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James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services

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James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services

BACHELOR, MASTER, SPECIALIST, MINORS, CERTIFICATIONS, ENDORSEMENTS

  • 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

  • American Sign Language/English Interpreting

    B.S.Ed.

    The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in American Sign Language/English Interpreting is a rigorous hybrid (on-campus and distance learning) program that prepares you to work as professional interpreters, ensuring communication access in a variety of settings wherever hearing and D/deaf or hard of hearing people come together.  

    Careers

    • Freelance Interpreter
    • Government Interpreter
    • K-12 Education Interpreter
    • Legal Interpreter
    • Medical Interpreter
    • See more careers
  • Coaching

    Minor

    This fully online coaching minor 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.  Students are not required to be in an education major to enroll in the coaching minor courses. 

    Careers

    • Athletic Administration & Management
    • Coaching Assistant
    • Fitness Center Manager
    • Interscholastic & Intercollegiate Athletics
    • Personal Trainer
    • See more careers
  • Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education

    Ed.S.

    The Ed.S. in Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education is a rigorous academic program of 27 The Ed.S. in Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education is a fully online 30-hour program.

    This specialist program offers the chance to continue developing knowledge and skills. Specialized advanced content is designed to address excellence in coaching and educate teachers through coaching studies. Course objectives and requirements align with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education National Standards for Sport Coaches.

    Graduates meeting all criteria may be eligible for upgrade to T-6 certification in the state of Georgia or reciprocal states.

    Careers

    • Athletic Administration & Management
    • Athletic Director
    • Coach
    • Consultant
    • Fitness Center Manager
    • See more careers
  • Communication Disorders

    B.S.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

    • Audiologist
    • Audiology Technician
    • Auditory-Verbal Therapist
    • Hearing Therapist
    • Speech Clinician
    • See more careers
  • 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
  • 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
  • Deaf Studies

    Minor

    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 Teacher Education and is part of the ASL and Deaf Education programs.  

    This minor complements any career in which you will be interacting with people.

  • Educational Leadership

    Ed.S.

    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.

  • 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

    B.S.Ed.

    The Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Elementary Education prepares teacher candidates to teach and support students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade in the field of elementary education. Successful completion of the program leads to a Georgia Professional Standards Commission Induction Level – T-4 certification in Elementary Education (P-5). 

    Careers

    • General Education Teacher P-5
    • Teaching Assistant
    • Youth Program Director
    • Youth Specialist for Nonprofit Organization
  • 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 and Secondary Education

    Dual B.A. and B.S.Ed

    Combining a content-rich Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a clinical-based Bachelor of Science in Education degree equips graduates with literary knowledge and writing expertise as well as extensive experience teaching in schools under the guidance of professional educators.

     

     

    Careers

    • Editor
    • Grant Writer
    • High School English Teacher
    • Journalist
    • Middle School English Teacher
    • See more careers
  • 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
  • Health and Physical Education

    Minor

    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.

    Careers

    • Aerobics Instructor
    • Performance Analyst
    • Personal Trainer
    • Sports and Recreation Management
    • Sports Camp 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 and Secondary Education

    Dual B.A. and B.S.Ed

    Combining a content-rich Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a clinical-based Bachelor of Science in Education degree equips graduates with historical knowledge and analytical expertise as well as extensive experience teaching in schools under the guidance of professional educators.

    Careers

    • Archivist
    • High School History Teacher
    • Historian
    • Middle School Social Studies Teacher
    • Museum Professional
    • See more careers
  • 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
  • Instructional Technology: P-12 Technology Applications

    Ed.S.

    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.”

  • Instructional Technology: P-12 Technology Applications with School Library Media Add-on

    Ed.S.

    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.

  • Instructional Technology: Technology Applications (Non P-12 School Personnel)

    Ed.S.

    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.”

  • 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 Education

    B.S.Ed.

    Students who complete the major in Middle Grades will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. VSU’s Middle Grades program is approved by Georgia’s Professional Standards Commission, Georgia’s teacher certifying agency. All Middle Grades majors complete the core curriculum, Areas A-F, with area F being specific to Middle Grades concentration areas. Twenty-four hours in the major are also dedicated to the chosen concentration areas. Upon acceptance into teacher education, students have major specific courses. Upon graduation, students are Middle Grades certification eligible.

    Careers

    • Middle School English Teacher
    • Middle School Geography Teacher
    • Middle School History Teacher
    • 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
  • Office Administration and Technology

    B.S.

    Professionals in the field of office administration and technology are responsible for financial planning, billing, record keeping, personnel, physical distribution and logistics within an organization. They also plan work assignments for staff, supervise staff, request new office equipment and make repairs on existing equipment. The office administration and technology program at Valdosta State University prepares students for administrative, supportive and supervisory positions in business or industrial settings, professional offices, public institutions, and government agencies.

    Careers

    • Administrative Assistant
    • Bookkeeper
    • Branch Manager
    • Executive Assistant
    • Human Resources Professional
    • See more careers
  • 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. 

  • Reading Endorsement

    Endorsement

    The Reading Endorsement is an online program specifically for Pre K-12 classroom teachers wishing to add reading 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 or grade level. The program meets the competencies required by the Professional Standards Commission’s Georgia Reading Endorsement.

    Careers

    • Literacy and Assessment Curriculum Specialist
    • Literacy Coach
    • Reading and Writing Center Coordinator
    • Reading Specialist
  • Recreation and Leisure Minor

    Minor

    The Recreation and Leisure minor provides a variety of courses during the Fall and Spring semesters that prepare you for working in a sports facility, recreation facility, parks, and more.

    Careers

    • Government Agencies
    • Non-profit organizations
    • Parks and Recreation Management
    • Private Organizations/Clubs
    • Sports and Recreation Management
  • School Counseling

    Ed.S.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Secondary Education

    B.S.Ed.

    The structure of the Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Secondary Education is to prepare teacher candidates to teach and support students in a specific content discipline in grades 6-12. Successful completion of the program leads to a Georgia Professional Standards Commission Induction Level – T-4 certification.

    Careers

    • High School Teacher
    • Middle School Teacher
    • Private/Professional Tutor
    • Teaching Assistant
    • Youth Program Director
  • 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
  • Special Education

    Ed.S.

    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.

    Careers

    • Director of programs for individuals with disabilities
    • Special Education Administrator
    • Special Education Coordinator
    • Teacher, T-6 Certification
  • 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
  • Teacher Leadership

    Ed.S.

    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. By completing this online degree and passing the appropriate Georgia content assessment, candidates will be eligible for the new Teacher Leadership (level 6) certification

    Careers

    • Department-level Chair
    • Executive Team Leader
    • Grade-level Chair
    • Instructional Leader
    • Instructional/Academic Coach
  • Workforce Education and Development

    B.S.Ed.

    Workforce educators teach students of all ages the skills necessary to succeed in technical fields and other areas that require specific knowledge. Most students seeking a degree in workforce education and development have extensive career experience in their chosen fields. Students in the workforce education and development program at Valdosta State University can pursue one of four options in their quest to become professional educators: Workforce Training and Development, Secondary Career-Technical Education, Technical Leadership, or Human Resource Development.

    Careers

    • Community College Instructor
    • Corporate Instructor
    • Corporate Trainer
    • Educational Administrator
    • Instructional Coordinator
    • See more careers