Let’s continue searching accredited education degree programs in Georgia specifically for teachers serving children from Pre-K through fifth grade. The NCATE has approved several “Peach State” colleges to produce licensed educators who form engaging curriculum that suits young students’ developmental milestones. Approximately 7.7 percent of America’s eighth most populous state is under age five. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal received the $4 billion Race to the Top Grant to improve education for these youngsters. The thriving early childhood education industry cares for over 337,000 little Georgians each year. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning also provides 67,507 jobs. Demand for licensed teachers in the Bright from the Start program and Georgia’s 181 school districts is growing too. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area was recognized by the BLS for the country’s #4 highest employment level of preschool teachers and childcare directors. If this teaching specialty calls to you, you can see more accredited programs at Early Childhood Education Degree Programs (A-C), Early Childhood Degree Programs in Georgia (D-G) and Early Childhood Degree Programs in Georgia (G-O).
Paine College
School of Professional Studies
Established in 1883 by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Paine College is a small private, nonprofit HBCU rooted in liberal arts to educate around 534 students with average retention of 58 percent on its 64-acre urban campus in Georgia’s second largest metro, Augusta-Richmond County. For the U.S. News survey, Paine was declared the 214th best national liberal arts college by high school counselors. On Niche, Paine ranked B- for diversity and was deemed America’s 330th “Best Christian College.” The School of Professional Studies houses business, education, media studies, and nursing majors, including one of the accredited education degree programs in Georgia.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program
Adopted to the NAEYC’s standards, the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program at Paine provides teacher candidates with a bachelor’s for effectively teaching grades PreK-6. It’s designed to shape diverse, socially competent stewards of education for elementary schools. Students test theories of child development and learning with mentor teachers through practicum components. The 82-credit major spans courses in reading diagnosis, classroom management, developmental psychology, media technology, art education, and exceptional children. Study culminates with a full-time, semester-long clinical internship after passing the GACE Ethics Educator Assessment. Majors are encouraged to join the Georgia Association of Educators Student Program (GAE-SP). Graduation will require passing coursework and student teaching with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Accreditations
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Chandler Memorial Library 101F
1235 Fifteenth Street
Augusta, GA 30901
(706) 432-0726
llindsaydennis@paine.edu
https://paine.edu/web/mycampus/home
Point University
Department of Education
Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Point University occupies 54 suburban acres in Harris County just 38 miles northwest of Columbus to serve around 1,500 Skyhawks as a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts school. Featuring a selective admission rate of 49 percent, Point was ranked the South’s 45th best regional college by the U.S. News. Graded A- for campus safety, Point was deemed the 207th “Best College with No Application Fee in America” on Niche. The Department of Education offers four accredited teacher programs in Georgia to support undergraduates’ endeavors with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio.
Early Childhood Education (B.S. and B.A.)
Adhering to NCATE and GPSC guidelines, the Early Childhood Education (B.S. and B.A.) program at Point University leads to teaching licensure for Georgians seeking classroom roles with Pre-K through fifth grade children. From a Christian worldview, students develop the skills and disposition to implement lesson plans that nurture children’s ability. Offered solely face-to-face, the traditional 120-credit program includes a liberal arts core and three semesters of teacher preparation. Coursework will delve into children’s literature, educational technology, instructional practices, early intervention, and mathematics education. Students then complete one semester of student-teaching at partnering schools, such as West Point Elementary or Cornerstone Christian School. Multilingual courses could be added for ESOL endorsement.
Child and Youth Development with Specialization in Early Childhood (B.S.)
Another of Point’s accredited education degree programs in Georgia is the Child and Youth Development (B.S.), which offers three non-licensure specializations. Students could fulfill God’s calling as servant leaders of youth with the Children’s Ministry, Early Childhood, or Youth Programs Administration tracks. Each develops the competencies to evaluate and respond to young children’s behavior to foster optimal growth. The 120-credit curriculum will fulfill the requirements for certification from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Students could study online asynchronously or attend live classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Atlanta or Savannah. The Christ-centered program will integrate a capstone 12-credit internship with agencies like the Boys & Girls Club or Childcare Network.
Accreditations
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
507 West 10th Street
West Point, GA 31833
(706) 385-1000
Jim.Donovan@point.edu
https://point.edu/traditional/education/
The University of Georgia
College of Education
Founded by Constitution signer Abraham Baldwin in 1785, The University of Georgia is a flagship public land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant RU/VH research institution with enrollment surpassing 36,100 upon its 762-acre urban campus in Athens and satellites from Gwinnett to Eatonton. Deemed the Southeast’s #3 “Best Bang for the Buck” in Washington Monthly, UGA is ranked the 56th best national university and 18th top public school by the U.S. News. The Times Higher Education also ranked UGA in the top 300 global universities. The College of Education stands out as America’s 34th best teacher preparation school too.
BSEd in Early Childhood Education
Featuring a 94 percent freshman retention rate, the BSEd in Early Childhood Education provides UGA undergraduates the foundation for careers teaching Pre-K through grade five. The cohort-based program leads to initial Georgia licensure by including methods courses in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Theory turns into practice when students complete at least 400 fieldwork hours in local school districts. In the last senior semester, BSEd majors complete their student teaching experience full-time with supervising educators. Other valuable opportunities include teaching overseas in Ghana, volunteering at the Reading Clinic, and joining the Kappa Delta Epsilon Society. Applications are accepted every January and August from UGA freshmen, transfers, and “Move on When Ready” scholars.
MEd in Early Childhood Education
Working teachers already holding licensure can advance with accredited education degree programs in Georgia like UGA’s MEd in Early Childhood Education. Offering evening and weekend sessions, the program sharpens teachers’ classroom skills with the best practices to enhance young children’s learning. The 12-course curriculum supports diverse career paths with endorsements for ESOL, reading, and gifted/talented education. Graduates can also transform into teacher-researchers with an optional master’s thesis project on early childhood education theory. Presently charging $401 (in-state) and $1,036 (out-of-state) per credit, the program creates a collaborative, cost-effective learning environment. MEd majors could also join the Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators. Admission requires a minimum 2.8 GPA during baccalaureate study.
MAT in Early Childhood Education
Career changers who’ve finishing a non-education bachelor’s degree would be suitable for the University of Georgia’s MAT in Early Childhood Education instead. Holding NCATE accreditation, the program opens initial PreK-5 certification for educators to teach children in diverse, inclusive environments. Cohorts begin every Maymester at the Athens campus by conveniently taking evening courses from 5 – 10pm. In addition to 12 courses, students spend 13 weeks completing a student-teaching experience. Students practice the full range of subjects from reading to social studies in settings like Alps Road Elementary or Bright from the Start. Students often tutor children through the Awesome Clubhouse at La Escuelita. Alumni will join a network of over 59,000 former Bulldogs.
Accreditations
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Aderhold Hall Room G3
110 Carlton Street
Athens, GA 30602
(706) 542-4244
etap@uga.edu
https://coe.uga.edu/academics/degrees
University of North Georgia
College of Education
Based on a 212-acre suburban campus in Dahlonega off the Georgia 400 with extensions in Gainesville, Watkinsville, Blue Ridge, and Cumming, the University of North Georgia is a public, co-educational teaching institution endowed for $27 million to serve over 16,000 Nighthawks. Recognized for Georgia’s 22nd “Best College Location,” UNG is declared the 72nd best college and 24th top public university in the South by the U.S. News. Forbes magazine picked UNG as the nation’s 204th best public educator. Since 1994, the College of Education has strived to improve children’s lives in Southern Appalachia with 19 teaching degrees.
Early Childhood/Special Education (B.S.)
With a student-faculty ratio of 21:1, the Early Childhood/Special Education (B.S.) prepares UNG undergraduates for dual endorsement teaching young children in grades PreK-5. Cohorts begin every Fall or Summer semester to begin shaping the pedagogical knowledge and practical skills for coordinating classroom activities. Adhering to NCATE guidelines, the 127-credit curriculum includes courses in applied behavior analysis, reading diagnosis, and special needs instruction for inclusive classrooms. Transferring into the program from the Core Curriculum Pathway in Early Childhood Education (A.S.) is possible. Two pre-teaching practicum placements are assigned at North Georgia schools before the final internship. Portfolios are built using LiveText to aid post-baccalaureate job searches. Graduates could add endorsements for ESOL, Gifted/Talented Education, and Reading.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
Another of UNG’s accredited education degree programs in Georgia is the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, which is reserved for certified teachers broadening their professional skills for advancement. The 36-credit curriculum offers evening, summer, and online courses to conveniently boost students’ strategies for instructing kids in PreK-5 settings. Assigned advisors offer one-on-one assistance mapping their plan of study. Personalized coursework could include instructional technology, advanced literacy, differentiated instruction, and educational assessment. Each M.Ed. student must complete the “Making a Difference Through Action Research” capstone project. International experiences could be added for studying in Edinburgh, Beijing, Madrid, and beyond. Certified applicants must have a cumulative GPA above 2.75 and score at least 900 on the GRE.
Accreditations
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Price Memorial Hall Room 107
82 College Circle
Dahlonega, GA 30597
(706) 864-1672
coeundergrads@ung.edu or coegrads@ung.edu
https://ung.edu/teacher-education/index.php
University of West Georgia
College of Education
Endowed for $20.49 million, the University of West Georgia is a public, doctoral institution with “moderate research activity” and over 12,000 Wolves studying on its 644 rural acres in Carrollton near the Alabama border as well as campus satellites from Newnan to Dalton. On Niche, UWG was recognized for America’s 39th best Greek life and 115th most conservative college. The Washington Monthly also picked UWG as the 278th best national university for contribution to the public good. Within the College of Education, six departments provide 23 teaching degrees, including the 66th best online graduate education programs according to the U.S. News.
Early Childhood Education B.S.Ed.
Consisting of 129 semester hours, the four-year Early Childhood Education B.S.Ed. program gives UWG undergraduates the opportunity to achieve a renewable teaching certificate (T-4) in mathematics and reading. Students are trained with research-based practices to teach PreK-5 children within inclusive, equitable environments for all learners. Available face-to-face in Carrollton, Newnan, or Rome, the NCATE-accredited program spans subjects from child development to content area methodologies. Three applied practica are required before entering the capstone 15-week internship. Field-based assignments and portfolios are submitted via Tk20 for performance measurement. Undergrads also benefit from joining the WeTeach West Club, participating in the Dag Folger Speaker Series, and teaching English abroad in countries like China or Costa Rica.
Early Childhood Education M.Ed.
Offered in Carrollton, Newnan, and Rome or 100 percent online, the Early Childhood Education M.Ed. is one of UWG’s three accredited education degree programs in Georgia. The 36-credit program prepares certified teachers to become instructional leaders with the evidence-based strategies to maximize child development. Rooted in the ideals of social justice, the master’s covers curriculum theory, pedagogy, education research, and teacher leadership. Graduates pay net tuition of $312 per credit for saving money after achieving the Level 4 certificate. Teachers holding a minimum 2.7 GPA generally graduate within 12 to 24 months. The Reading Endorsement can be added wholly online. There’s also a Post-Baccalaureate Initial Certification track in Early Childhood Education.
Early Childhood Education Specialist Ed.S.
Advancing a step further is possible with the Early Childhood Education Specialist Ed.S. from the University of West Georgia. This 27-credit program allows master’s-level teachers holding a Level 5 certificate to develop the leadership competencies to create instructional policies and practices in PreK-5 settings. Great emphasis is placed on addressing societal issues by changing existing early childhood systems for children’s benefit. From the Carrollton campus, the curriculum is delivered 100 percent online over 12 to 18 months full-time. Enrollment includes creating an educational research project and reporting results in APA style. Specialists work alongside PhD-level faculty trained at Vanderbilt, Florida State, Duke, and more. In the Education Annex, hands-on training is available at the Comprehensive Community Clinic.
Accreditations
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118
(678) 839-6559
coelearn@westga.edu
https://www.westga.edu/academics/education/academic-programs.php
Valdosta State University
Dewar College of Education and Human Services
Attracting more than 11,500 scholars from 76 countries, Valdosta State University is one of Georgia’s four public, state-related higher learning institutions endowed for $20.8 million to provide associate to doctoral education from a 168-acre urban campus off Interstate 75 in Lowndes County. High school counselors surveyed by the U.S. News placed VSU as America’s 267th best university. On Niche, Valdosta is recognized for the 137th “Best College Athletics” nationwide. The Dewar College of Education and Human Services maintains NCATE and ASHA accreditation to provide on-campus and online coursework with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio.
Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education
Satisfying the requirements for an induction P-5 certificate, the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education equips Valdosta Blazers for supporting the intellectual, social, and physical growth of Georgia’s smallest citizens. Students collect the content knowledge to pass performance-based GACE exams and become effective, reflective teachers. Admission is made in the sophomore year after at least 45 credits are achieved with a 2.75 GPA or higher. For 129 total credits, majors take courses in English, math, science, education, literacy, and more. Traditional, face-to-face sessions in Valdosta are combined with LiveText assignments and field practicum. The capstone will be a 15-week student-teaching semester in placements like Dewar Elementary School or Pine Grove Elementary School.
Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Special Education
Undergraduates seeking more bang for the buck with two accredited education degree programs in Georgia in one could earn the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Early Childhood Special Education. This dual major spans 129 credits for Valdosta State students to learn effective methods for adapting general curriculum to all children, including those with disabilities. Students meld theory with applied practice in fieldwork to fulfill the GPSC requirements for induction P-5 certification. Pre-service teachers are admitted as sophomores with 45+ credits and an overall 2.75 GPA or better. Undergrads progress through courses like curriculum planning, literacy development, differentiated instruction, and classroom management before a semester-long teaching experience. Students could also be inducted into the Alpha Beta Kappa Chapter.
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Reaching Georgia’s upgraded T5 certificate is achievable when licensed teachers with NCATE-accredited bachelor’s degrees pursue the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education at Valdosta State. Teachers refine basic pedagogical skills while building in-depth knowledge on the intricate aspects of instructing youth in PreK-5 classrooms. The 36-credit curriculum is completed primarily face-to-face during evenings with some online options. Courses address topics like teacher mentoring, educational assessment, early childhood inclusion, and curriculum trends. Elective credits could lead toward endorsement in ESOL or Gifted Education. Each M.Ed. student completes an action research project to answer questions about the field’s current issues. Teachers may also test their theories hands-on within the Sullivan Literacy Center.
Accreditations
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Education Center Room 1160
1500 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA 31698
(229) 333-5929
arieger@valdosta.edu
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/early-childhood-and-special-education/
Early childhood education has received a bad reputation for providing low degree ROI. In Fortune magazine, it was declared the #2 worst graduate degree for jobs with a median salary of $48,700. Studying early childhood education isn’t typically about money though. Early childhood teachers reap intrinsic rewards starting young children’s academic careers on the right foot. From crayon scribbling to storytelling, early childhood education is a gratifying specialty with an 83 percent satisfaction rate. Plus, the right degree can increase your income potential with childcare administrators snagging salaries up to $86,870. Unleash your inner child and learn to plan fun classroom activities with these NCATE accredited education degree programs in Georgia.
Related Resource: 50 Most Affordable Small Colleges for a Master’s in Education
