Amy Murphy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dustin Michael, an associate professor of English at Savannah State University, returned to school in 2019 to obtain an online Graduate
Overview
Master of Education in Middle Grades Education
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 is centered on the education of young adolescents in middle grades (4-8). This program is for teachers currently certified in middle grades, or for those with an interest in young adolescent education. Coursework is offered online to accommodate the working professional, and is taught by the internationally recognized faculty of UGA's award-winning College of Education.
The Middle Grades Education program’s statement of commitment:
To cultivate and sustain a more equitable world, the Middle Grades Education program commits to embodying and modeling social justice-oriented curriculum design and related experiences that position youth and educators
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To build positive, supportive, humanizing relationships with and among youth, families, and communities;
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To advocate with and for youth to embody their power and possibility to create a more equitable world; and
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To inquire individually and collectively around practices, structures, and systems using critical reflection and analysis to inspire critical action.
Instructors will address the challenges faced by educators of young adolescents today and will offer research-based solutions, as well as the latest philosophy on middle grades teaching and learning. Topics of emphasis include fostering meaningful evaluation and assessment for grades 4-8, strengthening content knowledge, meeting the needs of all students in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, supporting students with special needs, and building family-school-community partnerships.
Individuals seeking initial certification are directed to the department’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Middle Grades Certification program
University of Georgia online graduate education programs are ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2019.
Accreditations
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia.
Technology Requirements
- Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and printer may be required.
- High-speed internet access.
Faculty
Cost
Tuition & Fees
| 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.
Other Costs
Additional costs may include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
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).
Admissions
Credit and Transfer
Total Hours Required to Earn Degree: 36 (credit hours)
Maximum Hours Transferable into Program: 6
Admission Requirements
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.
Application Checklist
- Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International
- Select campus - Online
- Select Intended Program - MED, Middle Grades Education (Educational Theory and Pract)[MED_MGED_ONL]
- Select Area of Emphasis - Social Studies and Language Arts / Social Studies and Science
- Entrance Exam Scores – Have official entrance exam scores sent to the UGA Graduate School by the testing service. Specify UGA as a recipient of the scores, institutional code for ETS reporting: 5813
- GRE
- International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Résumé or curriculum vita – Upload to the Graduate School application.
- Statement of Purpose – Examine the Middle Grades Education Program's commitments and respond to the two application questions. Upload to the Graduate School application. A statement of purpose should clarify your relevant background, interests, and goals, and indicate your intent for the online program.
- Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
- 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.
Application Deadline
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.
Curriculum
Program Structure
The M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education has rolling admissions with new students admitted throughout the year. Students will choose one content area of emphasis from English/language arts, science, or social studies. The degree requires the successful completion of 36 semester hours of coursework, plus the department's Multicultural Education Survey, and its Exit Survey.
MMEd Middle Grades Degree Checklist
Course Sequence
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Course schedule is subject to change allowing the curriculum to adapt to varying needs and emerging information. All courses listed above are 3 credit hours each.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.
News & Events
Pages
Contact Information
Contact the online Middle Grades Education Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have.
Email us using the request for information form or call
1 (706) 948-2609