Degree Options

We invite applications for the Masters or Education Specialist degrees in Gifted Education to be completed through on-line or on-campus delivery.

The GCTWeb Masters and Ed.S. degree programs are ideal for:

educators who are employed full-time and need/desire coursework in this area to meet professional credential or academic goals;
professionals who hold a bachelor's degree and need and/or desire flexible delivery, on-line courses due to: (a) work, academic, or personal responsibilities which create barriers for travel to campus; or (b) limited course offerings in the local area;
degree-seeking students wanting to become involved in advocacy for services to meet the needs of gifted students.

The following four on-line courses are required for endorsement in gifted education and are included within the Masters and Education Specialist programs of study:

EPSY 7110E Characteristics of Gifted Children and Youth
EPSY 7060E Assessment of Gifted Children and Youth
EPSY 7250E Program and Curriculum Development for the Gifted
EPSY 7230E Strategies and Materials for the Gifted

Option A: Endorsement to Degree

Prospective students who want to pursue the gifted in-field endorsement starting Spring 2009 and possibly pursue a degree may choose the Endorsement to Degree Option. Prospective students initially apply to UGA for enrollment as a non-degree student in Educational Psychology and take two classes toward the endorsement. Starting as a non-degree endorsement student is a good option because some prospective students are unsure if they can fully commit to the tasks required for admissions and complete the graduate degree in a timely manner. Undecided prospective students may begin the endorsement and make up their minds after engaging in the initial two on-line courses (EPSY 7110E and 7060E). Before starting a third endorsement class in gifted and creative education, students may decide to apply for a graduate degree and continue their studies during the next semester. The admissions process includes completing an entrance exam (e.g., GRE), submitting letters of recommendation, and updating their statement of intent to become considered for the degree, etc. While admissions is not guaranteed, once admitted as a degree student, prior UGA graduate coursework in gifted and creative education may count toward the degree. The Endorsement to Degree Option is a good route to take for prospective students who are undecided about pursuit of a graduate degree but want to begin the endorsement Spring 2009 with the option of applying for the degree at a later time.

Option B: Seeking Degree, Already Endorsed in Gifted Education

Prospective students who have the gifted endorsement already added to their teaching certificate may apply to pursue the M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Gifted and Creative Education beginning Spring 2009. Once admitted as a degree student, prior UGA graduate coursework in gifted and creative education may be submitted for approval consideration to count toward the degree or toward exemption from taking or repeating required coursework. Other non-UGA graduate coursework may be submitted for exemption consideration or credit, depending on the year, institution, grades, etc.

Option C: Seeking Degree

Prospective students new to gifted education may apply to pursue the M.Ed. or Ed.S. beginning Spring 2009. Students will begin a sequence of coursework with a cohort, taking two classes per term. Once admitted as a degree student, prior UGA graduate coursework may be submitted for approval to count toward the degree or toward exemption from taking or repeating required coursework. Other non-UGA graduate coursework may be submitted for exemption consideration or credit, depending on the year, institution, grades, etc.

We welcome educators, professionals or consultants who wish to pursue a Masters or Education Specialist degree and receive endorsement in gifted education along the way. Please contact Dr. Hines, mhines@uga.edu for more information on the admissions process.