Majors & Degrees

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MASTER

  • Accounting

    M.Acc.

    Accounting is the language of business and essential to understanding and navigating U.S. and multinational business environments.  Accounting summarizes, analyzes and reports financial transactions.  The financial reporting communicates the company’s operations, financial position and cash flows (via audited financial statements) to external users/stakeholders (investors, government, lenders, etc.).  In contrast, managerial reporting is used within the business organization (management and cost accounting) to make informed operational decisions.  The majors develop communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.  Students work with technology, receive a broad business foundation, and an intensive education in the accounting discipline.  The curriculum prepares students for the CPA license and other accounting certifications (e.g., CMA, CIA, etc.).

    Careers

    • Banks/financial institutions
    • Corporations
    • Government
    • Healthcare organizations
    • Manufacturing companies
    • See more careers
  • 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

  • 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.

    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.

    Careers

    • Career Counselor
    • Licensed Professional Counselor
    • School Counselor
  • Criminal Justice

    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 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
  • Education 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).

  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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 Math and Science

    M.Ed.

    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, for the candidate to be considered for a teaching certificate upgrade.

    This degree is offered 100% online so you can continue to teach while learning. This program is part of the Georgia ONmyLINE (GOML) Collaboration with the University of North Georgia.  This collaboration allows students to learn and grow with others from across Georgia.

    Upon successful completion of the M.Ed. program, the candidate may apply to upgrade teacher certification to the T-5 level.

    Careers

    • Curriculum Consultant
    • Education Consultant
    • Instructional/Academic Coach
    • Middle School Mathematics Teacher
    • Middle School Science Teacher
    • 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
  • 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
  • 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