Offered online through the University of Georgia's Mary Frances Early College of Education's Department of Educational Theory and Practice, the Master of Education in Middle Grades Education centers on the education of young adolescents in middle grades (4-8) and is grounded in equity and justice frameworks. This program is designed for current middle grades teachers, or for those with an interest in young adolescent education. Coursework is offered online in spring, summer, and fall to accommodate the working professional, and is taught by the internationally recognized faculty of UGA's award-winning College of Education. University of Georgia online graduate education programs are ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.
Faculty in the Masters of Education program will address theoretical perspectives and research-based approaches to working with young adolescents today, as well as the latest philosophy on middle grades teaching and learning. Topics of emphasis include critical constructions of young adolescents, safer and equitable spaces for young adolescents, justice-oriented curriculum and assessment, pedagogical content knowledge, teaching with an equity-oriented inquiry stance, and family-school-community partnerships.
Middle Grades Education Program Commitments:
To cultivate and sustain a more equitable world, the Middle Grades Education program commits to embodying and modeling justice-oriented curriculum design and related experiences that position youth and educators
To build positive, supportive, humanizing relationships with and among youth, families, and communities;
To advocate with and for youth to embody their power and possibility to create a more equitable world; and
To inquire individually and collectively around practices, structures, and systems using critical reflection and analysis to inspire critical action.
Note: Individuals seeking initial certification are directed to the department’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Middle Grades Certification program.
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. 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).
| Online Tuition | $629 per credit hour | 36 credit hours | $22,644 USD |
| Student Fees | $597 per semester | 6 semesters | $3,510 USD |
| Total Program Cost | $26,226 USD |
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Tuition is the same regardless of residency. If you register for less than 5 credit hours, student fees are reduced to $372 in that semester.
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, Special Institutional, and Technology. See UGA Tuition and Fees for the complete schedule of fees. Potential additional costs include textbooks and software.
Additional costs may include:
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
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).
Total Hours Required to Earn Degree: 36 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 6
Students applying to The University of Georgia must be accepted by the Graduate School. Persons holding a bachelor's degree from any institution accredited by the proper regional accrediting association are eligible to apply for admission to the Graduate School. The graduate school will accept scores as valid for 5 years, until September 15 following the 5th anniversary of the testing date. Otherwise, applicants must retake one of the admissions tests.
Candidates who present an official transcript of previous graduate work from an accredited institution reflecting either of the following criteria:
A minimum of nine credit hours of graduate coursework with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average.
A previously completed graduate degree
If these criteria do not apply:
Entrance exams:
6. Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
7. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-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.
8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
9. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.
Domestic Applicants
Fall Semester – July 1
Spring Semester – November 15
May and Extended Summer Session – April 1
Summer Semester – May 1
International Applicants
Fall Semester – April 15
Spring Semester – October 15
Summer Semester – February 15
Registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Graduate School website provides up-to-date information on registration dates.
The M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education has rolling admissions with new students admitted throughout the year. For the online program, students will choose one content area of emphasis from English/language arts, science, or social studies (currently math is not offered online). The degree requires the successful completion of 36 semester hours of coursework, plus the department's Multicultural Education Survey, and its Exit Survey. The program of study is created in consultation with a faculty advisor and includes:
5 courses related to middle grades education/young adolescents (15 hours).
Possibilities include:
3 courses in chosen content area (9 hours)
English/Language Arts Education, Science Education, or Social Studies Education
3 graduate electives related to education (9 hours)
Possibilities include, but are not limited to: endorsements in reading education, ESOL, or gifted education; certificates; additional EDMG or ETAP courses; courses in educational technology, education psychology, literacy, ESOL pedagogy, educational law, etc.
1 course in educational research (3 hours)
EDMG 7300E Teaching Young Adolescents with an Equity-oriented Inquiry Stance or ETAP 7500 Action Research
MEd Middle Grades Degree Checklist
Contact the online Middle Grades Education Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have.
"I chose UGA because I was looking for more than just a place where I can quickly earn a degree, rather I wanted to be challenged and exposed to ideas and concepts that would help me grow as an educator to better serve my students. I hope to become a teacher who makes every day for my students one worth enjoying and loving. I want to foster their growth and see them find their passion." - Chris Evans, '22
"I learned so much more than I ever thought I would being in an online program. You definitely get out of it what you put into it. I learned so much more than I ever thought I would. Be dedicated, read the syllabus for each course carefully, and enjoy learning from the comfort of your couch!" - Kali Koppen, '17
"My favorite part about getting an online degree is that I can do it from the comfort of my own home, and I am still able to keep my job as an educator. Through this program, I am attaining current techniques and strategies that I can implement in my classroom. I want my students to be innovated 21st-century learners, and I want them to have the skills to be real-world problem solvers and thinkers." - Brittany Colquitt, '16
