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MASTER, DOCTORAL, CERTIFICATES, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADITIONAL

  • Africana Studies Certificate

    Certificate

    The certificate program in Africana Studies is designed to increase knowledge of experiences of people of African descent in the United States and across the globe.  It provides an opportunity to gain credentials in the field and serves to enhance cultural competency for working professionals and undergraduate students.   Four courses, from the array of permanent courses in Africana Studies (including Introduction to Africana Studies), are required for completion of the certificate and are offered both online and on campus.

  • 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
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders

    S.L.P.D.

    The objective of the program is to prepare advanced practitioners and future university clinical faculty in Communication Sciences and Disorders through provision of an affordable, rigorous, high quality clinical doctorate. The clinical doctorate would have emphasis on the social and cultural aspects of communication sciences and disorders (speech and language pathology) as it applies to both allied health care and educational services to under-served populations.

    This clinical doctorate is designed to deepen the knowledge, leadership, and problem-solving skills of current practitioners with a focus on coursework and applications that incorporate current research, ethical decision-making, and models of best practice. The curriculum will prepare doctoral students to analyze, synthesize, and apply research-based theory to their current work environment and through the development of the applied dissertation.

  • 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
  • European Union Studies

    Certificate

    The certificate in European Union Studies is operated under the supervision of the European Council of the University System of Georgia. The program is open to all institutions and students of the University System as well as to professionals with an undergraduate degree. The program’s purpose is to promote knowledge of the European Union (EU) and certify individuals as competent in the subject area of EU studies. Since the EU is the most important economic and political partner of the United States, this certification demonstrates valuable professional expertise to potential employers. For students in the academic track, the interdisciplinary certificate can be earned as a supplement to any conventional undergraduate degree. The certificate can be earned fully online or by taking approved traditional classroom courses, or with a combination of traditional and online courses.

  • Exercise Physiology

    M.S.

    The Masters in Exercise Physiology program is housed in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, in the School of Health Sciences. The program integrates an advanced scientific study of the biological, physiological, and rehabilitative medical sciences as they relate to physiological responses to exercise and other aspects of human health. This includes instruction in muscular and skeletal anatomy; molecular and cellular basis of skeletal muscle contraction; substrate utilization; systemic physiological responses to exercise; fatigue and exhaustion; muscle and body training; physiology of specific exercises and activities; physiology of injury; and the effects of disabilities and disease.

    Our faculty specialize in the areas of Exercise Physiology with expertise in clinical exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiovascular physiology, clinical exercise testing and prescription, skeletal muscle performance and fatigue, sport nutrition, thermoregulatory and occupational physiology, physical activity monitoring, chronic disease management, and obesity and weight management.

    Careers

    • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist
    • Hospital Settings
  • History

    M.A.

    History is the study of past events, people and eras. The discipline involves research, reading and writing, with an emphasis on interpreting and analyzing information. The history program at Valdosta State University is a good choice for students interested in the discipline who want to broaden their educational horizons and prepare for a number of careers or graduate school.

    Careers

    • Archivist
    • Community Relations Professional
    • Congressional Aide
    • Historian
    • Historic Site Professional
    • See more careers
  • 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.

  • Journalism/Media Cross Training Certificate

    Certificate

    This institutional certificate allows Journalism and Mass Media students to develop skills and cross-training in the areas, providing opportunities for greater employability and professional development. To complete, Mass Media majors or minors are required to take 3 Journalism courses; English majors with a Journalism emphasis must take 3 Mass Media courses.

  • Latin American Studies

    Certificate

    The development of the understanding of at least one culture other than their own and communicative proficiency in the language of that culture is an essential element in the educational preparation for citizens who live in the global society of the 21st century. Courses in Latin American studies are offered in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and focus on the acquisition of language skills and cultural knowledge that enable individuals to live or travel in a society where the language is spoken. Additionally, second language skills and cultural knowledge are advantageous to those who plan to pursue careers in business, health-related fields, social service and education agencies, law and law enforcement, and science- or humanities-related fields at home or abroad.

  • 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
  • Public Sector Human Resources Management

    Certificate

    The Public Administration Graduate Certificate Program is ideal for those interested in reinvigorating careers in government, non-profits, or non-government organizations (NGOs). Coursework provides the skills and qualifications that focus on essential leadership, management, finance, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills and designed for those unsure about a long-term commitment to a full graduate program. Students take a two core courses and two elective courses depending on the certificate desired.

  • 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
  • Sports Broadcasting

    Certificate

    Sports Broadcasting is an exciting field for mass media majors that offers courses in production and writing for sport reporting and broadcast media.