MA in Education (Middle Grades Education)

Introduction

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education with an area of emphasis in middle grades education will enable students to explore theories, issues, and approaches in middle grades education through coursework and the development of research competencies, culminating in the completion of an approved M.A. thesis. At the end of their studies, students will emerge with advanced knowledge of the variety of issues inherent in the study of curriculum development, middle grades schools, and society, and will be prepared to conduct research.

Highlights

1. World-renowned faculty
2. Gain a master’s thesis as part of a research-oriented program
3. Make yourself more marketable with research skills when considering pursuit of doctoral programs

Curriculum

Take core courses in middle grades education, curriculum and instruction, research, and ancillary areas of education to sharpen your research skills. We encourage you to focus on your research interests and take research courses across the College and University.

Most of our students go on to pursue a doctoral degree.

Our middle grades education faculty members are active in national organizations and have expertise in fields such as:

• Adolescent development
• Professional learning and teacher development
• Service learning
• Youth studies
• Culturally responsive classroom guidance practices
• Science education
• Experiential learning
• School-university partnerships

This degree program meets the GaPSC requirements for a certification upgrade (T-5) for public school teachers who are certified in middle grades education at the T-4 level.

The program of study for the middle grades education emphasis requires at least 30 credit hours distributed as follows:

Middle Grades Education (9 hours)

Choose 9 hours from the following:

• EDMG 7030: The Middle Grades (4-8): Creating Safer and Equitable Spaces for Young Adolescents (3 hours)
• EDMG 7050: Critical Constructions of Young Adolescents (3 hours)
• EDMG 7200: Trends and Issues in Middle Grades Education (3 hours)
• EDMG 7300: Teaching Young Adolescents with an Equity-Oriented Inquiry Stance (3 hours)

Curriculum and Instruction (6 hours)

Choose 6 hours from the following:

• EDMG(ETAP) 7060S: Theory and Practice of Service-Learning in P-12 Settings (3 hours)
• EDMG 7080: Equity-Oriented Curriculum Planning in the Middle Grades (4-8) (3 hours)
• EDMG 7090: Equity-Oriented Instructional Strategies for Young Adolescents (3 hours)
• ETAP 7310: Critical Studies in Educational Theory & Practice (3 hours)
• ETAP 7400E: Personalized Learning for Students and Educators (3 hours)
• ETAP 7410E: Hunger in Our Schools (3 hours)
• ETAP 7420: Ethical and Justice Frameworks for Education (3 hours)
• ETAP 7610: Classroom Management in Culturally Responsive Classrooms (3 hours)
• ETAP 7700: Sustainability Education: Promising Practices (3 hours)
• ETAP 7800: Critical Pedagogy (3 hours)
• Other appropriate course(s) approved by the faculty advisor

Electives (6 hours)

• Appropriate courses approved by the faculty advisor

Research (6 hours)

Choose 6 hours from the following:

• EDEL 7650: Literature Review in Elementary Education (3 hours)
• ERSH 6200: Methods of Research in Education (3 hours)
• ERSH 6300: Applied Statistical Methods in Education (3 hours)
• ETAP(QUAL)(ERSH) 7500: Action Research (3 hours)
• QUAL 7800: Topics in Educational Research (1-3 hours)
• QUAL 8400: Qualitative Research Traditions (3 hours)
• Other appropriate course(s) approved by the faculty advisor

Thesis (3 hours)

• ETAP 7300: Master’s Thesis (3 hours)

How to Apply

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 M.A. in Education (Area of Emphasis in Middle Grades Education: MGED)

Admission is dependent on a number of factors, including the match of the student’s interests to faculty research interests, GPA, and availability of an appropriate advisor.

The M.A. in Education (middle grades education) is considered a typical route to the doctorate because of its strong research emphasis.

Applications require:

• Statement of purpose
• TOELF/IELTS scores (for international students)
• Current resume
• Transcripts from every institution at which a degree was earned
• 3 letters of recommendations (preferably 2 of them from faculty who taught you as a student)

Deadline to Apply

• Applications are due December 1 for admission into the following fall semester
• This program only accepts for fall admission

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