Department of Educational Theory and Practice
If you are interested in being a part of your community as a teacher, teacher leader, or researcher, study with the Department of Educational Theory and Practice. We are home to initial certification programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in:
We also provide continuing education for these areas through master of education and educational specialist degrees, as well as a doctoral program in educational theory and practice.
Faculty and students work with projects that integrate research, teaching, and service through community engagement. Local projects include:
- Professional Development School partnership with the Clarke County School District
- Science education professional development projects with surrounding school districts
- Collaboration with homeschooling families
- Neighborhood-based education center emphasizing creativity and critical literacies
Our faculty are highly productive, award-winning researchers and teachers. Our grant-funded projects expand knowledge around issues in teaching, learning, and learning to teach in varied contexts. Our faculty regularly publish in top-tier peer-reviewed journals and newspapers, and present at workshops.
Concentrations
- Elementary Education
The Elementary Education program helps prepare teachers of prekindergarten through fifth grade for diverse and inclusive educational settings, learning how to produce educational knowledge and apply it to benefit children, families, and communities.
- Middle Grades Education
The Middle Grades Education Program is a leader in the field of middle school reform and is one of the oldest middle school-specific teacher certification programs in the nation.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- BSEd in Middle Grades Education / MEd in Middle Grades
Master content for specific grade levels with a Double Dawgs pathway that combines bachelor's- and master's-level courses in middle grades education.
- AB in English / MAT in Middle Grades Education
Combine the broad benefits of a bachelor's degree in English with the specialization of a master of arts in teaching with this Double Dawgs pathway.
- AB in History / MAT in Middle Grades Education
This degree pathway gives you the versatility of a bachelor's degree in history while satisfying the high demand for middle grades teachers.
- BSEd in Elementary Education / MEd in Elementary Education
Embrace learning during a child's formative years through a Double Dawgs pathway that offers both a bachelor's and a master's degree in elementary education.
Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)
- BSEd in Middle Grades Education (Grades 4-8)
Our program is a national leader in middle school reform and leads to certification in two subject areas.
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in Middle Grades Education (Online)
- MEd in Middle Grades Education
- MEd in Elementary Education
Earn your M.Ed. in Elementary Education through the University of Georgia's nationally recognized program.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- MAT in Elementary Education
Learn to work with children, families, and communities. Gain certification for grades prekindergarten through fifth with our M.A.T. in Elementary Education program.
- MAT in Elementary Education (Gwinnett Campus)
This version of the Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education at the University of Georgia is specially designed for these GaPSC provisionally certified teachers of record who seek initial teacher certification in grades PK-5.
- MAT in Middle Grades Education through the UGA Teacher Residency Program
The University of Georgia’s Teacher Residency Program is a full-time, in-person, three-semester program that prepares, supports, and retains middle grades teachers. In this initial certification program, teacher residents will earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Grades Science for grades 4-8.
- MAT in Middle Grades Education (Online)
Our two-year online program provides rigorous preparation while also meeting the needs of working adults, including provisionally certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and those in other careers interested in becoming educators. You will move through the program in a cohort, providing a built-in professional learning community.
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Education (Elementary Education)
- EdS in Education (Middle Grades Education Grades 4-8)
Our program is a leader in the field of middle school reform and is one of the oldest middle school-specific Ed.S. programs in the nation.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Critical Studies)
Tackle pressing issues in the field of education and challenges facing diverse communities with the Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice.
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Early Childhood Education)
Tackle pressing issues in the field of education and challenges facing diverse communities with the Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice.
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Elementary Education)
Tackle pressing issues in the field of education and challenges facing diverse communities with the Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice.
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Middle Grades Education)
Tackle pressing issues in the field of education and challenges facing diverse communities with the Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice.
- PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Teacher Education)
Tackle pressing issues in the field of education and challenges facing diverse communities with the Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice.
Faculty Videos
Support Our Programs
Donate to a Specific Unit/ProgramScholarships and Financial Assistance
In addition to the following departmental scholarships, learn more about additional opportunities for financial assistance on the College’s financial aid page .
Student Organizations
Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA)
To promote and support the professional development of future middle level/grade teachers.
Faculty advisor: Gayle Andrews
Educational Theory and Practice Graduate Student Organization (ETAP-GSO)
The ETAP-GSO is a student-led organization that maintains a close relationship with the ETAP faculty in order to foster academic discourse in areas such as elementary education, elementary education, middle-grades education, critical studies, and general teacher education. We strive to be stewards of our departmental philosophy and support graduate student efforts in their scholarly pursuits.
Faculty advisor: Cheryl Fields-Smith
Minorities in Education (MIE)
Minorities in Education serves as an outlet and support system for underrepresented students in education and future educators in the College of Education
Latest News
- College faculty, staff, and graduate student recognized during 2025 Honors Week
This year, two faculty members, a staff member, and a graduate student in the College were recognized for their accomplishments in both the classroom and the local community.
- Gayle Andrews named to prestigious Meigs professorship
Professor Gayle Andrews was recently named one of three Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professors, UGA’s highest recognition for excellence in instruction.
- Blending science and Spanish
Elementary education students in the College gain experience teaching science in a dual language immersion setting at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary.