Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Candidates have an in-depth knowledge of the content that they teach.
  2. Candidates select and use a broad range of instructional strategies and technologies that promote student learning and they will clearly explain the choices they make in their practice.
  3. Candidates reflect on their practice and are able to identify their strengths and areas of needed improvement.
  4. Candidates analyze student, classroom, and school performance data and make data-driven decisions about strategies for teaching and learning so that all students learn.

Selected Outcome Assessments

  1. Candidates will demonstrate the level of their content knowledge through evidence presented in the college's assessment management system.
  2. Candidates will demonstrate their use of instructional strategies and technologies through completion of a self-evaluation of a teaching episode that will be included in the college's assessment management system.
  3. Candidates will document reflection and will identify areas of strengths and areas for improvement through completion of the COEHS Advanced Teacher Self-Assessment Instrument.
  4. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to positively impact P-5 learning through documentation presented in the college's assessment management system.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application packet to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE/MAT if required), 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.

Admission Deadlines

  • Fall Deadline: July 15
  • Spring Deadline: November 15
  • Summer Deadline: April 15

Go to the Graduate School website and click on Our Programs, then click on Elementary Education M.Ed. Program for information on:

  • Specific Elementary Education  M.Ed. Program Admission Requirements

To Apply Online, click here. 

Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies

  1. The maximum time allowed for completion of the master's 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 candidate's advisor and the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services, and approval from the Dean of the Graduate School.
  2. No more than six semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution. Transfer credit will be evaluated, after admission, by the academic department.
  3. Earning grades below "B" in graduate courses will result in the following consequences:

              --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.

              --Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless                         otherwise indicated by individual program policy. 

              --Candidates admitted before Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below "C" ("D," "F," "WF," or "U") will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C"                       results in a warning.

  4.  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 will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to               place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.

Program Graduation Requirements

  1. Candidates must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
  2. A 3.0 cumulative institutional grade point average is required for graduation. No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree.
  3. Candidates are required to successfully complete all requirements in the college's assessment management system.

Requirements for the M.Ed. Degree with a Major in Elementary Education

College of Education and Human Services Core Courses6
PSYC 7010Learning and Assessment3
RSCH 7100Research Methodology in Education3
Elementary Education Core 24
ELED 7210Assessment in Elementary Education3
ELED 7220Elementary Inclusive Environments3
ELED 7230Teachers as Mentors, Coaches, and Leaders in Elementary Education3
ELED 7320Curriculum and Instructional Strategies P-53
ELED 7330Issues and Trends in Elementary Education3
ELED 7340Action Research in Elementary Education3
ELED 7540Integrating Creativity and Critical Thinking in Elementary Education3
ELED 7550Differentiating Instruction in P-5 Classrooms3
Electives6
Suggested electives:
K-5 Science Endorsement (ELED 6110, ELED 6120, ELED 6130)
K-5 Mathematics Endorsement (ELED 6010, ELED 6020, ELED 6030)
English to Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement (ESOL 6010, ESOL 6020, ESOL 6030)
Gifted-in-Field Endorsement (PSYG 5610, PSYG 6600, PSYG 6620, PSYG 7600)
Reading Endorsement (READ 7010, READ 7100, READ 7130)
Path to Tier 1 Educational Leadership Certification (LEAD 7130, LEAD 7310, LEAD 7420, LEAD 8240)
ELED 6000
Special Topics in Elementary Education
Other electives approved by advisor
Total Hours Required for the Degree36