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
- 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 program of study will kick off with a 10-day “boot camp” experience at the Athens campus, jumpstarting your knowledge of curriculum and instructional methods, and developing camaraderie among your peers.
The course sequence for teaching certification consists of six core courses with the specific content and training needed to enter the teaching field. Required coursework includes:
- Curriculum development
- Instructional methods
- Internship
- Foundations of work and family life
- Students with special needs
- Human growth and development
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)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.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.
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.