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Non-Degree Certification in Science Education

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Earn your science teaching certificate without the commitment of a master's degree through this one-year, graduate-level, non-degree program aimed at students with a background in science but not education.

You will study science education topics, gain classroom experience, and earn certification in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth/space science. You will earn initial T-4 certification to teach science in grades 6-12 in your subject area of choice.

You can upgrade your certification later through our MEd in Science Education. If you are interested in earning advanced T-5 certification immediately, consider our MAT in Science Education.

Highlights

  • Earn initial certification to teach science in grades 6-12
  • Gain field experience in middle and high schools
  • Spans two full-time semesters

Curriculum

You will take courses in educational psychology, special education, and science education, including practical experiences in both middle and high school science classrooms and a full-time, semester-long student teaching experience.

Students must be full-time for two academic-year semesters in order to complete the coursework required for certification.

If your undergraduate degree doesn't relate closely to science, you may need to take one or more undergraduate-level science courses before starting our certification program. Based on your background, additional science courses may be required.

Download a Program of Study

Our Faculty

Our nationally recognized faculty will work with you to customize your degree program. Learn more about our faculty and their expertise.

Admissions

Students in the non-degree certification program in science education are presumed to hold a bachelor's degree in a core science field (biology, chemistry, earth/space science, or physics), and many already hold higher degrees. Applicants with a science-related major or with a more limited coursework background in one of the core science areas will have their transcripts evaluated by our faculty to determine if further undergraduate-level science content coursework must be completed before admission to the program.

When completing the Graduate School application, be sure to apply as non-degree status. Unlike for graduate degree programs, GRE test score reports are not required for the non-degree certification program.

By state mandate, applicants must have an absolute minimum undergraduate (or combined undergraduate and graduate) GPA of 2.5 to be considered for admission, and few applicants are admitted without a GPA of at least 3.0.

3 letters of recommendation

You will identify your letter writers and provide them the recommendation form. Ask your letter writers to complete the form and send directly to Katrina Neidlinger. Choose recommenders who know your academic work well and can speak to your capacity to complete the required mathematics course work and to work with secondary students in schools. Do not solicit "character references" from friends, family, or people you know socially.

Deadline to Apply

  • February 15 (fall)
  • September 15 (spring)

Late applications may be considered.

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.

Meet Your Advisor

Meet Your Advisor

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

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Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

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Student Life

Student Life

Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.

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