According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, more than 38,000 students are enrolled in teacher preparation programs in Georgia. Many of these students are interested in becoming teachers in the Peach State, where job growth in educational roles is expected to eclipse the national average. In fact, Georgia has a well-documented shortage of teachers.
Given these statistics, it’s no surprise that many schools are ready to train new teachers. But what are the top education and teaching programs in Georgia? The answer to that question depends on several factors, including your educational background, teaching interests, financial resources, and preferred learning format. Keep reading to explore these factors, all of which can help you identify the best teaching degree program in Georgia for you.
Best Colleges to Earn a Teaching Credential in Georgia: Campus-Based
Georgia is home to so many high-quality educational programs that it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which one to choose. Therefore, we’ve identified three top teaching and education programs in Georgia that stand out in terms of affordability, learning flexibility, and instructional quality. Even if these programs aren’t the perfect fit, they can give you an idea of what to look for during your search. Be sure to bookmark this site, as we have a comprehensive list of ranked programs coming soon in 2024.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University’s College of Education (COE) offers a host of teaching and education programs that are among the best in Georgia — options that are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
Georgia Southern’s COE is comprised of several departments, such as Curriculum, Foundation, and Reading; Elementary and Special Education; Leadership, Technology, and Human Development; and Middle Grades and Secondary Education. Through these departments, students can select from various graduate and undergraduate programs, many of which provide teaching credentials to first-time educators.
But you’ll also find plenty of upper-level programs for experienced teachers seeking advanced skills and training to take the next step in their careers, whether it’s in the classroom or in administration. Many of these graduate programs are offered partially or fully online.
In addition to its numerous program offerings, Georgia Southern has plenty of student resources available, including advising, the Instructional Support and Resource Center, assistive technology labs, and generous financial aid. Students can also take advantage of ample research opportunities during which they can partner with faculty members.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Education
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Education
- Education Specialist
- Doctor of Education
- Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Endorsements
Specialization Options:
- Birth Through Kindergarten
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- Health and Physical Education
- Middle Grades Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Gifted In-Field
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- Instructional Design and Technology
- Spanish Education
- Counselor Education
- Curriculum and Instruction – Accomplished Teaching
- Educational Leadership
- Evaluation, Assessment, Research & Learning
- Higher Education Administration
- Instructional Technology
- Reading Education
- Teaching Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Students
- School Psychology
- Teaching and Learning
- Curriculum Studies
- Computer Science Education for Teachers
- Online Teaching and Learning
- Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports
- Teaching Leadership
- Teacher Support and Coaching
- Applied Research and Evaluation
- School Library Media Certification
- Curriculum and Pedagogy for Social Justice
University of Georgia
The Mary Frances Early College of Education from the University of Georgia offers one of the widest selections of education and teaching programs in Georgia, with about 100 education and related program offerings. Besides this plethora of degree and credential programs, students will appreciate the ability to combine many degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Master of Education. Students can also pursue joint degree options combining a master’s degree with a specialist degree.
By enrolling at the University of Georgia, future education students will have access to multiple financial aid opportunities, peer mentors, student ambassadors, more than 20 student organizations, one-on-one academic advising, and research labs. These research opportunities cover many areas of interest, such as artificial intelligence, athletics, biomechanics, cognition and communication, and generative learning.
The University of Georgia also has a solid study abroad program and career services to help students earn a more well-rounded education and find the teaching positions they desire after they graduate.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Education
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Arts
- Master of Art Education
- Master of Music Education
- Master of Agricultural and Environmental Education
- Education Specialist
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education
- Doctor of Education
Specialization Options:
- Educational Leadership
- Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
- Learning, Design, and Technology
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Literacy and Children’s Literature
- Sports Management
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Health and Physical Education
- Middle Grades Education
- TESOL or World Language Education
- Gifted and Creative Education
- English Education
- Healthcare Science Education
- Engineering and Technology Education
- Educational Theory and Practice
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Administration and Policy
- Professional School Counseling
- Reading Education
- Elementary Education
- Language and Literacy Education
- Social Studies Education
- Art Education
- Music Education
- Science Education
- Mathematics Education
- Workforce Education
- Special Education
- Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods
University of North Georgia
The College of Education at the University of North Georgia offers many CAEP-accredited programs to students interested in becoming teachers for the first time or adding a new set of skills to take on new teaching responsibilities or leadership duties.
But what makes the education and teaching programs at the University of North Georgia stand out are the ancillary services and programs available. For example, the school takes extra steps to prepare students for diverse classrooms by prioritizing the diversity of its student body. One way it does this is by offering diversity-based scholarships. Other tools include outreach efforts with diverse populations, faculty mentorship for underrepresented students, and extra bilingual education and TESOL programs.
Students can also benefit from the various workshops, including the Workshop on Education, Culture, and Networks, as well as Experiential Learning and Inquiry for Physical Science Educators (ELIPSE). You can also take advantage of ample study-abroad opportunities.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Associate of Science – Education Pathway
- Bachelor of Science in Art Education
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Education Specialist
- Doctor of Education
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Endorsement
- Post-Baccalaureate Initial Teacher Certification
Specialization Options:
- Autism Education
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Computer Science
- Diversity
- English Education
- Dyslexia
- Music Education
- Reading Education
- Secondary Education
- Teaching Leadership and Practice
- Educational Leadership
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- ESOL
- Gifted In-Field Education
- Higher Education Leadership & Practice
- Middle Grades Education
- Middle Grades Math & Science
Top Online Teaching Degree Programs in Georgia
Many students in teaching programs lead busy lives, especially those who want to become a teacher as a second career. Therefore, it may be easier for some students to attend class online while also continuing to work full time or meet family obligations.
If you’re thinking about an online teaching program in Georgia to obtain your initial teaching credentials, understand that any online program you enroll in won’t be 100% online. Instead, most of the classroom instruction will be online, but you’ll also have to complete several in-person field placements.
Below is a quick look at some top online teaching programs in Georgia, but this is just a preview of a full rankings list which will be coming out later this year.
University of West Georgia
One of the most significant ways in which the University of West Georgia’s College of Education programs stand out from many other teaching and education programs in Georgia is the fact that practically all of them are online. Even the on-campus programs will incorporate several online courses into the curriculum. At the graduate level, most programs are mostly or fully online.
In addition to the convenience of online learning, the University of West Georgia has several other advantages that can’t be found in other programs. For instance, students seeking hands-on experience can participate in the Comprehensive Community Clinic, which offers education services in mathematics and literacy. Then there’s the Early Learning Center that combines research, theory, and practice into an early childhood learning environment.
To help students make the most of their training and education, the College of Education offers an Academic Advising Center, Virtual Research Center, and Office of Field Experience — which helps coordinate the experiential learning requirements of various education programs.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Education
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Education Specialist
- Doctor of Education
- Graduate Endorsements
- Graduate Certificates
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
- Partially Online
Specializations Offered:
- Autism
- College of Student Affairs
- Data Analysis & Evaluation Methods
- Dyslexia
- Educational Leadership
- Elementary Education
- ESOL
- Higher Education Administration
- Instructional Technology, Media & Design
- K-5 Mathematics
- K-5 Science
- Nutrition Promotion and Education
- Online Teaching
- Physical Education
- School Library Media
- Secondary Education
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Early Childhood Education
- Media, Instructional Technology
- Power Up for 30
- Reading
- Reading Instruction
- School Improvement
- Special Education
- STEM Education
- Teacher Education
- Tier 1 Educational Leadership
- Tier 2 Educational Leadership
Mercer University
With approximately 30 education and teaching programs, Mercer University’s Tift College of Education provides plenty of academic learning options. In addition to the selection of programs, students can enjoy the convenience of remote learning. The majority of the online teaching programs at Mercer University do not lead to initial teacher certification, as curricula in those programs will contain extensive in-person learning elements, including field experience.
Even though much of the coursework can be completed online, students are encouraged to add in-person learning experiences to their program requirements. To facilitate this, Mercer University has various partnerships with local schools and peer education programs to not just gain hands-on experience, but also to improve the local community and the lives of students at nearby schools.
Mercer University also takes special care to provide research opportunities to students interested in developing new theories and concepts to improve student learning and school district operations.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Education
- Bachelor of Music Education
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Education
- Education Specialist
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Endorsements
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
- Partially Online
Specializations Offered:
- Autism
- Coaching
- Computer Science
- Elementary Math
- Elementary Science
- ESOL
- Gifted
- STEM
- Online Teaching
- Reading
- Early Learning and Development
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Middle Grades Education
- P-12 Education
- Secondary Education
- Teacher Leadership
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Leadership
- Higher Education Leadership
Brenau University
Education students enrolled at Brenau University have more than a dozen GaPSC-approved online teaching programs available to them. Almost all classroom learning can be completed online. Because some of these programs lead to initial teaching certification, students can expect to complete clinical and field experiences, which include student teaching and internship experiences at local schools.
In addition to offering remote learning, Brenau University makes things as convenient as possible in other ways. For example, the admission process generally requires no application fee or admissions exam scores, such as SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE. To make it easier to get extra help from professors, classes are kept as small as possible.
Finally, the online programs are set up for self-paced learning. There is no cohort model, and students have many options regarding the number of classes they take each term and the order in which they take most classes.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Associate of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Education Specialist
- Endorsements
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully Online
- Partially Online
Specializations Offered:
- Autism
- Elementary Education
- ESOL
- K-5 Science
- K-5 Math
- Middle Grades Education
- Reading
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
Types of Education & Teaching Degrees You Can Earn in Georgia
To become a teacher in Georgia, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree and complete a teacher preparation program. But because so many future teachers approach the field with different educational backgrounds, you’ll find multiple online and on-campus education and teaching program pathways available. Let’s look at the most popular options.
Undergraduate Teaching/Education Degrees in Georgia
Associate Degrees in Education
An associate degree on its own is not enough to become a licensed teacher in Georgia. However, it can help future teachers complete the general education and pre-major course requirements before they transfer to a four-year university to earn their bachelor’s degree and obtain their teaching certification.
Accredited Georgia Colleges with Associate Degrees in Education
- East Georgia State College (On-Campus)
- Georgia Highlands College (On-Campus)
- Brenau University (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
Earning a bachelor’s degree is the most common route to becoming a teacher in Georgia. Students can earn their required bachelor’s degree while also completing the required teacher preparation program that’s part of the bachelor’s degree program. These are ideal for aspiring teachers who don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree.
Accredited Georgia Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
- Georgia Southern University (On-Campus)
- Savannah State University (On-Campus)
- Mercer University (Hybrid)
Graduate Education Degrees in Georgia
Master’s Degrees in Education (MEd)
A Master of Education (M Ed.) degree is typically intended for those who are already licensed teachers but wish to move into a different area of teaching and/or obtain advanced skills to enhance their existing teaching practice. In contrast, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is suited for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree, but the bachelor’s degree did not include professional teacher preparation.
Accredited Georgia Colleges with Master’s Degrees in Education
- Georgia Southern University (Hybrid)
- Georgia State University (On-Campus)
- Georgia College & State University (Hybrid)
Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs
The Doctor of Education program is for current education professionals who would like to take the next step in educational leadership. The EdD’s curriculum prepares teachers and education administrators to bring about transformative change while working in schools, for-profit companies, or government agencies.
Accredited Georgia Colleges with Doctorate (EdD) Programs
- Piedmont University (On-Campus)
- Clark Atlanta University (Online)
- University of West Georgia (Online)
Education PhD Programs
A PhD in education is ideal for anyone who wants to work as a faculty member in higher education and/or engage in research. PhD coursework is heavy on theory, so graduates have the skills and knowledge they need to complete never-before-undertaken research and teach the next generation of teachers and educators.
Accredited Georgia Colleges with Education PhD Programs
- University of Georgia (On-Campus)
- Mercer University (Hybrid)
- Georgia State University (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
You’ll find two main types of graduate certificate programs in Georgia. The most common are certificate programs intended for current teachers who wish to obtain a certification or endorsement in a specialized area of teaching. These tend to make up a major proportion of the online graduate teaching programs in Georgia. But there are also certificate programs designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education who would like to obtain their teaching credentials for the first time.
Accredited Georgia Colleges with Education Graduate Certificates
- Georgia Southwestern State University (Online)
- Albany State University (On-Campus)
- College of Coastal Georgia (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Education Students in Georgia
Luckily, you’ll find many sources of financial aid available to help fund your enrollment in a top on-campus or online teaching program in Georgia. Among the most common are federal student loans and gift-based aid, like grants and scholarships.
But because you’re studying to be a teacher, you’ll also find industry-specific grants and scholarships available from government and private entities. For examples, there’s the TEACH Grant from the federal government and various scholarships and grants from the Georgia Association of Educators.
Lastly, the schools themselves will offer scholarships, many of these only being open to students in a teaching or education-related program. Examples include Georgia College & State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, and Valdosta State University.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Teachers in Georgia
The job outlook and pay prospects for teachers in Georgia are promising, given the recent increases in teacher pay and school funding. This is especially true when compared to national data.
For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that from 2022 to 2032, the expected job growth of secondary school teachers nationwide will be 1%. Contrast this with Georgia, where the estimated job growth for roughly the same time period is 11%.
As for pay, the teachers in Georgia can expect comparable salaries to the national average, which is a good thing because Georgia has a cost of living that’s roughly 5% lower than the national average.
To see more specific numbers for education-related jobs, please reference the following chart.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Teacher | 11% | 2,020 | $67,520 |
| Library Science Teacher | 7% | 10 | $69,580 |
| K-12 School Principal | 11% | 640 | $98,970 |
| School Librarian | 10% | 350 | $63,280 |
| Instructional Coordinator | 11% | 720 | $76,550 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Georgia Teaching Professional and Student Resources
- Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) The GAE is the leading professional organization for public school teachers and employees. It advocates on behalf of its membership, as well as offers resources and programs to help students learn and promote professional development of teachers.
- Georgia Department of Education: Professional Learning The Georgia Department of Education offers education professionals the chance to increase their skills, finances, and knowledge to improve classroom learning. Services available include learning events, funding grants, and conferences.
- Georgia Science Teachers Association (GSTA) The GSTA’s primary mission is to support science educators in the state of Georgia through a focus on advocacy, support, training, and partnership efforts to enhance science learning in the classroom.
- Georgia Teachers Helping Teachers As part of this active Facebook group, you’ll find current Georgia K-12 professional educators who share their knowledge, experience, and resources with other teachers (or future teachers). It’s also a great place to seek advice in choosing the top teaching and education programs in Georgia.
- Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) PAGE is the state’s largest professional organization for educational professionals. Membership includes teachers, administrators, and other school employees. PAGE offers professional learning opportunities as well as leadership skill-building, legal assistance, and legislative advocacy.
