Online Education & Teaching Degrees in Georgia: Finding Your School

Education Associate Degrees: A Closer Look

For aspiring educators in Georgia, an associate degree is not sufficient to meet the state’s educational requirements for obtaining a teaching license. However, an associate degree can help you complete your general education requirements before you continue to a bachelor’s in education program.

Earning your associate’s degree first can also make your journey to your bachelor’s degree in education easier and more affordable. Below are some examples of associate in education programs available to Georgia students.

Bachelor’s Degree Options in Education

A bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years to complete, will typically fulfill the education requirements for a Georgia teaching license. Many of Georgia’s bachelor’s in education programs also give you the opportunity to specialize in different educational subfields, such as elementary education or science education, allowing you to shape your future career path.

Inside Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Programs

Master’s degrees in education or teaching in Georgia tend to serve one of two purposes. These programs can be ideal for career changers who want to go into teaching. They also serve those with existing teaching careers who want to specialize or take on a leadership role at their school. Additionally, there are plenty of flexible online master’s programs in education available for busy students.

EdD and Graduate Certificate Programs for Teachers

As the most advanced forms of education credentials, PhDs and doctorates are what are known as “terminal degrees.” PhDs require the completion of original research, whereas doctorates require professional experience. Alternatively, graduate certificates are advanced, non-degree programs that allow degree-holding students to acquire further specialization. Graduate certificates typically take less time to complete than PhDs or doctorates.

Georgia Education Students FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

How long does it take to earn an online education degree in Georgia?

As you can see in our program spotlights earlier in this guide, the length of time it takes to complete your online education degree in Georgia will depend largely on the type of degree you’re pursuing. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while bachelor’s degrees take four, and doctorates and PhDs can take significantly longer, depending on your thesis. If you choose to study part-time as opposed to full-time, this may also impact your time to graduate.

How much do Georgia online education programs cost?

There are a variety of factors that go into determining the cost of an online degree in education. The type of degree and length of the program can be some of the most important factors in determining cost, as can whether you’re studying at a state school (and are eligible for in-state tuition), or a private school, where tuition rates are often significantly higher.

Remember that the “sticker price” of a given program may be mitigated through financial aid, such as scholarships and grants.

How important is it that my Georgia online education program be accredited?

It is essential that your online education program in Georgia be from an accredited school. Institutional accreditation is what gives a school legitimacy in awarding degrees and shows future employers and other institutes of study that your school met quality standards. You may also want to see if your program has programmatic accreditation for your education program, which many future employers take as an additional mark of academic rigor.

How do I judge the quality of an online education program in Georgia?

There are many factors to consider when assessing the quality of an online education program in Georgia. In addition to accreditation, be sure to look for student services and other resources, such as career counseling and financial aid opportunities. You may also want to research graduation rates, and post-graduation employment rates for your program, as these can serve as markers of school and program quality.

Is there financial aid for online education programs in Georgia?

Yes, there is absolutely financial aid for online education students in Georgia at all degree levels. Check with your school’s office of financial aid about how to apply for any specific scholarships administered by the school.

Filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will make you eligible for federal student aid, so be sure to complete your FAFSA on time. You can also look into private scholarship foundations, many of which offer funding opportunities specifically for future teachers. Make sure to keep track of all application deadlines and requirements.

What’s Next? Careers and Salaries in Georgia for Education Graduates

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Best-Ranked Online Education & Teaching Programs in Georgia

While the program that’s “best” for any given student is a personal decision, there are some objective criteria that go into the rankings process. These criteria include not only ensuring that all schools on the list are accredited, but also weighing factors such as online program availability, student services, financial aid opportunities, and more.

For more details, see the methodology tab below. If you are ready to find a program that fits your needs, read on to review the best online teaching and education programs in Georgia.

Resources and Support for Georgia Educators

As you prepare to start your online educational program in Georgia, it can be helpful to gather advice and support for current and future educators in the state. Luckily, there are plenty of resources for education majors out there to help you with your program, licensure, scholarships, and more. Below are some key resources to get you started.

• Classroom Conversations: This award-winning podcast is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Tune in to learn about innovative approaches to education from top professionals in the state and beyond.
• Georgia Futures: The home of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), this is the place to learn about expanding access to higher education across Georgia. They offer scholarships for future educators, among other resources.
• Georgia Association of Educators: The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) is a professional association for employees of Georgia public schools. They promote the interests of students and educators through legal advocacy, grassroots organizing, and more.
• Georgia Association of Teacher Educators: As the Georgia state branch of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), this professional organization has been active for over a century, serving as a resource for teacher training and continuing education.
• Georgia Department of Education: This is the official state government agency for education in Georgia. Check out their website for scholarship opportunities, information about earning and maintaining teacher licensure, job opportunities, and more.
• Georgia Federation of Teachers: This organization serves as a union for teaching professionals in the State of Georgia. The Georgia Federation of Teachers advocates for its members on issues including state funding for schools, employment regulations, and more.
• Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education: For over thirty years, this nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, which was initially founded by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, has advocated for education policy through actions such as sponsoring fellowships for education professionals.
• Georgia Science Teachers Association: For science teachers in Georgia, this professional organization seeks to promote science education excellence. Organizational actions include advocacy, partnerships with scientific organizations in the state, and an annual conference.
• Georgia Teachers Initiative: A statewide program founded by the Georgia Foundation for Public Education (GFPE), the College Football Playoff Foundation (CFPF), and the Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC), this organization provides Georgia teachers with resources they need in K-12 classrooms.
• Professional Association of Georgia Educators: The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is a professional organization that supports and advocates for educators in Georgia. They provide coaching for educators, continuing education opportunities, legislative advocacy, and more.