Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Middle Grades Education

Overview

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 #7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2023.

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.

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 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

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International 
2. Select campus – Online 
3. Select Intended Program – MED, Middle Grades Education (Educational Theory and Pract)[MED_MGED_ONL]
4. Select One Area of Emphasis – Language Arts, Science, or Social Studies
5. Entrance Exam Scores – The Middle Grades Education program waives entrance exam scores if an applicant falls into one of the following categories:
   1. Candidates who hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and who graduated with a grade point average of 2.8 or better in their major.
   2. Candidates who present an official transcript of previous graduate work from an accredited institution reflecting either of the following criteria:
      1. A minimum of nine credit hours of graduate coursework with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average.
      2. A previously completed graduate degree

If these criteria do not apply:

1. First, contact Middle Grades Education program coordinator, Dr. Amy Murphy, for guidance before making arrangements for an entrance exam. 
2. If after consultation with Dr. Murphy it is determined you need an entrance exam,  you should 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

Entrance exams:

1. GRE (see above)
2. International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

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.

Application Deadlines

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

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $23,220 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Textbooks
• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

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). 

Curriculum

Program Structure

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: 

• EDMG 7030E: The Middle Grades 4-8: Creating Safer & Equitable Spaces for Young Adolescents
• EDMG 7050E: Critical Constructions of Young Adolescents 9-15
• EDMG 7060S: Theory and Practice of Service-Learning in P-12 Settings
• EDMG 7080E: Equity-Oriented Curriculum Planning in the Middle Grades
• EDMG 7090E: Equity-focused Instructional Strategies for Young Adolescents
• EDMG 7200E: Trends and Issues in Middle Grades Education
• ETAP 7610E: Culturally Responsive Classroom Management

• 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

Licensure

This program is designed for professional development or advancement in a professionally licensed job and is designed for certified practitioners in this field, but is not intended to lead to initial certification. 

An enrollment coach will contact you to determine your circumstances and ensure that this program will be effective for you.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.

Faculty

News & Events

Testimonials

“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

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7936.

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