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.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in American Sign Language/English Interpreting is a rigorous hybrid (on-campus and distance learning) program that prepares you to work as professional interpreters, ensuring communication access in a variety of settings wherever hearing and D/deaf or hard of hearing people come together.  

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 Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary Concentration degree offers an engaging and flexible educational model designed to fit the busy schedules of working professional educators in a variety of instructional fields. Our innovative program provides practical opportunities for students to relate theoretical foundations to curricular and instructional issues facing schools and other educational systems. You will enjoy learning from our quality faculty whose real-world experience and knowledge has been acquired through many years learning, researching, and working in the domains of our field. Our program delivery includes online and hybrid options. Additionally, 2 required one-day doctoral seminars are held on a Saturday in Valdosta, GA in June at the beginning of year one and beginning of year 2. Electives will vary in delivery format based on your approved selections, and they must align with your declared disciplinary concentration.

Advantages of this program are:

• Approved by the GaPSC as an advanced program, which will lead to a certificate upgrade but will add no new field to your certificate.
• Students holding a valid GaPSC Standard Professional certificate (or higher) qualify for the Alternate Level 6 Certification Option upon successful completion of 36 credit hours and an approved portfolio.
• Students holding a valid GaPSC Standard Professional certificate (or higher) qualify for a Level 7 Certification upon successful degree completion.
• No GACE exam required
• Available concentrations include:

Art	Architectural Drawing / Design	Behavioral Sciences
Business Ed.	Curriculum & Instruction	Elementary Education
English	ESOL	Gifted
Health & Physical ED	History	Instructional Technology
Mathematics	Media specialist	Middle Grades Fields
Music	Political Science	Reading
Science	Spanish	SP ED Adapted Curriculum
SP ED General Curriculum	Speech	Trade and Industrial Fields

 

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.

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (FPMHNP) are advanced practice registered nurses who assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues across the lifespan through pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interventions. FPMHNPs work in clinical settings that include private, state or Veterans Administration in-patient or outpatient psychiatric facilities, private psychiatric practices, and community mental health centers. PMHMPs also provide services in settings such as correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, residential substance abuse facilities, and schools.

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.

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.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in the medical system as clinicians with expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions. NP’s emphasis is on health promotion, management, and disease prevention. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, health care provider offices, clinics, schools, academia, and other environments in which medical care is rendered. Students in the Valdosta State University MSN program develop critical thinking skills, gain an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives, and learn how to address policy disputes and social problems related to health care. Upon graduation, Valdosta State MSN students assume leadership in the fields of nursing and health care, making a positive impact on their communities and touching people’s lives every day.

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 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.

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 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.

Social workers help individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities restore and enhance their capacity for social functioning. Social Workers care about their fellow citizens, want to help people improve their situations and strive to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The social work program at Valdosta State University prepares students for clinical practice and licensure in social work and produces graduates who are qualified to practice with diverse populations in multiple settings.

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 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.

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.