Specialist in Education
The Specialist in Education Degree (Ed.S.) provides advanced study for qualified master educators. The program of study builds upon work completed at the master level; strengthens and extends professional, pedagogical, and content knowledge; and prepares advanced practitioners to be Architects of Authentic Learning Communities.
Georgia College Offers the Ed.S. in the Following Areas:
Ed.S. with a major in Education leading to T6 certification with concentrations in:
Ed.S. with a major in Educational Leadership leading to PBL6 certification
Ed.S. with a major in Special Education leading to T6 certification
Ed.S. Prerequisites
1. Meet minimal Grade Point Average of 3.25
2. Be eligible for a clear renewable, level five (5) State of Georgia Certification (except Library Media)
3. Verify two years teaching experience while holding a clear and renewable certificate (except Educational Leadership)
4. For Educational Leadership only: if the applicant does not have a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership, two courses must be completed for full admission: 1) Leadership in School, Society and 2) School Law and Ethical Practices.)
Ed.S. Admission
For the admissions process applicants should complete and submit the following:
1. University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable.
2. Two professional recommendations (pdf) using the School of Education format.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (except GC)
4. Verification of immunization (pdf)
5. Any additional specific program requirements.
6. Pass an on-site writing assessment
Ed.S. Advisement
Each candidate for the Specialist in Education degree is assigned a graduate advisor who serves as a mentor to the Specialist Candidate and assists in proposing, scheduling and completing the Specialist in Education Program of Graduate Study.
Ed. S. Program of Study
The Specialist in Education program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work beyond the Master of Education degree or the Master of Arts in Teaching degree (with the exception of Educational Leadership in which 36 semester hours are required). Specialist programs must be completed, with the degree awarded, within four years of the initial coursework listed on the program of study. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment, and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the office of the Department Chairperson. Grades below a B do not fulfill degree requirements.
Ed. S. Graduate Assistantships
Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Details and an application can be found at http://www.gcsu.edu/education/assistantships.html
Ed. S. Exit Requirements
All students must pass a comprehensive departmental exit requirement and fulfill degree requirements to graduate including an electronic portfolio presentation. Students should check with their assigned program advisor for specifics.
Ed. S. Transient Credit
Six semester hours in the selected field of study may be transferred from other accredited institutions with prior approval of the advisor (no transient hours are accepted in the Educational Leadership Program). The transient permission form can be found at http://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/pdf/TransientPermissionForm.pdf