Middle Grades Education M.A.T (Online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree with a major in Middle Grades Education and concentrations in Mathematics and Science Education provides initial teacher preparation at the master's degree level for qualified candidates who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The core program is designed for college graduates whose undergraduate degrees did not include professional education preparation and is comprised of a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate course work in professional education. Successful completion of the M.A.T. with a major in Middle Grades Education (grades 4-8) leads to a T-5 Georgia Certification in Middle Grades Mathematics and Science.

Program Admissions Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university, with an earned 2.75 or better GPA

• Two professional recommendations (pdf) using the College of Education format

• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution to be eligible for admission into a graduate program at Georgia College.

• Demonstrate competency in the areas of Mathematics and Science by one of the following means: (1) A major in the field of certification sought, (2) A passing score on the Georgia state-approved content assessment in the field of certification sought; or (3) Evidence of successful completion of 15 semester hours of content area coursework in each content area.

• Obtain a Georgia pre-service certification (www.gapsc.com). This process includes the following:

• Obtain a MyPSC account with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

• Pass a background check that is processed through the GaPSC

• Pass GACE 360 Ethics Assessment through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

• Submit a copy of your driver’s license or other official identification

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Grades Education requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work, which is delivered online, synchronously and asynchronously. The degree program must be completed within six years, beginning with the initial date of coursework. Candidates may be required to take additional semester hours in order to qualify for certification in middle grades mathematics or science. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Up to nine (9) graduate credit hours may be substituted with the approval of the advisor prior to course enrollment. The appropriate form and documentation must be submitted with your request. Students must participate in an orientation session prior to their enrollment in courses.

Advisement

The Program Coordinator, in cooperation with the admission’s committee and the Department Chair, assigns each fully admitted student to an Advisor. It is the responsibility of the candidate to meet with this Advisor and remain in contact throughout the program.

Dismissal Policy

Violation of the Georgia Code of Ethic is grounds for dismissal from the program. Lack of progress toward attaining the program dispositions as determined by the Middle Grades faculty may result in the candidate's receiving a developmental plan. Continued failure to meet expectations on program dispositions may result in the candidate's dismissal from the program. Candidates who do not maintain a 3.0 overall average will be placed on academic probation or may be dismissed from the program, per the guidelines of the Graduate catalog.

Exit Requirements

• Overall 3.0 GPA for graduation

• Successful completion of an electronic portfolio and capstone presentation.

• Attempt the state-approved content assessment in each of the two (2) areas of concentration and receive an official score on each assessment prior to program completion. 

Obtaining Initial Certification

• Pass the GACE content examinations at the induction level or professional level

• Obtain a teaching position within the state of Georgia

• A recommendation from the GCSU certification officer

Total Credit Hours: 36

• A candidate who has not fulfilled minimum certification requirements in the teaching field is required to take additional work in the content area.
• Course will not be counted for graduation credit if a grade of less than a C is earned, the exception being EDEX 6111. The candidate must earn a grade of B or better (HB 671).