Department of Language and Literacy Education
Come work, study, and learn with the nationally and internationally recognized faculty of the Department of Language and Literacy Education. We offer a wide and robust selection of endorsement, certificate, and degree programs for educators interested in literacy learning and language acquisition. Whether on campus, online, or some combination of the two, there is a language and literacy program to fit your needs.
Our three areas of focus—English education, literacies and children’s literature, and TESOL and world language education—provide cutting-edge instruction marked by innovative design, challenging content, and rich professional relationships. Graduates of our BSEd, MEd, MAT, and EdS programs take their expertise to schools throughout the Southeast, while our doctoral graduates populate research-intensive universities across the nation.
Admission to programs and majors in the Department of Language and Literacy Education will not be adversely affected at the department level by an applicant’s history of participation in social justice activism or in peaceful protests seeking social or political change.
Vision Statement
We, members of the Language and Literacy Education Department, are a community of scholars, researchers, educators, clinicians, and innovators committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We teach. We learn. We question. We fail. We strive to interrogate and sustain multiple perspectives in language, literacy, and aligned fields that cultivate inclusive environments. We are committed to promoting the success of faculty, students, and staff of all racial and socioeconomic groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and national origins. We believe all people deserve equity in education, and we work diligently to maintain a department where all scholars can thrive, free from discrimination, bigotry, inequity, harassment, or violence of any kind. We support current and future educators who are reflective of, and sensitive to, an increasingly diverse society.
Concentrations
- English Education
The English Education faculty members have a legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and service at UGA.
- Literacies and Children's Literature
Ranked among the top 10 programs in the country, our degrees focus on innovative research and teaching practices. Faculty members engage students in critical inquiry and an analysis of literacy issues based on each student's experience and goals.
- TESOL and World Language Education
Earn a degree in TESOL and World Language Education to teach in the United States or internationally. Help others learn a second language and expand your career options to a global level.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- AB in Arabic / MAT in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Upon completion of the AB in Arabic/MAT in TESOL program, candidates will be eligible for a T-5 level certification in Georgia and enjoy reciprocity benefits with other states in the country.
- AB in Classics / MAT in World Language Education
- AB in German / MAT in World Language Education
- BSEd in English Education / MEd in English Education
Extend your teaching skills in English and language arts with an immersive Double Dawgs pathway that combines initial teacher preparation with a year of graduate study and mentorship in your first year as a teacher.
- AB in Spanish / MAT in World Language Education
- AB in Romance Languages (Portuguese/Spanish) / MAT in World Language Education
- AB in Asian Languages and Literature / MAT in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Graduates of the AB in Asian Languages and Literature/MAT in TESOL program are in high demand for positions in schools both in Georgia and across the United States.
- AB in Asian Languages and Literature / MAT in World Language Education
- AB in French / MAT in World Language Education
- BSEd in TESOL and World Language Education / MEd (non-thesis) in TESOL and World Language Education
- AB in Linguistics / MAT in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
This program is ideal for students looking to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in Georgia P-12 public schools and also fulfills requirements for both a master's degree and T-5 certification.
- 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.
Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)
- BSEd in TESOL and World Language Education
Earn certification as a world language / TESOL teacher at UGA's highly regarded program featuring hands-on classroom experience and an accomplished, internationally renowned faculty.
- BSEd in English Education
This program prepares you to teach secondary-school English with classes in literature, composition, and language as well as student-teaching experience.
Dual Degrees
- AB/BSEd in French/World Language Education
The BSEd program prepares students to teach modern, classical, and less commonly taught languages in pre-school through 12th grade. There are established plans of study for French, German, Latin, and Spanish education.
- AB/BSEd in German/World Language Education
The BSEd program prepares students to teach modern, classical, and less commonly taught languages in pre-school through 12th grade. There are established plans of study for French, German, Latin, and Spanish education.
- AB/BSEd in Spanish/World Language Education
The BSEd program prepares students to teach modern, classical, and less commonly taught languages in pre-school through 12th grade. There are established plans of study for French, German, Latin, and Spanish education.
- AB/BSEd in English/English Education
Pursue your academic interests and your passion for educating others with a dual degree from the UGA College of Education and Department of English.
Minors
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in English Education
The MEd in English Education is designed for credentialed secondary school teachers who wish to advance their teaching of English, or the study of literature and other texts, instruction in composition, and language study.
- MEd in TESOL and World Language Education
TESOL and world language education has an exciting array of course and degree options for students interested in teaching and learning more than one language.
- MEd in Reading Education (Children's Literature and Language Arts, P-5)
Become a vital part of the literacy learning process with an MEd in Reading Education. The program focuses on issues students face from preschool to high school.
- MEd in Reading Education (New and Digital Literacies, Online)
- MEd in Reading Education (P-5 or 6-12 Certification Upgrade)
Become a vital part of the literacy learning process with an MEd in Reading Education. The program focuses on issues students face from preschool to high school.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- MAT in English Education
Designed to prepare teacher candidates who have already earned a BA or BS for a certified secondary school teaching position in English, or the study of literature and other texts, instruction in composition, and language study.
- MAT in TESOL
Gain exposure to new theoretical orientations, research methods, and TESOL teaching approaches with UGA's MAT in TESOL program.
- MAT in World Language Education
The MAT in World Language Education offers specialization in Spanish, French, German, Latin, and less commonly taught languages.
Master of Arts (MA)
- MA in Education (Literacies and Children's Literature)
This program is designed for those who want to become an educator but have sights set beyond the K-12 classroom, or for experienced educators who wish to conduct intense literacy research.
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Education (English Education)
Further your language and literacy expertise in this flexible program that allows you to pursue your topics of interest in the format that works best for you.
- EdS in Education (TESOL or World Language Education)
Further your language and literacy expertise in this flexible program that allows you to pursue your topics of interest in the format that works best for you.
- EdS in Education (Reading Education, Children's Literature, and Language Arts P-5 or 6-12)
Further your language and literacy expertise in this flexible program that allows you to pursue your topics of interest in the format that works best for you.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Language and Literacy Education (English Education)
Pursue a career as an educator with our Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Education and experience opportunities to conduct research, publish, and engage in other activities integral to higher education.
- PhD in Language and Literacy Education (Literacies and Children's Literature P-5 or 6-12)
Pursue a career as an educator with our Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Education and experience opportunities to conduct research, publish, and engage in other activities integral to higher education.
- PhD in Language and Literacy Education (TESOL and World Language Education)
Pursue a career as an educator with our Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Education and experience opportunities to conduct research, publish, and engage in other activities integral to higher education.
Non-Degree Programs
Non-Degree Certifications
- Certification in TESOL and World Language
Earn your TESOL or World Language certification in an academic year (summer/fall/spring/summer) through this non-degree program aimed at students with a degree in TESOL, modern, or classical languages but not education.
Non-Degree Programs
Endorsements
- ESOL Endorsement
Learn to help English learners in your classroom by adding the ESOL endorsement to your teaching certificate through our mostly online program.
- Reading Education Endorsement
If you are certified to teach in Georgia, our reading endorsement may be added on to your teaching certificate, giving you expertise in P-5 or 6-12 classrooms.
ITA Testing Program
In order to teach at UGA, international students must demonstrate English proficiency. The International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Testing Program in the TESOL and World Language Education program provides two spoken English proficiency assessments for students seeking teaching positions: a) the ITA Test of English Proficiency (ITA-TEP) and b) Duolingo English Test video assessment.
JoLLE Newsletter
The Journal of Language and Literacy Education is a peer-reviewed, open access journal edited by graduate students. Since 2004, JoLLE has engaged readers in a broad spectrum of issues related to the field. As an online journal, JoLLE encourages submissions that incorporate multiple modes. Graduate students, under faculty advisement, are responsible for the entire process of editing and producing two issues a year. In addition to scholarly articles, JoLLE publishes Arts and Poetry, book reviews, and a monthly Scholars Speak Out feature. It also produces an annual spring conference that generates content for the spring issue. JoLLE provides graduate students with a dynamic experience that prepares them for their own careers in academia.
Scholarships
In addition to the following departmental scholarships, learn more about additional opportunities for financial assistance on our financial aid page .
Student Organizations
International Association of Reading Graduate Studies (IARGS)
We support the study of the teaching of reading.
Faculty advisor: Jennifer Graff
Journal of Language and Literacy Education (JoLLE)
This organization promotes the interchange of ideas among the literacy education community.
Faculty advisor: Usree Bhattacharya
Language and Literacy Education Graduate Organization (LLEGO)
The Language and Literacy Education Graduate Organization (LLEGO) is a vibrant and active student organization.
Faculty advisor: Kevin J. Burke
Latest News
- College faculty, students foster partnerships in Clarke County School District schools
Faculty and students in the College provided classroom or observational experiences to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students and support for CCSD students, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
- Alumna shares classroom experiences, LGBTQ+ community awareness on TikTok
Jere Chang (M.Ed. ’99, M.Ed. ’05) strives to be the LGBTQ+ representation she didn’t have growing up.
- Clinical professor selected for inaugural cohort of CTL Fellows for Transformative Teaching Program
Allison Nealy was selected as a 2023-24 Fellow for Transformative Teaching in the University of Georgia’s Center for Teaching and Learning Fellows for Transformative Teaching Program.