Routes to Certification and Degrees
| Routes to Teaching Degrees, Certifications, and Endorsements | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Georgia Professional Standards Commission must approve all teacher preparation programs and awards certification. Program providers recommend candidates for certification. Certification options available through different programs and different program providers vary. Complete information on approved programs, approved providers, and certification options can be found at http://www.gapsc.com. | ||||||||
| Traditional Baccalaureate | Post - Baccalaureate | Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) | Master of Arts in Teaching Online | Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP) | Non - Renewable Test-Out Option | Advanced Degrees (M.Ed.; Ed.S, Ph.D::) | Endorsements | |
| Providers | ||||||||
| USG Colleges & Universities | ||||||||
| Private Colleges & Universities | ||||||||
| Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) | ||||||||
| School Districts | ||||||||
A Baccalaureate Degree can include a teacher preparation program and a recommendation for certification. Prospective teachers can attain a Baccalaureate Degree which does not include a recommendation for certification and then enter teaching through other routes.
A Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bac) or Non-Degree Program leads to certification but does not include a degree. Many USG institutions offer post-baccalaureate programs.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs are designed for potential teachers who have undergraduate degrees in subjects not related to teaching or have degrees that did not include teacher preparation classes. These programs are good choices for newly graduated non-education majors and career changers and enable MAT completers to start teaching at a higher salary level.
Information about the University System of Georgia’s on-line Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) leading to initial certification can be found on the Georgia ONmyLINE website
The Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (Georgia TAPP) is a classroom-based teacher preparation option for individuals who have the basic qualification to teach but have not completed a teacher preparation program. TAPP programs are offered by various providers and require employment in a school system.
Non-Renewable Test-Out Options are available under specific situations for qualified candidates with a PSC-accepted college degree, passing scores on the appropriate GACE assessments, and a current job offer. Such candidates may obtain a Non-Renewable Certificate and complete additional program requirements.
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree is designed for certified teachers who want to expand their knowledge in the field they are teaching or gain knowledge and expertise in another field. People often confuse the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. The Master of Arts in Teaching is a graduate degree designed for potential teachers who have undergraduate degrees not related to teaching. Colleges and universities also offer Education Specialist degrees (Ed.S), Ph.D.s.
In addition to full-field certificates, Georgia educators may be issued endorsements in specific areas to recognize additional expertise. In some areas, the endorsement is required in order to be considered in-field in a designated area, while in other cases the endorsement is not required but simply strengthens and enhances competency levels.