and potential careers. Broadly, sociologists examine how societies and social institutions maintain cohesion and a sense of collectivity, and how individuals and groups organize collectively to create social change. They do this through pairing theoretical arguments with empirical data. The graduate program focuses on applied sociology, a field in which sociological knowledge is used to analyze real-world situations. Students in the program will learn to skillfully design their own research studies. To do this, they will collect and analyze original data collected through surveys, interviews, and observations, or, they will systematically examine human-created content, such as written documents or online discussion forums. Students will also further develop skills in analyzing and interpreting existing data, such as from the Census Bureau, the General Social Survey, or the World Values Survey. Students have the opportunity to take a diversity of graduate courses, from those examining the role of race, class, and gender in shaping access to societal resources and inequality, to environmental sociology, sociology of law, sociology of the family, and sociology of religion.

    Careers

    • Consultant
    • Human Resources Manager
    • Program Coordinator
    • Research Analyst
    • Service Provider
    • 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