Department of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology
The Department of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology develops informed leaders through teaching, research, and service in learning, design, and technology; and career and workforce development. Programs within the department emphasize creativity and innovation in learning, instruction, scholarship, and outreach.
Our faculty members are diverse and have deep knowledge of teaching and learning within multiple in-school and out-of-school settings. As an interdisciplinary group, we focus on innovative approaches to effective teaching and learning to help citizens develop knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas.
Concentrations
- Learning, Design, and Technology
The Learning, Design, and Technology program trains students in the latest technologies and tools to design and implement lesson and training programs. Our goal is to prepare professionals to identify and analyze learning problems and to then create and implement more effective instruction in its place.
- Workforce Education
The Workforce Education program prepares students for leadership, university, and other roles in career and technical education.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- BSFCS in Family and Consumer Sciences Education / MEd in Workforce Education
Help others shape their future career choices with a path that combines a B.S.F.C.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education with an M.Ed. in Workforce Education.
Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)
- BSEd in Workforce Education (Engineering and Technology)
Earn certification as an engineering and technology education teacher in grades 6-12 and contribute to the critical area of career and technical education in Georgia schools.
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology (Instructional Technology) (Online)
The instructional technology area of emphasis prepares graduate students to be skilled practitioners and leaders in technology-enhanced education for P-12 schools.
- MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology (Instructional Design & Development) (Online)
The instructional design and development area of emphasis prepares education, military, healthcare, business, and industry professionals to become highly skilled instructional designers in both public and private sectors.
- MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology (Research-Oriented Learning Design) (Athens Campus)
The research-oriented area of emphasis prepares graduate students for doctoral-level study in educational technology research and for careers in academia and research.
- MEd in Workforce Education (Online)
Graduates of this state flagship unit take on roles within career and technical education.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- MAT in Workforce Education (Business Education, Online)
The Business Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Business, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, and/or Accounting and Finance.
- MAT in Workforce Education (Engineering and Technology Education, Online)
The Engineering and Technology Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Engineering and Technology or Architectural Drafting and Design.
- MAT in Workforce Education (Family and Consumer Sciences, Online)
The Family and Consumer Sciences area of emphasis is for those who have a professional background in fields such as Nutrition and Culinary Arts, Child and Family Development, Housing and Consumer Economics, or Textiles, Merchandise and Interiors.
- MAT in Workforce Education (Healthcare Science Education, Online)
The Healthcare Science Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Clinical Healthcare Services, Veterinary Sciences, Athletic Training, or Healthcare Support Services.
- MAT in Workforce Education (Marketing Education, Online)
The Marketing Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Marketing and management, Marketing and communications, Fashion Merchandising, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, or Hospitality, Trade, and Tourism Marketing.
- MAT in Workforce Education (Trade and Industrial Education, Online)
The Trade and Industrial Education area of emphasis is for those who have a professional background in fields such as Architectural drawing; Construction trades (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.); Welding and metalworking; Graphic design and graphic arts; Broadcast video; Law enforcement and public safety; Information technology (web design, programming, computer networking, etc.); Manufacturing; Automotive technology; Aircraft maintenance and flight operations; Electronics; Cosmetology; and barbering
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Education (Workforce Education)
As Georgia’s flagship educator preparation provider for workforce research and education, this specialist program prepares candidates who are interested in pursuing initial teacher preparation or upgrading their existing Georgia certification in career and technical education.
- EdS in Learning, Design, and Technology (Instructional Technology) (Online)
This program is designed to prepare professionals to identify and analyze learning problems and then create and implement more effective designs for learning to address these needs.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Learning, Design, and Technology
This Ph.D. program prepares students for advanced scholarly inquiry related to the design, development, and evaluation of effective interactive learning environments.
- PhD in Workforce Education
Delve into the field of workforce education with coursework and a dissertation that will prepare you for research, scholarship, and policy development positions.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
- EdD in Learning, Design, and Technology (Online)
The Ed.D. prepares the next generation of leaders to effectively engage in the scholarship of practice in technology-enhanced learning environments through the application of design thinking and research methods. This degree is designed for administrators, educators, and instructional design practitioners with prior experience.
- EdD in Workforce Education
The Ed.D. in Workforce Education prepares students for leadership, university teaching, and other roles in career and technical education.
- EdD in Workforce Education (Traditional)
The Ed.D. in Workforce Education prepares students for leadership, university teaching, and other roles in career and technical education.
Non-Degree Programs
Certificate Programs
- Certificate in eLearning Design (Online)
The Graduate Certificate in eLearning Design prepares you to design and deliver eLearning in any industry, from K-12 and Higher Education to professional development trainers in business, healthcare, military, and government.
- Certificate in Instructional Technology for Teaching (Online)
This certificate teaches powerful ways to integrate technology into your own teaching practice by working with world-class faculty, all from the convenience of an online graduate certificate taken in five courses.
- Certificate in Learning, Design, and Technology (Undergraduate)
Open to all undergraduate students, this certificate program aims to promote a more meaningful and systematic view of the role of educational technology in P-12, higher education, and corporate learning environments.
- Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning (Online)
This certificate is ideal for people who are already teaching or who hope to do so in the future, whether in P-12, higher education, or at the corporate level.
- Certificate in STEM
The Certificate in STEM requires a minimum of 12 credit hours, with courses that focus on digital learning, robotics, and science and mathematics instruction for children in kindergarten through grade eight.
Featured Faculty Videos
Additional Faculty Research Videos
Scholarships, Awards, and Other Funding Opportunities
There are many scholarships and funding opportunities offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education. These include both College-wide scholarships and those specific to individual programs and departments. Visit the College’s Scholarships and Other Funding Sources webpage to learn more and to apply.Support Our Programs
Donate to a Specific Unit/ProgramLatest News
- Forming connections through robotics and literature
Professor Roger Hill and clinical professor Petros Panaou recently led a robotics workshop for elementary and middle grades students at Annunciation Day School in Atlanta.
- UGA’s online degree programs rank highly and retain students
The Mary Frances Early College of Education’s online graduate programs earned high marks in several specialty categories, including instructional media design, special education, and more.
- Amazing Student: Steven Griffing
Steven Griffing (B.S.Ed. ’10, Ph.D. ’26) emphasizes hands-on learning in his work with students in the Department of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology and the UGA Motorsports team.
Student Organizations
Workforce Education and Instructional Technology Graduate Association (WEITGA)
Workforce Education and Instructional Technology Graduate Association (WEITGA) aims to foster relationships and communication between students and faculty in the Department of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology, establishing a shared knowledge and collaboration community. Through the promotion of cross-departmental partnerships and community affiliations, WEITGA attempts to increase students’ engagement in professional practices surpassing the university’s boundaries.
Faculty advisor: Theodore J. Kopcha
Instructional Technology Student Association
This organization allows students to learn more about the field of instructional technology through contacts with fellow students, professors, alumni, and working professionals, and through participation in projects.