The M.A.T. with a Major in Education program is designed for candidates who are seeking a Level 5 Georgia teaching certificate and who already have content knowledge expertise in the certification area in which they want to teach.

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate knowledge of the content that they plan to teach and can explain important principles and concepts delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
  2. Students in initial teacher education programs apply content specific pedagogy to the subject area content and demonstrate a broad knowledge of instructional strategies that draws upon content and pedagogical knowledge and skills delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards to help students learn.
  3. Students in initial teacher education programs analyze educational research findings and incorporate new information into their practice.
  4. Students in initial teacher education programs assess and analyze student learning, make appropriate adjustments to instruction, monitor student learning, and have a positive effect on learning for all students.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate content knowledge through passing the state-required content assessment.
  2. Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge and knowledge of evidence-based strategies through development of lesson plans identifying use of research-validated procedures and effective content pedagogy.
  3. Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate skills in assessment, instructional strategies, use of technology, and monitoring and modifying instruction during observed teaching episodes evaluated by a university supervisor and mentor teacher.
  4. Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate their ability to positively impact P-12 learning.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.

Go to the Graduate School website and click on Our Programs, then click on Alternative Certification Track for information on:

  • Specific M.A.T. (selected option) Program Admission Requirements
  • M.A.T. (selected option) Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
  • M.A.T. (selected option) Program Graduation Requirements

To Apply Online, click here. 

Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies

  1. Candidates must obtain a Georgia Pre-Service Teaching Certificate or hold a professional teaching certification to remain enrolled in the program after the first semester.
  2. Candidates must maintain professional liability insurance.
  3. The maximum time allowed for completion of the degree is seven calendar years. No work completed more than seven years prior to degree completion will be accepted toward the degree, except with special permission from the student's advisor and approval from the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Research.
  4. No more than 9 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education and Human Services graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission by the academic department.
  5. Earning grades below "B" in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: students will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of "C" (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of "D," "WF," "F," or "U" (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points.
  6. If dismissed from the program, a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching with a Major in Education

EDUC 29990
MSED 56003
MSED 60003
MSED 60013
MSED 60023
MSED 60033
MSED 60043
Select one of the following:3
MSED 6010
MSED 6100
Select one of the following:5
MSED 6300
MSED 5840
Select one of the following:3
MSED 6020
MSED 6200
MSED 60053
MSED 60211
or MSED 6201
SPEC 70003
Total Hours Required for the Degree36

There are requirements in addition to the above that candidates must complete before being recommended for certification. Technology knowledge and skills are demonstrated through coursework because technology requirements are embedded throughout the program of study. Additional technology coursework (SEED 4010, ACED 3400, or ACED 7600) may be recommended.