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. 

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.

Africana Studies, an academic discipline, offers an intellectual approach to the study of African people both nationally and globally. Thus, it seeks to provide historically accurate assessments of the roles and contributions of people of African descent to America and to human history. As as interdisciplinary program, this minor offers students the opportunity to communicate more effectively across cultural lines as well as to explore the social, political, and economic reality of the black experience in the United States. In addition, the minor encourages creative research, the acquisition of practical experiences, and the development of intellectual expertise in Africana Studies. 

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 courses in Africana Studies, are required for completion of the certificate and are offered both online and on campus.

The Certificate in Online Teaching program is designed to meet the needs of instructors in many different educational environments.  The curriculum is a competence-based, professional development program designed for individuals who teach in online environments outside the P-12 educational setting.  This program is not for initial certification. Educators teaching in higher education and training and development professionals in the private or public sectors will gain knowledge and skills for instructional planning, design, and delivery. Experiential learning, application of knowledge, and the enhancement of professionalism are vital components of each class

Computer scientists and computer information systems professionals use computers to solve problems by programming, analyzing, designing and implementing software systems. They deal with theoretical components related to computers and to issues with hardware. Jobs in the field of computer science and computer information systems are in high demand and graduates in these disciplines are prepared for a variety of positions in the field of science, technology, engineering, education, business and more. The computer science and computer information systems majors at Valdosta State University prepare students to enter the workforce and many students in the program find part-time jobs in the field while they continue their studies.

Criminal Justice majors study the structure and function of the criminal justice system as it applies to adults and juveniles, focusing on criminal laws on the federal, state, and local level and how they relate to the Constitution of the United States.  Criminal justice students at Valdosta State University study various theories of criminology, learn how to apply scientific research techniques and related statistical techniques to the study of crime and examine how criminal law is applied in the various components of the criminal justice system.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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). 

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.  

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.

The VSU ESOL Endorsement is a fully online, three-course sequence, endorsement for certified teachers in Georgia. The endorsement curriculum prepares students to respond to the growing number of English language learners in regular content classrooms. The ESOL endorsement is an asset to professionals in all teaching fields. The Endorsement may be completed independently and can be integrated into a graduate program of study for degree-seeking students.

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.

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.

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. 

French is the second most spoken language in the European Union and the seventh worldwide with more than 230 million native and non-native speakers.  It is the official language of 29 countries throughout the globe. College graduates who are proficient in French and who have a deep understanding of the richness and diversity of French and Francophone cultures have many advantages in the workforce and can pursue careers in education, humanities-related fields, fashion, and business, to name just a few.

French is the second most spoken language in the European Union and the seventh worldwide with more than 230 million native and non-native speakers.  It is the official language of 29 countries throughout the globe. College graduates who are proficient in French and who have a deep understanding of the richness and diversity of French and Francophone cultures have many advantages in the workforce and can pursue careers in education, humanities-related fields, fashion, and business, to name just a few.

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in General Business is for students who desire a holistic understanding of all business areas rather than a specialized area of business, i.e., accounting, business management, computer information systems, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, and marketing.

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.

The Gifted In-Field Endorsement enables educators to provide "direct instruction" only in the grade levels and fields of their base certificates. Individuals with this endorsement may serve as a resource teacher for "indirect services" for gifted education in any content area or grade level P-12. Successful completion of the Endorsement for the Talented and Gifted courses leads to the Gifted In-Field Endorsement from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC)

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Interdisciplinary Studies is a program which allows you, the student, to be in control of designing your educational program. The degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, is comprised of two or three academic Areas of Emphasis (21 credit hours each or 15 credit hours each, respectively). You may choose from any discipline offered as a major or minor at VSU. Within each Area of Emphasis, you may use a maximum of one lower level course (1000-2000); the remaining courses must be upper level (3000-4000) and all must have a grade of "C" or better.

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

• Ed.D. Degree in Leadership Program of Study

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.

The field of management involves overseeing people, businesses and organizations with the goal of ensuring that resources are used properly and efficiently. Managers work in a variety of fields including retail, industry, hospitality, production, human resources and more and are essential figures in the success of these organizations. Many managers go on to successfully open and operate their own businesses.

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.

Nutritional science is an academic discipline that offers an intellectual approach to the study of nutrition as it contributes to health promotion by primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. The study of nutritional science provides accurate assessments of the roles of functional foods and nutrients as they affect and are affected by humans’ intellectual, biological, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, economic, and spiritual being. This minor includes the integration of holistic health concepts with alternative and complementary healing practices and contemporary medical regimes. This minor offers students the opportunity to explore research demonstrating the importance of nutritional balance (variety, moderation, and activity) to quality of life and holistic health. The nutritional status of Americans is compared and contrasted to other environments and cultures around the globe. The minor encourages the acquisition of practical experiences, the development of intellectual expertise in various aspects of nutritional science, and initiation of creative interventions to facilitate and motivate behavioral changes related to nutritional problems and diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

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.

The Online Minor in Data Science equips students with essential skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, and related computational techniques useful across various disciplines. This program provides a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, preparing graduates to excel in an increasingly data-centric world.

The Online Teaching Endorsement program prepares candidates to plan, design, and deliver instruction in online environments for learners in P-12 settings. The endorsement is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GPSC) and is available for candidates who already hold a valid teaching certificate. The add-on endorsement is based on successful completion of three courses, successful completion of a field-based practicum, and evidence of accomplishment of all items on an Online Teaching Endorsement Competency Checklist.

Organizational leadership involves the practices, theories, issues and ramifications of leading an organization or business. Students in the organizational leadership program at Valdosta State University learn about management, administration, human resources and technology related to today’s complex organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. The online, multidisciplinary program is ideal for working professionals, members of the military, transfer students and those seeking degree completion, along with traditional students who wish to complete a degree online.

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. 

Psychologists study the human mind, exploring a variety of interesting questions that explain human behavior and responses. Psychologists do research and conduct studies, make observations, and help others understand and improve or modify their behaviors. Students in the psychology program at Valdosta State University focus on areas including learning, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, mental disorders and the ways in which individual preferences are inherited or shaped by the environment.

A minor in psychology can be an excellent academic supplement to many majors at VSU or if a student wants to apply to graduate school in psychology. Please contact the department for assistance in selecting courses most appropriate for your needs.

To complete a minor in Psychology, PSYC 1101 is required along with 15 additional hours of PSYC courses. All courses selected for the minor must be completed with a grade of “C” or better, with a Psychology minor GPA of 2.50 or higher. At least 9 of the 18 hours must be taken at Valdosta State University.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Spanish, a Romance language, is the primary language of Spain, Mexico, and most countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is the second most spoken language worldwide as well as in the United States. Fluency in Spanish is an invaluable tool for those living and working in the United States and abroad. Valdosta State University students who are proficient in Spanish have numerous advantages in the workforce and can pursue a number of careers in areas such as teaching, translation and interpretation, health care, social services, law and law enforcement, and more.

Spanish, a Romance language, is the primary language of Spain, Mexico, and most countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is the second most spoken language worldwide as well as in the United States. Fluency in Spanish is an invaluable tool for those living and working in the United States and abroad. Valdosta State University students who are proficient in Spanish have numerous advantages in the workforce and can pursue a number of careers in areas such as teaching, translation and interpretation, health care, social services, law and law enforcement, and more.

The Spanish for Professionals Certificate offers instruction through task-based communicative projects. Designed for the intermediate-mid to high-level student, courses in the certificate prepare students for successful communication in the Spanish-speaking professional world. This program builds on students’ grammatical and vocabulary knowledge while emphasizing the application of Spanish within a professional setting.

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.

This online certificate prepares majors from any discipline to pursue teaching opportunities with English Language Learners (ELLs) in corporate settings and in private language schools in the United States and internationally. It combines a theoretical foundation in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) with practical experience. No previous background in linguistics is required for admission. Some background in a second language is recommended. It may be combined with any degree program.

A Women's and Gender Studies (WGST) minor prepares students for life, work, and service in the 21st century. Students learn from women’s history, feminist theory, and gender analytics, how gender as a form of cultural identity shapes human thought, experience, expectations and interactions. Courses in the WGST minor focus on the historical and contemporary experiences of women as well as other populations vulnerable because of race, class, gender, or sexual identity often regarded in the mainstream as unconventional. Employers and graduate schools are actively seeking candidates who understand the positive value of diversity. Alumni minors report many practical applications of what they learn in their WGST coursework, field work, service learning projects and internships.

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.