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 certificate program in Africana Studies is designed to increase knowledge of experiences of people of African descent in the United States and across the globe.  It provides an opportunity to gain credentials in the field and serves to enhance cultural competency for working professionals and undergraduate students. Four courses, from the array of courses in Africana Studies, are required for completion of the certificate and are offered both online and on campus.

The Certificate in Online Teaching program is designed to meet the needs of instructors in many different educational environments.  The curriculum is a competence-based, professional development program designed for individuals who teach in online environments outside the P-12 educational setting.  This program is not for initial certification. Educators teaching in higher education and training and development professionals in the private or public sectors will gain knowledge and skills for instructional planning, design, and delivery. Experiential learning, application of knowledge, and the enhancement of professionalism are vital components of each class

The Ed.S. in Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education is a rigorous academic program of 27 The Ed.S. in Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education is a fully online 30-hour program.

This specialist program offers the chance to continue developing knowledge and skills. Specialized advanced content is designed to address excellence in coaching and educate teachers through coaching studies. Course objectives and requirements align with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education National Standards for Sport Coaches.

Graduates meeting all criteria may be eligible for upgrade to T-6 certification in the state of Georgia or reciprocal states.

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.

The Educational Specialist’s Degree in Educational 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.  The Education Specialist’s Degree program incorporates clinical practice linking theoretical and philosophical frameworks of educational leadership to actual practice.  Through the combination of course work and performance-based activities, candidates will be able to develop the necessary competencies to become an educational leader.

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 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 certificate in European Union Studies is operated under the supervision of the European Council of the University System of Georgia. The program is open to all institutions and students of the University System as well as to professionals with an undergraduate degree. The program’s purpose is to promote knowledge of the European Union (EU) and certify individuals as competent in the subject area of EU studies. Since the EU is the most important economic and political partner of the United States, this certification demonstrates valuable professional expertise to potential employers. For students in the academic track, the interdisciplinary certificate can be earned as a supplement to any conventional undergraduate degree. The certificate can be earned fully online or by taking approved traditional classroom courses, or with a combination of traditional and online courses.

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.

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 Ed.S. in Instructional Technology with a P-12 Technology Applications concentration offers an exciting and practical way to enhance the learning environment of the students with whom you work. 

The program is

• Delivered completely online,
• Takes only 30 semester-hours, and
• Offers three guided elective courses, which you choose in conjunction with advisors. Elective concentrations include online teaching, multimedia, technology leadership, adult education, and more.
  

During the program, ongoing application of the instructional design knowledge you gain, and implementation of the new technology tools you learn will be central. Successful completion of the degree and associated GACE exam leads to a GaPSC service certificate at level 6 in Instructional Technology. Aligned to ISTE Coach’s NETS and the GA PSC Instructional Technology standards, our up-to-date program provides valuable opportunities for students to prepare to be technology coaches, coordinators, or instructional technologists in public schools. One recent graduate commented, “I thrive on feedback. I seek it out, and the design of this program is wonderful for that. I have learned so much from working with my classmates in these classes. I also intend to continue my relationships with these people.”

The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology that leads to the P-12 Instructional Technology Certification can result in an add-on School Library Media Certification is a 36-hour program of study that helps prepare you to successfully pass the Media Specialist GACE. It is an inventive program of study that qualifies students to take the Media Specialist GACE and apply for certification in School Library Media at the level of certification they bring to the program. A level upgrade to Level 6 is, however a potential result of successful completion of the program because of the instructional technology core of the program that leads to certification in Instructional Technology. Coursework offers continuous opportunities to apply new technology tools in the learning environment in which you work, while at the same time developing the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective School Library Media Specialist. Successful completion of the degree and Instructional Technology GACE makes graduates eligible for a Level 6 service certificate in IT. Come join the online learners at Valdosta State and take advantage of the qualified team of instructors who are committed to making your learning experience a practical and valuable one.

The Ed.S. in Instructional Technology with a Technology Applications concentration for non-P12-school-based professionals offers an interactive, online educational model designed to work around busy schedules in a variety of fields. Our commitment to guide students to practically apply the tenets of IT theories, to integrate research and practice in the field, and to develop competency in project management, instructional design, and technology tools opens the opportunity for graduates to be technology coaches, coordinators, or instructional technologists in a variety of contexts: business, industry, government, the military, health fields, and higher education. Join us online at VSU and be among those who can say, “The skills I developed in evaluating technology in this program are utilized continuously in my career. I am seen as a leader in the use of our technology resources.”

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 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.

The Public Administration Graduate Certificate Program is ideal for those interested in reinvigorating careers in government, non-profits, or non-government organizations (NGOs). Coursework provides the skills and qualifications that focus on essential leadership, management, finance, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills and designed for those unsure about a long-term commitment to a full graduate program. Students take a two core courses and two elective courses depending on the certificate desired.

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.

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 Public Administration Graduate Certificate Program is ideal for those interested in reinvigorating careers in government, non-profits, or non-government organizations (NGOs). Coursework provides the skills and qualifications that focus on essential leadership, management, finance, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills and designed for those unsure about a long-term commitment to a full graduate program. Students take a two core courses and two elective courses depending on the certificate desired.

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 mission of the Valdosta State University School Counseling Program is to educate professionals who will be leaders in the school environment and who accept responsibility for removing barriers and offering equal access to services for all students.  The main emphasis of the School Counseling Program is to train school counselors who function as leaders utilizing data, advocacy, collaboration and consultation to provide academic, career, and personal/social counseling and services to assist students from diverse backgrounds in achieving high levels of academic success.

Effective for students starting the EdS in School Counseling in Fall 2021, the degree requires 30 hours. Your advisor will provide you with a program of study that reflects this change.

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 Spanish for Professionals Certificate offers instruction through task-based communicative projects. Designed for the intermediate-mid to high-level student, courses in the certificate prepare students for successful communication in the Spanish-speaking professional world. This program builds on students’ grammatical and vocabulary knowledge while emphasizing the application of Spanish within a professional setting.

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Special Education is designed for practicing special educators who hold a master's degree in special education (or related field such as speech language pathology, deaf education, vocational rehabilitation, or adapted physical education) who wish to advance their professional skills in special education. Information and skills in special education acquired and developed at the undergraduate and master’s level in special education are specifically designed for and focused on the provision of services. The Ed.S., however, focuses on knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles and advanced teaching positions in special education.

The Teacher Leadership Ed.S. Degree is an advanced degree that prepares educators to meet the GaPSC Teacher Leadership standards providing a foundation for effective collaboration with students, parents, and colleagues. By completing this online degree and passing the appropriate Georgia content assessment, candidates will be eligible for the new Teacher Leadership (level 6) certification

This online certificate prepares majors from any discipline to pursue teaching opportunities with English Language Learners (ELLs) in corporate settings and in private language schools in the United States and internationally. It combines a theoretical foundation in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) with practical experience. No previous background in linguistics is required for admission. Some background in a second language is recommended. It may be combined with any degree program.

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.