Academic Programs - Early Childhood Education
Specialist in Education (EdS) Degree in Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education programs at the University of Georgia are recognized for their rigorous, research-based practices and their perennially high national rankings. Courses for the EdS program have been designed and are taught by an outstanding faculty who are both strong teachers and nationally noted scholars committed to diversity and equity through child-centered pedagogies that aim at social justice. Prospective students can learn more about the faculty, their scholarship, and innovative initiatives in the Department of Elementary and Social Studies Education in the Department’s News and Notes (http://www.coe.uga.edu/esse/news-events/) or by searching individual faculty information
(http://www.coe.uga.edu/esse/about/faculty-staff-directory/).
The specialist degree in early childhood education is most appropriate for candidates who are already certified to teach children in pre-Kindergarten to grade 5, though other interested students are welcome to apply. The program will lead to T6 certification, but does not lead to certification for uncertified individuals. Students typically choose either the specialist or the doctoral program for their terminal degree work, though students with a specialist degree may opt to begin a doctorate after earning the EdS. The specialist program is most often selected by individuals who intend to focus their careers primarily on teaching and curriculum leadership at the pre-collegiate level. Doctoral programs are more frequently chosen by those who aspire to teach and conduct research at the college or university level.
The EdS degree program is a non-cohort program that can be completed either part-time or full-time. New students can be admitted during any semester or term. Most required courses are offered only on the Athens campus. During the school year, all courses are offered in the evening for the convenience of full-time teachers. Summer session courses are usually offered during the day.
