EdS in Education (Reading Education, Children's Literature, and Language Arts P-5 or 6-12)
If you have your master’s degree and are looking to further your language and literacy expertise, our highly flexible educational specialist program allows you to pursue topics that interest you in a format that fits your schedule.
This degree is also a great fit if you wish to further your studies but are unsure if a doctorate is for you. Our graduates return to the classroom with greater expertise and authority, serving as school-based literacy coaches, department heads, Title III program coordinators, parent-school liaisons, and curriculum writers.
This emphasis will help you hone your pedagogical capabilities within the diverse field of language and literacy education. Choose from among several areas of emphasis to personalize your program to your background and interests and earn a certificate upgrade.
Each program of study involves three core areas:
- Curriculum and learning
- Content based on certification level
- Electives focused on improving student learning
Highlights
- Among U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Top 10 graduate programs
- For working teachers who already hold a master’s degree
- Earn a certificate upgrade when your studies align with initial certification
- Range of course formats, including online, weekends, and nights
Curriculum
Coursework in this area of emphasis includes:
- 3 hours in curriculum and learning topics
- 3 hours of research
- 3 hours of an applied project
- 9 hours of content and grade-level specific classes
- 12 hours of electives for improving student learning
You’ll work with an advisor to design a flexible program that works for you and your academic goals.
Whatever format you choose, you’ll work with faculty members who are internationally recognized for their innovative teaching practices and research in language and literacy education.
If you align your studies with your initial certification, you should be able to earn a certificate upgrade in that area. Please check with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to confirm your eligibility for a certificate upgrade.
You may also pursue add-on endorsements such as reading, gifted education, ESOL, or educational leadership as part of your program of study.
Admissions
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the Ed.S. in Education (Reading Education, Literature and Language Arts P-5 or 6-12)
While completing your Graduate School application, please include the following documents:
- Current resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants
- Statement of Purpose
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- International applicants are required to submit either their TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Please indicate in your statement of purpose which area of emphasis below you intend to pursue for the Ed.S. program (i.e. English Education, LCL, or World Language Education or TESOL)
In addition to the Graduate School application
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- You must hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an area of language and/or literacy education, or a related field.
- For international residents, you must take the TOEFL, or the IELTS. We require the following scores:
- TOEFL: at least a score of 100 with a minimum score of 25 in speaking and a 25 in writing
- IELTS: at least a score of 7 with a minimum score of 6.5 in speaking and a 6.5 in writing
- For applicants applying with a TESOL or World Language Education emphasis and for international residents, you must also demonstrate proficiency with two languages as evidenced by:
- A bachelor’s degree in English linguistics and literature
- A master’s degree where English was the medium of instruction
- We recommend an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher
- We recommend at least two years teaching experience
Deadline to Apply
We are not accepting applications for the 2025 academic year.
- October 15 (Spring)
- February 15 (Summer, international)
- April 1 (Summer, domestic)
- April 1 (Fall)
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.
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.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
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.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
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.