Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education - Literacy Specialist

An Ed.S in Education with an Area of Emphasis in Literacy Specialist is a logical sequence of courses that are grounded in critical, experiential, and interdisciplinary inquiry. Candidates in this area of emphasis explore the intersections of contemporary literacy, reading, instructional coaching, research methods, and technology.

As a program that can lead to advanced teacher certification, this area of emphasis is a unique partnership between two departments within the college, the Department of Language and Literacy Education and the Department of Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy. Certification upgrades through the GaPSC are available for candidates who have already been granted T-5 certification.

The area of emphasis requires 30 credit hours and is typically comprised of 9-10 courses, depending on number of credits per course. Electives are jointly planned by the student and advisor. Students will complete a comprehensive portfolio that will serve as the exit examination and will include a public presentation to a professional audience.

• Designed by Full-time teachers through an online learning approach
• Leads to a certificate upgrade (S-6) in Georgia
• Emphasis on developing coaching leaders in literacy

Only transfer credits from an accredited institution will be considered. If transfer credit is awarded, it will still be necessary to complete the required number of hours to graduate, which will more than likely necessitate additional coursework above and beyond the degree program requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Have three years of teaching experience and a valid level 5 or higher Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate, or Life certificate.
• Must demonstrate earned proficiency through completion of the Reading Endorsement (based on GaPSC Rule 505-3-. 96, effective July 1, 2023 or later), certification in Elementary Education (earned after July 1, 2025), a passing score on the Reading Education GACE (after July 1, 2025), or another valid and reliable measure of candidate proficiency.
• Have a graduate grade point average of 3.0 from prior degrees.

The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education - Literacy Specialist program leads to Professional Licensure.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges