University of Georgia

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A.T. - Early Childhood Education; M.Ed. - Early Childhood Education

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Early Childhood Education Program offers two Masters degrees. The Master of Education degree (MEd) is for individuals who already hold teacher certification. The Master of Arts in Teaching degree program (MAT ECCO) is for individuals who wish to gain initial certification to teach PK-5th grades along with earning a Masters degree.

The Master of Arts for Teachers (MAT) degree program is designed for college graduates who seek to teach children in pre-kindergarten to second grade and is cooperatively run in coordination with the Department of Child and Family Development. The purpose of the program is to develop exemplary teachers of young children for public or private settings. Upon completion students receive a Master of Arts for Teachers degree and are eligible for T5 Pre-K to 5th grade certification in Georgia.

The Master of Education (MEd) degree in early childhood education is most appropriate for candidates who are already certified to teach children in pre-Kindergarten to grade 5. However, prospective students with certification in other areas and those who have an interest in children from infancy through their elementary school years and do not seek certification may also find the program to be valuable. Individuals who wish to earn a master’s degree while gaining pre-K to grade 5 certification should see the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program for early childhood education.

Accreditation:

The College of Education unit and its programs are accredited by the National Council on Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GPSC).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above