Available at the Macon campus
The Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) program offered in Special Education provides advanced study for qualified master educators. The degree will be broadly focused on special education with issues related to the education of students with disabilities while providing extensive opportunities for each student to concentrate study and conduct research within their specific area of interest such as learning disabilities and reading, student involvement in Individualized Educational Program (IEP) planning, and behavioral self-management.
Objectives: The primary objective of the program is for students to develop skills that facilitate their action as change agents in educational settings serving individuals with disabilities. Through sequenced coursework and assessments, students will gain skills and knowledge in designing and implementing research-based programs in field-based settings. Graduates of the program will possess the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their schools and to positively impact school and system practices.
Format: The program format will be a cohort approach guiding a group of students through sequenced classes that progressively build capacities. The program will require students to conduct research in an education related setting with individuals with disabilities. Thus, students must either be employed in a setting with individuals with disabilities or have immediate access to such a setting. Although classes will make use of web-based instructional tools, 8 of the 9 courses will involve regularly scheduled class meetings on five Saturdays per semester. The cohort model and regular meetings will be used to encourage peer collaboration and communication as a channel for professional growth and development. The cohort learning community will be used to foster professional skills and knowledge necessary for initiating systems change in field-based settings. The program integrates GC's Graduate Programs' emphasis on applied research skills and professional development with the institutional focus on learning communities.
New cohorts begin in the fall semester.
Admission Requirements
- Graduate Admissions Application Form
- Two professional recommendations (pdf)
- Official copies of all transcripts
- Passing scores on the Graduate Writing Assessment
- Minimal GPA of 3.25
- Verification of immunization
- Hold or be eligible for a clear renewable, level five (5) State of Georgia Certification in Special Education
- Two years of teaching experience on clear/renewable certification
- Degree in special education at undergraduate or graduate level or completion of state approved training/preparation program in special education
- Satisfactory completion of interview by faculty admissions committee
Certification
Students successfully completing this program may apply through their school board or directly to the Professional Standards Commission for certification at the T-6 level. GC is not involved in this process.
Contact Information
Shanda Brand, Graduate Admission Advisor
shanda.brand@gcsu.edu
CBX 70; 220 Kilpatrick Hall
Milledgeville, GA 31061 (478) 445-1383
Phone toll free in Georgia: 1-800-342-0471 Ext. 1383
Dr. Craig Smith, Chairperson
craig.smith@gcsu.edu
CBX 72, 101C Kilpatrick Hall
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(478) 445-4577
Phone toll free in Georgia: 1-800-342-0471 Ext. 4577
Dr. Amy Childre, Program Coordinator
amy.childre@gcsu.edu
CBX 72, 106 Kilpatrick Hall
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(478) 445-0506
Phone toll free in Georgia: 1-800-342-0471 Ext. 0506
