The Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education focuses on the development of teachers for the middle (4-8) and secondary (6-12) grades in English/language arts, mathematics, reading, the sciences, and social studies. We also collaboratively offer an endorsement in Reading with the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Our department includes faculty with academic expertise in curriculum and instruction, in the core areas of the school curriculum (English/language arts, mathematics, the sciences, and social studies), as well as foundational areas, including educational psychology, educational research, instructional technology, and inclusive education.
We are the home department for three initial certification programs: the B.S. in Middle Grades Education, the B.S. in Secondary Education, and the Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary English, Secondary Mathematics, and Secondary Science). We also offer graduate programs (M.Ed., Ed.S., & Ed.D.) for those already certified who wish to add to their knowledge and pedagogical expertise. For all of our degrees, we collaborate with other departments in the Bagwell College of Education, as well as departments and colleges related to each teaching field, to develop our students as effective teachers. Our Middle Grades Education program is the only program in the state of Georgia to be recognized by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).
SMGE Undergraduate Programs
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B.S. in Middle Grades Education
The B.S. in Middle Grades Education is designed to prepare effective teachers for learners in the middle grades (grades 4 through 8) and leads to initial teacher certification in two content areas (language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies) for grades 4-8 in Georgia. -
B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education
The B.S. in Education in Secondary Education is designed to prepare effective teachers for learners in the secondary grades (grades 6 through 12) and leads to initial teacher certification in mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics for grades 6-12 in Georgia.
SMGE Graduate Programs
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M.A.T. in Secondary English
The M.A.T. in Secondary English program leads to a master's degree and a teaching certificate in Secondary English (grades 6-12). The program is currently four or five semesters in length and enrolls in both spring and summer semesters. -
M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics or Science
The M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics or Secondary Science emphasizes candidate understanding of adolescent development, educational psychology, curriculum, assessment, and teaching strategies particular to the teaching of secondary mathematics or secondary science. -
M.Ed. in Reading Education
Taking education and reading courses aligned to their initial level of teacher certification, the M.Ed. in Reading Education prepares candidates for roles as interventionists, coaches, and program leaders in reading, writing, and literacy instruction.
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M.Ed. in Secondary or Middle Grades Education
The M.Ed. in Secondary or Middle Grades Education is for teachers certified in middle (4-8) or secondary (6-12) English/language arts, history/social studies, mathematics, or the sciences and emphasizes the development of evidence-based instructional leaders, reflective scholar-practitioners, and responsive change agents. -
Ed.S. in Secondary or Middle Grades Education
The Ed.S. in Secondary or Middle Grades Education is designed for candidates who have already earned an M.Ed. in Secondary or Middle Grades Education or a related field and wish to continue graduate study in order to enhance their expertise and improve their practice. -
Ed.D. in Secondary or Middle Grades Education
The Ed.D. degree in Secondary or Middles Grades Education is designed for candidates who possess a teaching certificate and hold a Master's degree in a Georgia Professional Standards Commission recognized area of certification. Through this program, candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve as learner-centered specialists engaging in scholarly inquiry and research.
