Non-Degree Programs

A person who holds a baccalaureate degree and a valid state educational certificate who wishes to enroll in graduate courses for the purposes of self-improvement, certification renewal or enjoyment may be admitted for graduate study in a non-degree status. Should the student later decide to transfer to a degree seeking category, no more than 12 semester hours of credit earned while in this category may be applied toward a graduate degree program and then only if approved by the coordinator of the degree program desired. Students in Non-Degree programs are not eligible for financial aid.

GC offers non-degree programs in four areas:

1. Add-on certification in Educational Leadership
2. Add-on certification in Library Media
3. Endorsement in Reading
4. Endorsement in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Students must already be certified in order to enroll in any of the College of Education's Non-Degree programs.

Prerequisites

The non-degree programs require that a candidate meet the following criteria at the time of enrollment:

1. Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all coursework taken before the initiation of the non-degree program.
2. Have taken and passed all section of GACE Basic Skills Assessment for initial certification where appropriate.

Admission

Non-degree applicants must submit the following:

1. University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
3. Copy of current Teaching Certificate
4. Verification of immunization.
5. Passing scores on the Graduate Writing Test

Note: During the completion of the certification program, the candidate must pass the appropriate section(s) of GACE Content Assessment for the certification area sought. All non-degree programs require the GC Certification Officer to recommend certification.

Add-On Certification in Educational Leadership or Educational Technology (Non-Degree Programs)

Students wishing to add new areas of Leadership or Educational Technology to an existing master’s degree should contact the individual Department Chairpersons for details. Once the requirements are established, the student should meet with the appropriate advisor to complete a program of study including necessary course work and required hours. Candidates in add-on areas must pass the appropriate GACE content tests before being recommended by the Certification Officer for certification. Students in non-degree programs are not eligible for financial aid.

Endorsements in Reading or ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) (Non-Degree Programs)

Endorsement programs at the graduate level are offered to teachers wishing to add areas to their current State of Georgia Teacher Certification. The John H. Lounsbury College of Education offers endorsements in: Reading and ESOL. Candidates in the endorsement programs do not have to take a GACE content test(s) for certification purposes. Students in endorsement programs are not eligible for financial aid unless the endorsement program is included on an official Program of Study for a degree.

Enrichment Courses—(Non-Degree)

A person who holds a baccalaureate degree and a teaching certificate may enroll in graduate courses as an enrichment student for the purposes of self-improvement, certification renewal or enjoyment. Students in enrichment programs are not eligible for financial aid. Should the student later decide to transfer to a degree seeking category, no more than 12 semester hours of credit earned while in this category may be applied toward a graduate degree program and then only if approved by the coordinator of the degree program desired. Students who transfer to a degree program must meet the admissions requirements for that program including passing the Graduate Writing Assessment.