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BSEd in Middle Grades Education (Grades 4-8)

As one of the oldest and most prestigious middle school-specific teacher certification programs in the nation, the B.S.Ed. in Middle Grades Education offers you unique opportunities to teach grades 4-8.

As a recognized leader in the field of middle school reform, we focus our degree program on the study of young adolescents and middle grades education.

Highlights

  1. Continually ranked in the top 5 by U.S. News & World Report
  2. Internationally recognized faculty
  3. Earn Georgia teacher certification in grades 4-8
  4. Certification in two subject areas
  5. Program uses a cohort-based model
  6. Various joint bachelor’s/master’s degrees are available through Double Dawgs Pathways

Curriculum

During the course of the program, all candidates will have an opportunity to work with children in each of the grade bands as required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The grade bands are 4–5 and 6–8. Our degree program focuses on the study of young adolescents and middle grades education with a special emphasis on:

  • School-university partnerships
  • Diversity
  • The development of positive learning environments
  • Education for students from high-poverty and non-native English-speaking populations
  • Middle grades curriculum, instruction, and assessment
  • Subject-specific education (such as mathematics, science, etc.)
  • Family and community engagement
  • Civic education
  • Middle school policy studies

Our courses cover topics such as:

  • The philosophy behind middle schools
  • Young adolescent learners
  • Planning and instruction in middle schools
  • The role of family-school-community interactions

You will take seven courses required by your major and 10 courses related to your area of emphasis.

Content-area courses give you the opportunity to study one of the following combinations in two content areas you plan to teach:

  • Language arts and science
  • Language arts and social studies
  • Mathematics and language arts
  • Mathematics and science
  • Social studies and mathematics
  • Science and social studies

Additional certification requirements include passing:

  • Major requirements
  • Area of emphasis requirements (10 courses)
  • GACE II area of emphasis assessments

Our school-based field experiences include:

  • First year
    We place you in a middle-grades classroom with an experienced mentor teacher.
  • Second year
    We place you in a different school context, and you’ll remain there the entire school year. You’ll teach part-time in the Fall semester and then as a full-time student teacher during the Spring semester.

Learn more about the Middle Grades Double Dawg Pathways

The Middle Grades Education program has Double Dawgs pathways that offer students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years or less to save time and money while positioning themselves for success after graduation.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

Download Four-Year Plan (PDF)

How to Apply

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

Students must be accepted to UGA before entering a College of Education program.

Start UGA Application

Part 2: Apply to the B.S.Ed. in Middle Grades Education (Grades 4-8)

The B.S.Ed. in Middle Grades Education (Grades 4-8) admits cohorts for Fall semesters only.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA of 2.50
  • No more than nine hours remaining in Core Areas I-VI (not including in-progress coursework)
  • Completion of (or current enrollment in) EDUC 2120/2120E, EDUC (EPSY) 2130/2130E, and a Sociocultural Foundations Course

Fall 2024 Major Admissions Timeline

  • Application Opens – December 20th
  • Application Deadline for Priority Consideration – January 19th, at 5:00 p.m.
  • After January 19th, applications will be considered on a space-available basis.
  • Admissions Decisions Released for Priority Applicants – February 5th

Application Materials

To apply to the Middle Grades Education program, use the College’s Major application, linked below. In your application, you’ll submit the following materials:

  • Resume
    A particular format is not required.
  • Unofficial Transcript
    Applicants should upload a copy of their unofficial transcripts in a single PDF file.
  • Statement of Purpose
    Examine the Middle Grades Education Program’s commitments and respond to the three application questions. Each response should be 350-500 words. You will be required to attach your responses to these questions in the electronic Middle Grades Education Program Application.

Go to the Commitments and Application Questions

Apply to the Program

Program Requirements for Admitted Students

  • Complete Areas I-VI of the core curriculum
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA (overall and cumulative)

Student Outcome Data

2022-2023 Program Assessment

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

Faculty and Advisors

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

All undergraduate students at UGA meet with an academic advisor each semester. This meeting is critical to student success and provides a chance to discuss courses and electives, certification criteria, and general graduation requirements.

Find Your Advisor

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates   Browse Financial Aid

Student Life

Through our partnership with the UGA/Clarke County schools’ Professional Development School District, we use an innovative student-centered approach to improve quality of education. You benefit from collaborations with experienced teachers and faculty through this partnership.

As a middle grades education student, you’re eligible to join the UGA student chapter of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). AMLE serves to advance the education of students between the critical ages of 10 to 15 years.

Enrich your student experience through hundreds of other campus organizations. For more information, visit the Center for Student Organizations.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

Schedule A Visit

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