Gifted In-Field Endorsement and Certificate
Gifted In-Field Endorsement and Certificate
The main thing that motivates me is understanding human well-being and how education fits into a bigger picture of human flourishing.
Clinical Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator
Overview
Offered through the Mary Frances Early College of Education, the University of Georgia’s online Gifted In-Field Endorsement and Certificate is based on the philosophy that giftedness and creativity are expressed in diverse ways among diverse people; that creativity is a universal potential to be nurtured and enhanced; and that the best education is tailored to students’ specific needs and interests for talent development.
As an endorsement, this program is recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). As of Fall 2024, it is also a UGA certificate program. Therefore, completion of the program will be noted on the GaPSC certificate and on the UGA transcript.
The Gifted In-Field Endorsement is an add-on credential that allows certified teachers in Georgia to provide direct instruction to students in their areas of initial certification. Teachers with gifted endorsement can also serve as a resource teacher for indirect services for gifted education in any content area or grade level P-12.
The Gifted In-Field Endorsement program is open to UGA graduate students in the College of Education. If students are enrolled in a master’s, specialist, or doctoral program in Gifted and Creative Education, these courses are embedded within the M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs. Non-degree-seeking students may complete the program by applying to UGA’s Graduate School as a non-degree-seeking student.
The courses in the gifted endorsement series emphasize scholarly work and best practices for understanding giftedness, conducting assessment of students, creating methods and materials, as well as designing programs and services for high-ability students. Our courses are aligned with the National Association for Gifted Children’s (NAGC) Teacher Preparation Standards. This program is also accredited through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Accreditations
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Admissions
Credit and Transfer
Total Hours Required to Earn Certificate: 12 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: N/A
Admission Requirements
Students who are not currently enrolled at UGA should apply to the graduate school for the Gifted In-Field Endorsement and Certificate program and are not required to take entrance exams or submit letters of recommendation. Prospective students may either be pursuing a graduate degree in another program or may apply to the graduate school for non-degree status in the Department of Educational Psychology, GCE Program.
If you have any questions regarding the Gifted In-Field Endorsement, please contact the Gifted Endorsement Program Coordinator, Talbot S. Hook.
Application Checklist
Online Gifted In-Field Endorsement and Certificate Checklist
- Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online form. Application fee: $75.
- Select Campus – Online
- Select Degree Level – Endorsement/Certificate
- Select Intended Program – CERG, Gifted In-Field (Educational Psychology) [CERT_2GIF_ON]
- Select Intended Term – Fall, Spring, Summer
- Résumé or curriculum vitae – Submit online to the Graduate School.
- Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-two page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
- Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
- Fall Semester: June 1
- Summer Semester: March 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
International Applicants
- Fall Semester: April 15
- Spring Semester: October 15
- Summer Semester: February 15
Cost
Tuition & Fees
Based on the Bursar’s published credit hour rates for UGA online programs, the estimated tuition for this program is $5,172 for a Georgia resident and $15,912 for an out-of-state resident.
Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition.
Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $431 per semester.
Potential additional costs include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
The complete cost of attendance can be found at the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Financial Aid
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Military Assistance
Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Technology Requirements
- Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
- High-speed internet access.
Curriculum
Program Structure
Gifted In-Field Endorsement courses are offered throughout the academic year, typically in an online format. Courses require permission of the department (POD) for registration when offered as a single section during the semester. The program recommends that students complete the following courses simultaneously and in the specified order:
- Sequence Pairing 1: EPSY 7110E and EPSY 7060E (First Semester)
- Sequence Pairing 2: EPSY 7230E and EPSY 7250E (Second Semester)
The program recognizes that this may not work for every student and that some semesters we will have limited offerings that will prevent this. Please be sure that all four courses are taken by the time you plan to graduate.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finish the endorsement certificate in two semesters?
Due to the limited number of seats we have for each of the required courses, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to finish the certificate program in two semesters. We will, however, do our best to accommodate as many students as possible.
- Because the endorsement graduate certificate program is separate from any degree programs that you may be pursuing at the University, you will still have the opportunity to complete your endorsement graduate certificate program – the certificate allows you the flexibility to complete either before or after you finish your degree program.
- If completing after graduation, you can continue to register as a non-degree student for any remaining courses as they become available. You must register for any remaining course(s) within three (3) semesters after your graduation semester in order to maintain active registration status at the University. If for some reason you’re unable to register within the three-semester window, you may still be eligible for readmission through the Graduate School.
- Plus, the University may offer special rates for online certificates, and some Local Units of Administration (LUAs), school districts, and employers may be willing to cover the costs for remaining courses or know of other special funding or grant opportunities. Please inquire with your LUA, school district, or employer.
- Here are some resources to help you plan, negotiate, and cover costs:
- Tuition & Fees by Semester (eRate available for some online programs)
- Full-time School Employees Tuition Waiver Form (also includes military and other tuition waiver forms)
- COE Financial Assistance
- UGA Financial Assistance
- GaDOE Financial Incentives (including tax credits and grants)
How likely is it that I will be accepted into the program?
We have a limited number of seats in our endorsement courses each semester. Coupling our full degree programs with the endorsement certificate, admission into the program will follow the priority scale below:
- 1st priority: Students currently enrolled in a degree program within the Department of Educational Psychology
- 2nd priority: students only seeking the endorsement certificate in Gifted and Creative Education
- 3rd priority: current UGA students pursuing graduate degrees in other departments
I’ve been accepted. How do I get my courses?
Upon admission, students will be sent a welcome email with information about the program itself, the requirements, and what courses they have permission to take the coming semester.
Students in the endorsement and Gifted and Creative Education degree programs have first priority for the four endorsement courses. However, once we are close to the beginning of the semester, we will open up the courses to anyone to fill remaining seats. Students in the endorsement will need to make sure they register for their courses as soon as they are able, as we cannot guarantee seats.
Faculty
News & Events
New Study from Sakhavat Mammadov Connects Daily Emotions and Creative Engagement
November 12, 2025Your happiness and self-fulfillment might have a direct impact on how creative you are, according to new research from the University of Georgia. Researchers from the UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education found that positive emotions can translate to increased engagement in creative activities like drawing, writing and playing music. This study suggests that day-to-day emotions are more influential than personality when it comes to engaging with creative actions. And that creativity may also improve well-being.
UGA alumna follows her passion for gifted and creative education
September 15, 2020Ever since Sarah Caroleo earned her B.S. in elementary education from Greenville University she has dedicated herself to the multiple schools and programs where she has taught. In her role as the K-4 Gifted and Talented teacher in Nashville, Tennessee’s public school system, Caroleo’s passion for teaching gifted children…
UGA Nationally Reaffirmed as a Top Military School
April 19, 2016Once again, the University of Georgia has been nationally reaffirmed in 2016 as Military Friendly, Best for Vets and a Top Military College/University. Since the establishment of the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) in the spring of 2013, UGA has made significant progress in connecting student veterans to one another, as well as to campus and community resources. UGA continues to maintain active affiliation with both the Student Veterans of America and the Got Your Six campaign, where faculty and staff attend a training session to become certified as veteran-friendly.
Contact Information
Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-948-2598.