Certification in Workforce Education
The non-degree programs in Workforce Education are designed for students seeking initial certification in a career and technical education (CTE) specialization area without pursuing a degree program.
Offered through the UGA New Teacher Institute (PACTE-NTI), the part-time course sequence is differentiated based on your educational background and professional goals:
- Non-Degree Post-Baccalaureate Program
This pathway serves candidates holding at least a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial teaching certification in any career and technical education field. Candidates earn graduate-level credit through the University of Georgia. - Certification-Only Professional Learning Unit (PLU) Program
This pathway serves provisionally certified candidates who do not hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial teacher certification in Health Sciences Education or Trade and Industrial Education. Students earn Professional Learning Units (PLUs) which are applied toward their certification with the GaPSC.
The following Career and Technical Education fields under Workforce Education are approved by GAPSC :
- Business Education
- Marketing Education
- Technology Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Health Sciences Occupations
- Engineering and Technology Education
Note: If you plan to teach in marketing, business, technical and family and consumer sciences areas, you must have an undergraduate degree.
Highlights
- Flexible, part-time program available for college or PLU credit
- Ideal route to certification for employed teachers with non-renewable certificates
- Program begins each June 4. More than 500 teachers have graduated from the program since 2001, with a substantial percentage now serving as department heads, assistant principals, and principals.
Curriculum
The non-degree certification program in Workforce Education is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree (4-year degree) or higher in a field outside of education with specialization in an area related to career and technical education (Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences/Occupations, Marketing, Engineering and Technology, and Trade and Industrial-Career Technical Specializations) and are seeking initial teaching certification. Persons enrolling in the non-degree option are seeking initial teacher certification in a CTAE area without the completion of a graduate degree.
Admission Requirements:
- Completed and submitted Graduate School application. Select non-degree in Workforce Education.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally-accredited institution.
- Be currently employed as a teacher by a Georgia school system in a CTAE area.
Non-degree certification is part of the New Teacher Institute (NTI) and begins each Summer.
Classes meet on Tuesdays & Thursdays -1:00 -3:00 P.m. via ZOOM. Additional online assignments ate required.
Required Certification Courses/Internship
- WFED 6350: Curriculum 3 | Summer PACTE-NTI
- WFED 6360: Instructional Strategies 3 | Summer PACTE-NTI
- WFED 7550: Special Needs 3 – Must earn a B | Spring - online
- WFED 6010: Foundations 3 | Fall - online
- EPSY (60101 6060, OR 6800): Educational Psychology 3 – Select ONE course
- WFED 7460: Teaching Internship 12 | 6 hours Fall + 6 hours Spring
OR Traditional Student Teaching
Program of Study for Non-Degree Certification (Post-Baccalaureate)
Program of Study for Certification-Only (Professional Learning Units)
Read FAQs About the Workforce Education Programs
Our Faculty
Our nationally recognized faculty will work with you to customize your degree program. Learn more about our faculty and their expertise .
Admissions
Admission processes are dependent upon the candidate’s goals and background.
Non-Degree Certification (Post-Baccalaureate) Application
Students holding a bachelor’s degree will apply through the University of Graduate School . In the application, prospective students should submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Resume
Start a Graduate School Application
Certification-Only Application (Professional Learning Unit)
Students applying to the Certification-Only (PLU) program will submit their applications directly to the Workforce Education Program. Candidates must:
- Be currently employed by a Georgia school system in Health (Occupations) Sciences Education or Trade and Industrial Education (CTE Specializations).
- Agree to pay the program fee (established each year by Summer) by the end of the Summer session to the University of Georgia – Workforce Education Professional Academy of Career and Technical Educators (PACTE). The fee includes the Summer PACTE program (Curriculum and Instructional Strategies) and supervision of the year-long teaching internship.
Download the application below and submit it to Dr. Elaine Adams , Program Coordinator.
Deadline to Apply
May 1 (Summer admission)Student Outcome Data
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