If you’re curious about where the talented educators in Georgia acquire their teaching skills, then you might be on track to discovering a rewarding online education and teaching degree. For the state’s teachers, these programs are a convenient way to fulfill education requirements for a teaching license or advance their teaching careers. However, there’s a lot to consider before you enroll in an online teaching program in Georgia, from deciding what type of degree is right for you to how much it will cost. This STEPS guide will give you a broad look at online and hybrid teaching programs in Georgia and help you to decide which one is the right fit for you.Best Online Education & Teaching Programs in Georgia (GA)
Inside Online Associate Degrees in Georgia: A Closer Look
For aspiring educators in Georgia, an associate degree is not sufficient to meet the state’s educational requirements for obtaining a teaching license. However, an associate degree can help you complete your general education requirements before you continue to a bachelor’s in education program.
Earning your associate’s degree first can also make your journey to your bachelor’s degree in education easier and more affordable. Below are some examples of associate in education programs available to Georgia students.
Georgia Highlands College
The Associate of Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education at Georgia Highlands College (GHC) offers students flexibility in earning their educational degrees. This two-year, 64-credit program can be completed in person on their campus in Rome, Georgia or online.
The AAS program is designed to prepare you to begin working as an education paraprofessional in an early childhood setting. However, if you want to earn a teaching license, you may choose to continue to a bachelor’s in education program, having already earned several college credits in education. This degree includes a field experience component, which is also required if you choose to complete your coursework online.
Location: Rome, remote
Mode: In-person, online, hybrid
Cost: $101/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- High school diploma or GED
Brenau College
The fully online Associate of Arts (AA) in Elementary Education at Brenau College is a two-year, 61-credit program that offers multiple start dates per year. This program does not require standardized test scores and is designed to be transfer-friendly. Once you enroll, you will be taking a mix of education and teaching courses and general education classes.
Branau’s AA in Elementary Education is fully online, with no need to travel to campus or field locations. While tuition at Brenau, which is a private university, is higher than many public institutions, financial aid is available for all students.
Location: Remote
Mode: Online
Cost: $689/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- High school diploma or GED
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Georgia’s Bachelor’s Degree Options
A bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years to complete, will typically fulfill the education requirements for a Georgia teaching license. Many of Georgia’s bachelor’s in education programs also give you the opportunity to specialize in different educational subfields, such as elementary education or science education, allowing you to shape your future career path.
Mercer University
Mercer University, a private university with multiple Georgia campuses, offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Secondary Education on four different campuses, and the program can be completed through a hybrid of on-campus and online learning. The online aspects of your courses will include both synchronous and asynchronous classes, with in-person meetings held only twice for each class. Students will also undergo field experiences at public schools.
There are four areas of specialization offered in this degree: English, history, political science, and mathematics. Each of these can lead to a potential certification and career as a subject-area teacher in that topic.
Location: Atlanta, Douglas County, Henry County, Macon
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,750.50/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts
Popular Master’s Degrees for Georgia’s Students
Master’s degrees in education or teaching in Georgia tend to serve one of two purposes. These programs can be ideal for career changers who want to go into teaching. They also serve those with existing teaching careers who want to specialize or take on a leadership role at their school. Additionally, there are plenty of flexible online master’s programs in education available for busy students.
Georgia College and State University
Georgia College and State University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Middle Grades Education at their Milledgeville campus, which can be completed through a hybrid of in-person and online study or fully online. The program includes a concentration in mathematics and science education and is a step towards additional certification from the state in middle grades math and science education.
The program includes a fieldwork component. However, if you are a working teacher, you may complete that fieldwork in your own classroom. Those who are not currently teaching will be assigned a classroom to complete their fieldwork requirements.
Location: Milledgeville, remote
Mode: Hybrid, Online
Cost: $295/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Passing Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) scores
- Accredited bachelor’s degree
- Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher
Looking at Georgia’s PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs
As the most advanced forms of education credentials, PhDs and doctorates are what are known as “terminal degrees.” PhDs require the completion of original research, whereas doctorates require professional experience. Alternatively, graduate certificates are advanced, non-degree programs that allow degree-holding students to acquire further specialization. Graduate certificates typically take less time to complete than PhDs or doctorates.
University of West Georgia
At the University of West Georgia, students can earn a doctorate through their fully online Doctorate of Education (EdD) in School Improvement. This is a program meant for experienced educators who are looking for roles that impact the trajectory of individual schools struggling in one or more areas.
As with all doctoral programs, this degree will include the completion of an original dissertation, and although you will be studying and completing your dissertation remotely, you will still have the opportunity to meet with an advisor through the mandatory intensive Virtual Dissertation Preparation Seminar. The time to complete this program varies, but it is possible to graduate in as little as three years of full-time study.
Location: Remote
Mode: Online
Cost: $405.60/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Writing sample
- Admissions essay
- Applicants are strongly advised to have a leadership background
Mercer University
The PhD in Educational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership at Mercer University is a research doctorate, rather than a professional doctorate. This means that the program has a strong emphasis on research and is designed to prepare students for a career as a researcher or work in academia.
This is a hybrid program designed for working professionals. Online classes are delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Students will also attend periodic mandatory in-person classes. In addition to required courses and your doctoral dissertation, you will have the opportunity to choose relevant electives from a series of education classes.
Location: Atlanta
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $842/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Resume
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.5 or higher
- GRE scores
- Essay
Georgia Education Students FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
How long does it take to earn an online education degree in Georgia?
As you can see in our program spotlights earlier in this guide, the length of time it takes to complete your online education degree in Georgia will depend largely on the type of degree you’re pursuing. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while bachelor’s degrees take four, and doctorates and PhDs can take significantly longer, depending on your thesis. If you choose to study part-time as opposed to full-time, this may also impact your time to graduate.
How much do Georgia online education programs cost?
There are a variety of factors that go into determining the cost of an online degree in education. The type of degree and length of the program can be some of the most important factors in determining cost, as can whether you’re studying at a state school (and are eligible for in-state tuition), or a private school, where tuition rates are often significantly higher.
Remember that the “sticker price” of a given program may be mitigated through financial aid, such as scholarships and grants.
How important is it that my Georgia online education program be accredited?
It is essential that your online education program in Georgia be from an accredited school. Institutional accreditation is what gives a school legitimacy in awarding degrees and shows future employers and other institutes of study that your school met quality standards. You may also want to see if your program has programmatic accreditation for your education program, which many future employers take as an additional mark of academic rigor.
How do I judge the quality of an online education program in Georgia?
There are many factors to consider when assessing the quality of an online education program in Georgia. In addition to accreditation, be sure to look for student services and other resources, such as career counseling and financial aid opportunities. You may also want to research graduation rates, and post-graduation employment rates for your program, as these can serve as markers of school and program quality.
Is there financial aid for online education programs in Georgia?
Yes, there is absolutely financial aid for online education students in Georgia at all degree levels. Check with your school’s office of financial aid about how to apply for any specific scholarships administered by the school.
Filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will make you eligible for federal student aid, so be sure to complete your FAFSA on time. You can also look into private scholarship foundations, many of which offer funding opportunities specifically for future teachers. Make sure to keep track of all application deadlines and requirements.
What’s Next? Careers and Salaries in Georgia for Education Graduates
Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia | Elementary School Teachers | $48,250 | $98,480 | $64,390 |
Georgia | Kindergarten Teachers | $49,120 | $94,800 | $67,240 |
Georgia | Middle School Teachers | $48,130 | $102,670 | $73,210 |
Georgia | Postsecondary Teachers | $46,960 | $100,400 | $62,060 |
Georgia | Secondary School Teachers | $47,940 | $101,160 | $65,350 |
Georgia | Teachers and Instructors | $28,880 | $96,340 | $57,990 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Georgia | Elementary School Teachers | 46,350 | 50,920 | 4,570 | 9.90% |
Georgia | Kindergarten Teachers | 3,730 | 4,100 | 370 | 9.90% |
Georgia | Middle School Teachers | 28,010 | 30,820 | 2,810 | 10.00% |
Georgia | Postsecondary Teachers | 9,880 | 10,680 | 800 | 8.10% |
Georgia | Secondary School Teachers | 24,610 | 27,130 | 2,520 | 10.20% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best-Ranked Online Education & Teaching Programs in Georgia
While the program that’s “best” for any given student is a personal decision, there are some objective criteria that go into the rankings process. These criteria include not only ensuring that all schools on the list are accredited, but also weighing factors such as online program availability, student services, financial aid opportunities, and more.
For more details, see the methodology tab below. If you are ready to find a program that fits your needs, read on to review the best online teaching and education programs in Georgia.
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Public
Columbus State University
Columbus, Georgia
Public
Brenau University
Gainesville, Georgia
Private
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
Public
Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia
Public
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Private
Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
Public
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Public
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Public
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Public
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, Georgia
Public
Southern Crescent Technical College
Griffin, Georgia
Public
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Sandersville, Georgia
Public
Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, Georgia
Public
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, Georgia
Public
Resources to Know: Support for Georgia’s Education Students & Professionals
As you prepare to start your online educational program in Georgia, it can be helpful to gather advice and support for current and future educators in the state. Luckily, there are plenty of resources for education majors out there to help you with your program, licensure, scholarships, and more. Below are some key resources to get you started.
- Classroom Conversations: This award-winning podcast is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Tune in to learn about innovative approaches to education from top professionals in the state and beyond.
- Georgia Futures: The home of the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), this is the place to learn about expanding access to higher education across Georgia. They offer scholarships for future educators, among other resources.
- Georgia Association of Educators: The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) is a professional association for employees of Georgia public schools. They promote the interests of students and educators through legal advocacy, grassroots organizing, and more.
- Georgia Association of Teacher Educators: As the Georgia state branch of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), this professional organization has been active for over a century, serving as a resource for teacher training and continuing education.
- Georgia Department of Education: This is the official state government agency for education in Georgia. Check out their website for scholarship opportunities, information about earning and maintaining teacher licensure, job opportunities, and more.
- Georgia Federation of Teachers: This organization serves as a union for teaching professionals in the State of Georgia. The Georgia Federation of Teachers advocates for its members on issues including state funding for schools, employment regulations, and more.
- Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education: For over thirty years, this nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, which was initially founded by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, has advocated for education policy through actions such as sponsoring fellowships for education professionals.
- Georgia Science Teachers Association: For science teachers in Georgia, this professional organization seeks to promote science education excellence. Organizational actions include advocacy, partnerships with scientific organizations in the state, and an annual conference.
- Georgia Teachers Initiative: A statewide program founded by the Georgia Foundation for Public Education (GFPE), the College Football Playoff Foundation (CFPF), and the Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC), this organization provides Georgia teachers with resources they need in K-12 classrooms.
- Professional Association of Georgia Educators: The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is a professional organization that supports and advocates for educators in Georgia. They provide coaching for educators, continuing education opportunities, legislative advocacy, and more.