Preparing highly qualified professionals for careers in education and kinesiology is the cornerstone of the College of Education. Based on standards from state, regional, and national accrediting agencies, best practices, and relevant research, the college programs emphasize what beginning and advanced professional educators should know and be able to do at the end of their undergraduate and graduate studies.
The College of Education is dedicated to excellence in the preparation of teachers, kinesiology professionals, counselors, and administrators for service with diverse populations in a wide variety of settings. The professional educators involved in the various programs prepare students for today’s opportunities through a collaboratively developed series of courses and appropriate field experiences, while demonstrating outstanding teaching techniques and procedures from relevant research and best practice.
The College of Education is committed to being Relevant, Responsive, and Respected in our instruction, research, service, and collaborations. Our work is relevant as it is supported by best practices and current research. Our work is responsive because we investigate, in collaboration with our community partners, persistent and emerging problems of practice. Our work is respected as we publish broadly, we secure extramural funding, and we provide leadership in highly regarded professional organizations.
The College of Education is committed to a service mission which provides leadership in the development and dissemination of relevant knowledge to address the wide range of challenges faced by students, parents, teachers, kinesiology professionals, counselors, and administrators in the learning and schooling process.
A list of faculty within the College of Education can be found at the link below.
The educator preparation programs offered by the College of Education at Augusta University are accredited by the Professional Standards Commission (PSC of the state of Georgia and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation includes the basic and advanced levels of the professional education programs offered at Augusta University through the College of Education and the collaborative programs with the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Science and Mathematics. The Counselor Education program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Individuals who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and wish to become certified in one of the teacher preparation fields offered in the College of Education may apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program. The phone number for the Graduate Admissions office in the College of Education is 706-729-2980. http://www.augusta.edu/education/graduate_admissions.php
The College of Education is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to offer certification and endorsement in a variety of areas. These include initial teaching fields (at the undergraduate and graduate levels) and advanced degrees in areas such as leadership, curriculum and instruction, and school counseling. For certification information contact the College of Education Dean’s Office (706-737-1873).
Please see the Academic Admissions website for program specific admissions information:
Applications are available on-line: http://www.augusta.edu/admissions/apply.php.
* All questions concerning either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) should be directed to the testing service.
Completed applications and ALL supporting materials must be received on or before the following deadlines. Admission is for a specific semester and a specific program. If a student wishes to make changes in either the program of study or the semester of admission, a written request must be made to the Office of Academic Admissions. All admissions criteria for the new program must be met. A fee of $50.00 will apply to all changes requested.
Financial Aid: Information concerning scholarships, grants, loans, etc. may be found at the Financial Aid Office at http://www.augusta.edu/finaid/. It is strongly recommended that applicants take note of financial aid application deadlines, since these are usually earlier than application deadlines.
A student who is denied admission to, retention in, and/or exit from a graduate program has the right to appeal. Appeals are to be filed in writing with the Dean of the College of Education.
A student also has the rights afforded by the Student Academic Appeals procedures and by the Student Academic Grievances procedures as specified in the University Catalog.
A maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate work from an accredited institution may be transferred into a graduate program at Augusta University. At the time of admission, the student must discuss the transfer hours with the advisor and file a formal request with the chair of the department of the discipline of the course(s) being considered for transfer hours to be included in the program of study.
All requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, the Master of Education, Master of Science, Education Specialist, and Doctor of Education must be completed within seven years of the first semester of enrollment.
If a student is not enrolled in any College of Education program for three consecutive semesters, that student is required to complete any curricular changes made to the program.
No active programs available.
Department of Advanced Studies and Innovation
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Innovation prepares scholarly practitioners to respond to evolving educational systems, to advocate for solutions to problems, and to foster innovation. The 55-hour program of study is comprised of courses in four broad areas: core courses (19 hours), concentration courses (there are two concentration areas: Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership; 9 hours), research courses (12 hours), and Dissertation in Practice courses (15 hours).
Some of the key features of the program include:
- Enrollment in cohorts as a Learning Community
- Face to face classes meeting six weekends a month (Friday and Saturday)
- Two concentration areas (neither of these lead to initial certification)
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Leadership
Program Eligibility
The Doctor of Education program in Educational Innovation has a competitive application process. All applicants with complete admissions packages will be considered for the program. However, because of the limited size of the cohort, applicants will be selected for best fit in the program based on their qualifications.
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum Degree Requirements: The applicant must hold at least a master’s degree from an accredited United States institution or the equivalent from an international institution.
- Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges ever attended. Only in the case of transcripts from international colleges/universities will an official course-by-course transcript evaluation be accepted in lieu of an official transcript. Official transcripts should be sent to Augusta University’s Office of Academic Admissions. To remain official, all transcripts must remain in the original, unopened, sealed and stamped/signed envelope from the Registrar’s office of the issuing institution. Alternatively, Augusta University will accept official electronic transcripts from the registrar’s office at your prior institution.
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 at the graduate level. A competitive applicant will have a minimum 3.5 GPA at the graduate level.
- GRE Requirements: Satisfactory scores on the quantitative, verbal, and written portions of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken within 5 years of admission in the United States through an ETS approved facility. The submission of GRE scores may be waived for applicants who already hold terminal degrees. A minimum 3.5 on the GRE writing and a total 290 on the quantitative and verbal portion are required. A competitive applicant will have a minimum GRE writing score of 4.0 and a total of 300 on the quantitative and verbal portions.
- TOEFL Requirements: International Students must demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the applicant’s native language is not English. Exemption from the TOEFL requirement is allowed for graduate students who submit proof of earning a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university where English is the language of instruction. Minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79 internet-based.
- Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can specifically address the applicant’s professional experience and potential for success in the doctoral program. The Admission Committee recommends that one letter be from a university faculty member addressing the applicant’s past academic success in a graduate level program. Letters should address the candidate’s academic abilities as well as his or her potential as an educational scholarly practitioner.
- Purpose Statement: 300-500 word purpose statement discussing how this program aligns with the applicant’s career goals as an educational practitioner.
- Interview and Writing Exercise: If selected, competitive applicants will be asked to participate in an oral interview and to complete a proctored writing exercise.
Admission Deadlines
Applications and all supporting materials must be received in the Office of Academic Admissions at the address indicated no later than November 2nd. Each applicant should allow adequate lead-time for admission decisions and the receipt of all required admission documents (GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essay).
Click here for more information regarding the application process and to gain access to the online application portal. http://www.augusta.edu/admissions/graduate/educational-innovation1.php
Retention and Exit
Students in the Doctor of Education Degree Program must meet all academic standards of the College of Education and The Graduate School, to include a requirement to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 each semester and overall. A minimum grade of B (or satisfactory in courses graded S and U) must be earned for each course applying toward the Ed.D.
Students whose semester or cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. While on academic probation students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA each semester. The student will have two consecutive enrolled semesters to re-establish a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Any student making less than a 3.0 GPA for more than one semester, consecutive or otherwise, will automatically be dismissed.
Student’s earning a “U” or “C” in any course will be required to repeat the course and/or participate in faculty-designed remediation. Remediation plan may include enrolling in and satisfactorily completing an Independent Study. Failure to remediate the academic probation can result in dismissal from the program.
Any student who earns a “C” and/or “U” in more than one course during their enrollment will be considered for dismissal. Students who earn a “D” or “F” in any course of the Ed.D. are automatically dismissed from the College. When circumstances are warranted, a student being considered for dismissal under this policy may be permitted to continue as a student on probation upon the recommendation of the academic program director and approval of the Dean.
Any student dismissed from the College of Education/The Graduate School may appeal the action in accordance with the Augusta University policy.
The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching certificate and seek an advanced graduate degree. The program consists of 27 semester hours. All content coursework will reflect existing certification areas. Two tracks are offered in this program: (1) Initial certification in Curriculum & Instruction which requires the passing of the GACE in C&I in order to add the field and recieve an upgrade and (2) Advanced certification in Curriculum & Instruction for applicants who already hold C&I certification.
Georgia Educators must hold a valid, level 5 or higher Standard, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate, or Life certificate for program admission. Georgia Educators must take and pass the GACE in Curriculum and Instruction. A Georgia Educator must hold a Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate to qualify for a certificate upgrade and to add Curriculum and Instruction to the teaching certificate.
Educators who are certified in states other than Georgia must hold a clear, renewable teaching certificate and are responsible for ensuring that completion of the Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction will qualify them for a certificate upgrade in their state.
Retention and Exit From Education Specialist Programs:
Academic Standing:
Good Standing: A student must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 throughout his/her graduate program. Only a grade of C or better will be counted as successful completion of a course for the graduate program. A grade of D or less will be counted in the cumulative GPA. A student must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
Probation: A student who fails to maintain the required average will be placed on “academic probation.” In order to remain in the graduate program, the student must reestablish the cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during the next semester of enrollment.
Suspension: A student who is unable to remediate the grade point average after one semester will be placed on “academic suspension” for a period of one semester.
Reinstatement: To apply for reinstatement, the student must meet with the advisor(s), prepare a formal plan to address the academic problems, and submit a letter of appeal for readmission to the department chair of the appropriate program after one semester of academic suspension.
Dismissal from the Graduate Program: If a student is suspended for the second time, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program. A student who has been dismissed may petition for readmission to the graduate program after one calendar year from the date of dismissal. A new application for the graduate program must be accompanied by a letter of appeal for admission.
The Education Specialist (EdS) Degree Program in Counselor Education is designed for individuals who already hold a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field. The program objectives are to assist practicing counselors to develop greater expertise and leadership skills in their current counseling field and to gain knowledge and practice in the supervision of counselors. The program will build upon the knowledge, skills, and dispositions counseling professionals have acquired from pursuing the Master’s degree and being employed in the profession.
The EdS Program will provide a venue for practicing counselors in clinical mental health or school settings to learn more about advancing client/student achievement and clarifying their professional identity. Additionally, the EdS Program will provide opportunities for counselors to further develop their clinical counseling and group skills, their professional identity, their theoretical orientations, and ability to supervise others. Throughout the program, counseling professionals will become more self-aware, more knowledgeable about current counseling policies and practices, more skilled at collaborating with other professionals to effect change, and more responsive to the particular needs of students and clients.
The EdS Program is designed to meet the needs of non-traditional students. Courses are offered during evening hours, on Saturdays, or in hybrid or online formats to accommodate those who may already be working in clinical mental health or school settings. Applicants who hold either current state counseling licensure or school counselor certification, and who have a history of professional counseling work and service to others will be considered more highly during the admissions process. Although the student body is quite varied, we are committed to increasing the numbers of diverse students in our program to be more representative of the surrounding community.
All of the full-time Counselor Education Program faculty hold doctoral degrees and have professional experience in their particular subject areas. Several hold professional licensure (LPC) and certifications, and they are actively involved in the counseling profession. Faculty members frequently present at state, regional, and national conferences, often in collaboration with counseling students, reporting on descriptive or experimental research which has been conducted during the program courses.
Admissions Procedures and Requirements
Please see the College of Education for specific admission information:
www.augusta.edu/education/asi/counseling_eds.php
Program Eligibility and Systematic Assessment of Students
Students are expected to maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 across all courses attempted in the EdS program. Any course in which a student earns a grade of D or F will need to be retaken. Student progress throughout the program is regularly monitored and assessed by program faculty. Students showing deficiencies in either academic or non-academic areas may be placed on probation and/or remediation status and may be either reinstated or dismissed based on subsequent academic or non-academic performance.
Consult the College of Education Graduate Programs portion of the university catalog for information on retention and exit from programs, time limits for completion of degree, graduate appeals and financial aid.
EdS in Counselor Education Degree Requirements:
• 30 semester hours of academic work
• Advanced practicum in counseling supervison
• Successful completion of a Professional Development Plan and Review during the final semester
Retention and Exit
Education Specialist Programs:
Academic Standing:
Good Standing: A student must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 throughout his/her graduate program. Only a grade of C or better will be counted as successful completion of a course for the graduate program. A grade of D or less will be counted in the cumulative GPA. A student must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
Probation: A student who fails to maintain the required average will be placed on “academic probation.” In order to remain in the graduate program, the student must reestablish the cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during the next semester of enrollment.
Suspension: A student who is unable to remediate the grade point average after one semester will be placed on “academic suspension” for a period of one semester.
Reinstatement: To apply for reinstatement, the student must meet with the advisor(s), prepare a formal plan to address the academic problems, and submit a letter of appeal for readmission to the department chair of the appropriate program after one semester of academic suspension.
Dismissal from the Graduate Program: If a student is suspended for the second time, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program. A student who has been dismissed may petition for readmission to the graduate program after one calendar year from the date of dismissal. A new application for the graduate program must be accompanied by a letter of appeal for admission.
The Counselor Education Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree graduate program at Augusta University prepares students for professional careers as either school counselors or counselors in community mental health or private practice settings. Early in the program, students are assisted as needed in determining which specialty area will most closely align with their career goals. Most courses require outside field experiences, coordinated by the faculty, to help students gain a sense of professional responsibilities and expectations in the field. Although the student body is quite varied, we are committed to increasing the numbers of diverse students enrolled in our program in order to be more representative of the surrounding community.
Both the School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration areas are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The Counselor Education Program is designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. Courses are generally offered during evening hours or on Saturdays to accommodate those who may already be working as school teachers or in other professional career areas. It is not required, however, that applicants have a teaching certificate or work experience for acceptance into the program. Those individuals with at least some work experience will be considered more highly. Both the School Counseling and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration areas also require intensive practicum and internship experiences near the end of the course of study. For future school counselors, the practicum and internship placements are completed in school settings at the elementary or secondary levels. For those specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, internships are held at local hospitals, mental health centers, and other community agencies.
All full-time Counselor Education Program faculty hold doctoral degrees and have professional experience in their particular subject areas. Several hold professional licensure (LPC) and certifications from the national or state certification organizations. They are also actively involved in the counseling profession, holding membership and/or offices in the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA), South Carolina School Counselor Association (SCSCA), Licensed Professional Counselors of Georgia (LPCG), South Carolina Counseling Association (SCCA) and other organizations. Faculty members frequently present at regional and national conferences, quite often in collaboration with counseling students, reporting on descriptive or experimental research which has been conducted during the program courses.
Admissions Procedures and Requirements
The Counselor Education Program faculty seeks to admit only those individuals who are personally and academically prepared to successfully complete the Master’s degree in clinical mental health or school counseling. Faculty members recognize the need for counselors to be sensitive and competent in working with diverse populations. In order to meet this need, they support multicultural perspectives throughout educational programs and actively seek a diverse student and faculty population. Additionally, faculty are committed to admitting students who demonstrate an awareness of self and others regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, gender, or other forms of diversity. Only those students who have completed the admissions process and have been accepted into the program may take counseling courses. Exceptions to those with previous graduate experience may be given on a case by case basis.
Admission to the program is competitive and based on several criteria. For all counseling programs, the student should exhibit those personal qualities or characteristics which, in the judgment of the faculty, are necessary for effective functioning in the role of a counselor. Applicants may obtain an application packet and more detailed admissions criteria from the Dean’s office in the College of Education.
Please note that application deadlines for the Counselor Education Program are:
Fall early bird: March 5
Fall semester admission: June 2
Spring Semester admission: November 2
These requirements include:
- Complete application and accompanying materials to the College of Education (COE) Graduate Program. Requirements include at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA, passing score on the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Basic Skills test (school counseling track applicants only), and a criminal background check (see Graduate Program section of catalog for complete requirements).
- GRE or MAT Minimum Scores (must have been taken within the last five years)
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Regular admission: minimum of 300 on the test overall, or a score of at least 146 on the Verbal subtest
Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT)
Regular admission: minimum of 388
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Applicants will include at least three professional recommendations using specified forms.
- Personal Autobiographical Essay
Applicants will write an autobiographical essay in which they discuss their reasons for wanting to become a counselor, what attributes they may possess which would contribute to their effectiveness as a counselor, what personal characteristics they possess that might hinder their relationships with clients, and how they are planning to address those issues. The essay must be double-spaced and three pages in length.
- Personal Interview
The personal interview with the faculty is the final requirement for full admission into the program. Shortly after the admissions deadline, faculty will select applicants to be invited to the interview based on the quality of the previous criteria. The interview is designed to assess applicants’ potential for forming effective interpersonal relationships in individual and group contexts; openness to self-examination and personal and professional growth; potential to develop knowledge, skills and dispositions in the field; potential to work effectively with diverse populations; emotional stability; receptiveness to supervision; degree to which the Program’s objectives and mission are consistent with the vocational and professional goals of applicants; and the degree to which applicants display the potential for success in the counseling program and profession. After the interview applicants are evaluated by the faculty with a rubric which considers all of these factors, including both academic and non-academic issues.
Applicants who gain admission are those who best match the characteristics described in the above paragraphs based on all of the information provided, the results of the interview, and the number of available openings for the upcoming semester.
The Admissions Committee makes its recommendations to the Dean of The Graduate School. The Office of Admissions sends each applicant a formal letter regarding the admission decision.
Program Eligibility and Systematic Assessment of Students
Students are expected to maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 across all courses attempted in the M.Ed. program. Any course in which a student earns a grade of D or F must be retaken. Student progress throughout the program is regularly monitored and assessed by program faculty. Students showing deficiencies in either academic or nonacademic areas may be placed on probation and/or remediation status, and may be either reinstated or dismissed based on subsequent academic or non-academic performance. Students must successfully complete all coursework and clinical experiences in order to graduate from the program.
Applicants and students should consult the Counselor Education Program Student Handbook (http://www.augusta.edu/education/asi/documents/ce_handbook.pdf) for more specific and updated information. The College of Education Graduate Programs portion of this catalog also contains important information on transfer hours, retention and exit from programs, time limits for completion of degree, graduate appeals and financial aid.
Retention and Exit
Masters Degree Programs:
Academic Standing:
Good Standing: A student must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 throughout his/her graduate program. Only a grade of C or better will be counted as successful completion of a course for the graduate program. A grade of D or less will be counted in the cumulative GPA. A student must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
Probation: A student who fails to maintain the required average will be placed on “academic probation.” In order to remain in the graduate program, the student must reestablish the cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during the next semester of enrollment.
Suspension: A student who is unable to remediate the grade point average after one semester will be placed on “academic suspension” for a period of one semester.
Reinstatement: To apply for reinstatement, the student must meet with the advisor(s), prepare a formal plan to address the academic problems, and submit a letter of appeal for readmission to the department chair of the appropriate program after one semester of academic suspension.
Dismissal from the Graduate Program: If a student is suspended for the second time, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program. A student who has been dismissed may petition for readmission to the graduate program after one calendar year from the date of dismissal. A new application for the graduate program must be accompanied by a letter of appeal for admission.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Degree Requirements - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
60 semester hours of academic work (51 hours must be completed at Augusta University)
9 semester hours of clinical internship in a community setting
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will meet all the requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Georgia, except for the three years of supervised post-graduate work experience. State licensure requirements may vary from state to state. Please consult the state licensure board website for specific requirements.
School Counseling
Degree Requirements - School Counseling Concentration
48 semester hours of academic work (39 hours must be completed at Augusta University)
3 semester hours credit in Teaching Students with Disabilities in General Education
9 semester hours of clinical internship in a school setting
Successful completion of the GACE I and II examination will yield school certification in the state of Georgia. (For candidates without a Bachelor’s degree in Education, the GACE School Counseling Tests I and II must also be taken.) The student applies to the university’s Certification Officer for certification after completion of all requirements for the degree.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will meet all of the requirements for certification as a school counselor in the state of Georgia.
Doctor of Education
Master of Education
Specialist in Education
Department of Kinesiology
Click on the links for additional information.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Major in Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the scientific study of the anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of body movement, especially in humans. The field of kinesiology is quite varied but generally consists of biomechanical, physiological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches to the study of movement. A degree in Kinesiology leads to careers in exercise; fitness, wellness, and health promotion; sport; and rehabilitation. The B.S.K is an appropriate undergraduate degree in preparation for professional graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, exercise physiology and other related areas. Coursework includes classes in motor learning, exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, structural kinesiology, nutrition, fitness testing, and exercise prescription. Students majoring in Kinesiology select one of four concentrations (focus area) for their degree: exercise and sport science, pre-physical therapy, health science, or nutrition.
Exercise and Sport Science
The Exercise and Sport Science concentration is designed to provide a strong science-based academic preparation for students who wish to pursue study in physical fitness and training. This track is also appropriate for students desiring to enter a graduate program in exercise science, exercise physiology, or who plan to work in fitness and cardiac rehabilitation professions.
Pre-Physical Therapy
The Pre-Physical Therapy concentration is an excellent preparatory program for graduate study in physical therapy as well as post-baccalaureate study in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation. Students learn the principles of measurement/evaluation as they relate to injury assessment and rehabilitation, principles of exercise physiology to prescribe safe and effective rehabilitation programs, and identify preventative techniques.
Health Science
This is a comprehensive training program for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree related to public health, occupational therapy, or physician’s assistant. It also prepares students to work as general health educators in health promotion/wellness programs at fitness/wellness facilities and/or corporations.
Nutrition
This is a Nutrition concentration as an area of study for the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. This concentration will enable graduates to apply for accredited masters programs with dietetic internships; it does NOT meet the requirements for application to a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian.
Special Note: The B.S.K. degree does not lead to initial certification for teaching P - 12 physical education.
Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Kinesiology
The Master of Science in Kinesiology is designed to advance students’ knowledge and experience in health and physical activity.
The Masters of Science in Kinesiology (M.S.K.) degree provides the knowledge and experience to students who have a related degree (e.g. B.S. Ed. in Health and Physical Education, B.S. in exercise science, exercise physiology, health science, allied health, etc.) to enhance their professional expertise. Programs of study will be individualized based upon student career goals but will emphasize exercise science-based topics at the advanced level, advanced quantitative and qualitative research classes and other areas of specialization (such as sports coaching and active aging) based on their science or health background. The M.S.K. degree offers a thesis (research paper with oral presentation) and non-thesis option (comprehensive written examinations and optional internship). Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree would benefit from the thesis option in preparation for dissertation research. Students interested in the sports coaching and active aging certificate programs and practical hands-on experience would benefit from the non-thesis option.
Thesis and oral presentation (Thesis option): Students selecting the thesis option will present their research and defend this to their committee as their final requirement for graduation. The M.S.K. Graduate Program Coordinator will oversee the selection and appointment of the Thesis committee that will consist of a minimum of three faculty members, with at least two being from the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. The faculty member with expertise and research interests most closely aligned to the student’s research area and methodology will be appointed the Chair of the committee. After completion of the oral presentation, the committee will evaluate and deliberate about whether the research paper and presentation demonstrate the required level of expertise to confer completion of the degree.
Comprehensive Written Examination (Non-thesis option): Students selecting the non-thesis option will complete written exams at the conclusion of their degree program. These exams will be compiled and proctored by the M.S.K. Graduate Program Coordinator in consultation with the student and selected faculty members in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. Three classes from the core/program area of the degree will be selected for the examination based upon the student’s career objectives and future plans. The questions will be open-ended in nature, with an emphasis on critical thinking and practical application. After completion of the exam, the selected faculty members will be asked to evaluate whether the responses to the exam questions demonstrate the required level of expertise to confer completion of the degree. The exam will be pass/fail in nature, with the student having to pass all three sections of the exam to complete the degree requirements. In the event that a student fails one out of three sections of the exam, the individual faculty member will offer an opportunity to repeat that section, either with another written exam and/or an oral exam. In the event that a student fails two or all three sections of the exam, the M.S.K. Graduate Program Coordinator, in consultation with the relevant faculty members, will debrief the student and clarify the area(s) of weakness that should be addressed by the student when preparing to repeat the Comprehensive Written Exam. If a student fails the exam (s)he must register for at least 3-credit hours in the next semester and re-apply to take it again then.
Retention and Exit from Masters Degree Programs:
Academic Standing:
Good Standing: A student must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 throughout his/her graduate program. Only a grade of C or better will be counted as successful completion of a course for the graduate program. A grade of D or less will be counted in the cumulative GPA. A student must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
Probation: A student who fails to maintain the required average will be placed on “academic probation.” In order to remain in the graduate program, the student must reestablish the cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during the next semester of enrollment.
Suspension: A student who is unable to remediate the grade point average after one semester will be placed on “academic suspension” for a period of one semester.
Reinstatement: To apply for reinstatement, the student must meet with the advisor(s), prepare a formal plan to address the academic problems, and submit a letter of appeal for readmission to the department chair of the appropriate program after one semester of academic suspension.
Dismissal from the Graduate Program: If a student is suspended for the second time, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program. A student who has been dismissed may petition for readmission to the graduate program after one calendar year from the date of dismissal. A new application for the graduate program must be accompanied by a letter of appeal for admission.
The Sports Coaching Certificate is designed to meet the needs of current and prospective coaches at all levels of coaching, with a particular emphasis on youth, interscholastic and intercollegiate settings. This program is designed to improve the overall athlete experience by educating coaches on the theory and practical real-world applications of professional ethics and best practices, sports performance and injuries, and the psychology of coaching.
Minor in Kinesiology
A minor may be earned in Kinesiology by successfully completing 18 upper division credit hours with a grade of C or better. All credit for a minor must be approved by an advisor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science.
Courses taken to satisfy Core Areas A through E may not be counted as coursework in the minor.
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Master of Science
Non-degree
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Department of Teaching and Leading
Clink on any of the links for additional information.
Undergraduate Program Information
Advisement
Due to the many, and sometimes changing, requirements for certification, advisement of students is a very important process in the College of Education. Because of this, students enrolled in a teacher preparation program may not utilize the self-advisement process. All students in teacher preparation programs should meet with and obtain approval from their advisor in order to register for courses.
Advisement Prior to Admission to Teacher Education
Students who have not been admitted to Teacher Education are advised by the Preadmission Advisor. This individual is available to assist students with a wide range of scheduling and planning issues.
Clinical and Professional Field Experiences
The teacher preparation programs at Augusta University place a strong emphasis on “hands-on” experiences with professional educators in actual classroom settings. Students should expect a field experience as a part of most courses in the preparation process. Clinical and field experiences are monitored for each student to insure that they have had the opportunity to work with diverse populations in a wide variety of educational levels and settings.
Due to the sensitive nature of working with children in the public schools, the Department of Public Safety at Augusta University will conduct a background review of all students at three specific points in the preparation program. The first check will be made as part of enrollment in EDUC 2110 - Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education. Only students who present a record free of criminal and/or disciplinary activity will be allowed to enter a public school classroom. The second check will be made as part of the admission to Teacher Education process. The third check will be made as a prerequisite to entering the student teaching experience. Students who are admitted to the student teaching experience must have a record free of criminal and/or disciplinary activity.
Student Teaching Experience
The student teaching experience is the culminating activity in all of the teacher preparation programs. Successful completion of this experience is required of all undergraduate students seeking a degree and certification in a teacher preparation field of study. In this experience, a student spends an entire semester working with a master teacher in a school classroom. At the end of this semester’s experience, students are expected to demonstrate all of the prerequisite skills required of an entry level teacher. Criteria for admission to the Student Teaching Semester are:
- Completion of all course work in the major area of study.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on all course work.
- A record free of criminal, disciplinary, and psychological problems.
- Verification of physical health appropriate to the requirements of a classroom teacher.
- The written recommendation of the student’s academic advisor.
Due to the intensive nature of the experience, students may not enroll in any additional course work during the Student Teaching Semester.
Recommendation for Certification
Teacher certification is granted by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission upon the recommendation of the College of Education. In order to be eligible for a recommendation for certification in the field of study, a student must:
- Complete all of the required course work in field of study.
- Successfully complete the Student Teaching Experience.
- Score successfully on the edTPA assessment.
- Earn a passing score on the GACE Content Area Assessment in the appropriate certification field.
- Earn a passing score on the GACE Ethics Exit Exam.
- Complete the application process for certification.
Admission to Teacher Education
Students may become “an education major” at the time of application to the university or at any point thereafter by selecting one of the teacher preparation programs offered in the college. Admission to teacher education, however, is a separate function and requires that the student meet all college, department, and program criteria. The following minimum admission criteria apply to all students seeking admission to Teacher Education. In some fields of study, additional requirements may apply. Students should check with the appropriate department to determine these special requirements. Foreign Language students may apply and be admitted after taking 60 semester hours.
- Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) on all attempted hours in the system core curriculum in areas A-F, as required for teacher preparation. Transfer students must have an overall GPA of 2.75, which includes any undergraduate transfer work and the Regents’ GPA for undergraduate work.
- A grade of C or better in all courses used in Area F of the Core.
- For students in the elementary, middle grades, secondary, and P-12 programs, a grade of C or better is required on all Core courses utilized in the certification program. For secondary and P-12 students, a cumulative grade point of at least 2.75 (4.0 scale) is required on all upper division courses taken as part of the major in which the student is seeking certification.
- Successful performance on the GACE Program Admissions Assessment and the GACE Ethics Entrance (350).
- Students may exempt GACE Program Admission with:
SAT – composite of 1000 using verbal and math scores
ACT – composite of 43 using verbal and quantitative scores
GRE – combined score of 297 using verbal and quantitative (re-centered from 1030)
- A record free of criminal, disciplinary, and psychological problems.
- Verification of physical health appropriate to the requirements of a classroom teacher. (see College of Education Technical Standards)
Admission to Teacher Education is a prerequisite for all upper division level professional education courses. Students must be admitted to Teacher Education in order to enroll in these courses.
Removal from Teacher Education Academic Policy Regulation
Good Standing: A student must maintain an overall grade point average of at least a 2.75 throughout his/her teacher education program. In addition, a student must make a C or better in every course in the major. (some programs have a higher requirement)
Probation from Teacher Education: A student who fails to maintain the required average or makes below a C in a course in the major will be placed on “Probation from Teacher Education”. In order to remain in the teacher education program, the student must reestablish the cumulative grade point average of 2.75 during the next semester of enrollment.
Suspension from Teacher Education: A student who is unable to remediate the grade point average after one semester will be placed on “Suspension from Teacher Education” for a period of one semester.
Reinstatement to Teacher Education: To apply for reinstatement to teacher education, the student must meet with his/her advisor, prepare a formal plan to address the academic problems, and submit a letter of appeal for reinstatement to the department chair of the appropriate program after one semester of suspension.
Removal from the Teacher Education Program: If a student is suspended for the second time, the student will be dismissed from the teacher education program. A student who has been dismissed may petition for readmission to the teacher education program after one calendar year from the date of dismissal. A new application for the teacher education program must be accompanied by a letter of appeal for admission.
Integrating Honors Students into Teacher Preparation
Elementary Education
The Honors student will determine, in conjunction with his or her education advisor, where the 3900 courses will fit into the student’s program of study.
HONR 3999, and HONR 4000 (2 hours) will be substituted for the student teaching seminar in ECED 4491.The Honors capstone course will be substituted for 1 hour of the student’s student teaching. The Honors thesis will be done in conjunction with field experiences.
Middle Grades Education
The Honors student will determine, in conjunction with his or her education advisor, where the two Honors 3900 courses will be substituted. The 3900 courses will be substituted in the student’s content concentration.
HONR 3999 , and HONR 4000 (2 hours) will be substituted for the student teaching seminar in MGED 4210. The Honors capstone course will be substituted for one hour of the student’s student teaching. The Honors thesis will be done in conjunction with field experiences.
Special Education
The Master of Education degree and the Education Specialist degree are designed to extend and enrich previous course work in professional education as well as previous clinical and field experience. These programs prepare individuals to become master teachers and administrators.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is designed for those seeking initial teacher certification at the Master’s degree level. It has a dual function: to provide initial teacher certification as well as the Master’s degree. Students completing an undergraduate degree in teacher education are not eligible for the MAT degree. A student must pass all Georgia certification requirements before becoming certified. Individuals who possess at least a baccalaureate degree and who do not hold a teaching certificate are eligible for this program. The baccalaureate degree must be in a field of specialization closely related to the certification area being sought.
Recommendation for Certification
Teacher certification is granted by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission upon the recommendation of the College of Education. In order to be eligible for a recommendation for certification in the field of study, a student must:
- Complete all of the required course work in field of study.
- Successfully complete the Student Teaching Experience.
- Score successfully on the edTPA assessment.
- Earn a passing score on the Georgia Certification Exam in the appropriate certification field.
- Complete the application process for certification.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Early Childhood Education
Foreign Language
Middle Grades Education
Music Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Master of Education in Instruction
Elementary Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instruction is designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching certificate and seek an advanced graduate degree. The program consists of 36 semester hours. All content coursework will reflect existing certification areas.
Required field assignments are completed in each education course in the program. Candidates will complete an electronic portfolio in addition to the M.Ed. coursework to demonstrate their ability with the conceptual framework principles of the College of Education.
Georgia Educators must hold a valid, level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate, or Life certificate for program admission.
Applicants who are interested in this degree but do not hold a teaching certificate should contact the Program Director or the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in the College of Education.
Career Opportunities
This degree provides certified educators with advanced pedagogy, best practices, research, and theory in the field of Curriculum and Instruction. The degree may also be relevant for applicants who work in professional development or training in industry, business, non-profits, or other educational settings.
Middle Grades/Secondary Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instruction is designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching certificate and seek an advanced graduate degree. The program consists of 36 semester hours. All content coursework will reflect existing certification areas.
Required field assignments are completed in each education course in the program. Candidates will complete an electronic portfolio in addition to the M.Ed. coursework to demonstrate their ability with the conceptual framework principles of the College of Education.
Georgia Educators must hold a valid, level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate, or Life certificate for program admission.
Applicants who are interested in this degree but do not hold a teaching certificate should contact the Program Director or the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in the College of Education.
Retention and Exit from Masters Degree Programs:
Academic Standing:
Good Standing: A student must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 throughout his/her graduate program. Only a grade of C or better will be counted as successful completion of a course for the graduate program. A grade of D or less will be counted in the cumulative GPA. A student must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
Probation: A student who fails to maintain the required average will be placed on “academic probation.” In order to remain in the graduate program, the student must reestablish the cumulative grade point average of 3.0 during the next semester of enrollment.
Suspension: A student who is unable to remediate the grade point average after one semester will be placed on “academic suspension” for a period of one semester.
Reinstatement: To apply for reinstatement, the student must meet with the advisor(s), prepare a formal plan to address the academic problems, and submit a letter of appeal for readmission to the department chair of the appropriate program after one semester of academic suspension.
Dismissal from the Graduate Program: If a student is suspended for the second time, the student will be dismissed from the graduate program. A student who has been dismissed may petition for readmission to the graduate program after one calendar year from the date of dismissal. A new application for the graduate program must be accompanied by a letter of appeal for admission.
School Administration (Tier One)
The graduate program in Leadership is a performance-based program that is aligned with both NCATE standards and Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) standards. Information on educational leadership certification rules, as stipulated by the Georgia PSC, is available on the PSC’s website (www.gapsc.com). Candidates seeking certification in school leadership or teacher leadership are responsible for ensuring the M.Ed. in Leadership is appropriate in their respective states.
Teacher Leadership
The graduate program in Leadership is a performance-based program that is aligned with both NCATE standards and Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) standards. Information on educational leadership certification rules, as stipulated by the Georgia PSC, is available on the PSC’s website (www.gapsc.com). Candidates seeking certification in school leadership or teacher leadership are responsible for ensuring the M.Ed. in Leadership is appropriate in their respective states.
The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is a 30-hour performance-based program for educators who currently hold a Tier One Standard Professional Leadership Certificate and are presently in leadership roles. Educators who complete this program may be eligible for the Tier Two Leadership Certification in the state of Georgia, following the successful completion of all required coursework and state assessments. A certification-only option is available for educators who have earned and Ed.S. degree or higher.
Certificates Program Information
The Certificate in Health Professions Education is designed specifically for health professions educators - clinical instructors, faculty, and preceptors - who teach or who are interested in teaching in experiential and clinical lab settings.
Courses are designed specifically for faculty, future faculty, residents, and graduate students in the health sciences to accommodate demanding workloads and less flexible schedules. Similarly, fellows, residents, or professional students with a unique interest or need in health sciences education are often challenged to access more traditional training formats.
Each of the 12 courses is a one-hour graduate education experience. Ten of the 12 are offered in an asynchronous online format. All 12 classes must be completed successfully before a person can earn a Health Professions Education Certificate. Learners may select individual modules to complete for individual credits rather than completing the entire certificate program if they so desire.
The certificate is an academic credential offered through the College of Education.
Bachelor of Science in Education
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Education
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Post-Master’s Certificate
Specialist in Education
