Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Workforce Education
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Workforce Education

Vocational education should serve the students, and they should be able to transition into a full career of their choice.
Overview
The M.A.T. in Workforce Education program is designed for students who wish to earn initial certification in a career and technical education (CTE) instructional field at an advanced level (T-5). The University of Georgia is approved to offer initial certification in all areas of the state rule for Career and Technical Education fields. Our specific areas of specialization include:
- Business Education: The Business Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Business, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, and/or Accounting and Finance.
- Family and Consumer Sciences: The Family and Consumer Sciences area of emphasis is for those who have a professional background in fields such as Nutrition and Culinary Arts, Child and Family Development, Housing and Consumer Economics, or Textiles, Merchandise and Interiors.
- Healthcare Science Education: The Healthcare Science Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Clinical Healthcare Services, Veterinary Sciences, Athletic Training, or Healthcare Support Services.
- Marketing Education: The Marketing Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Marketing and management, Marketing and communications, Fashion Merchandising, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, or Hospitality, Trade, and Tourism Marketing.
- Engineering and Technology Education: The Engineering and Technology Education area of emphasis is for those who may have a professional background in fields such as Engineering and Technology or Architectural Drafting and Design.
- Trade and Industrial Education: The Trade and Industrial Education area of emphasis is for those who have a professional background in fields such as
- Architectural drawing
- Construction trades (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Welding and metalworking
- Graphic design and graphic arts
- Broadcast video
- Law enforcement and public safety
- Information technology (web design, programming, computer networking, etc.)
- Manufacturing
- Automotive technology
- Aircraft maintenance and flight operations
- Electronics
- Cosmetology and barbering
Our program combines your professional specialization and expertise with promising teaching practices, leading to competency in:
- Managing career and technical education programs in Georgia P-12 schools
- Designing and developing both content and skill-based instruction
- Utilizing workable research strategies in your own classroom and school
- Cultivating students’ work ethic, communication skills, and capacity for innovation
Highlights
- Leads to initial teacher certification in Business Education (6-12)
- One of the top workforce education programs in the country
- Flagship workforce development program in Georgia
- Produces leaders in industry knowledge as well as current international trends
- Prepares graduates to proactively identify workforce trends
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
Admissions Requirements
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
To qualify for admission, students must have earned an undergraduate degree from a fully accredited college or university. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate degree is preferred.
Online M.A.T. in Workforce Education Application Checklist
- Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$75 International.
- Select Campus – Online
- Select Degree Level – Masters
- Select Intended Program – MAT, Workforce Education (Workforce Ed & Instruct Tech) Online [MAT_WKED_ONL]
- Select Intended Term – Fall or Summer
- Select Area of Emphasis: Business Education, Engineering and Technology Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Health Science and Technology Education, Marketing Education, Technology Education, Trade and Industrial Education, Area Unspecified
- Résumé or curriculum vita – 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.
- 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
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applications
- Fall: July 1
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: May 1
Cost
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates and student fees can change each year.
Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid $20,496 for a Georgia resident and $50,400 in tuition for an out-of-state student.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s current tuition.
This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2024 was $411 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses.
Other Online Master of Arts (M.A.T.) in Workforce Education 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).
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
Online M.A.T. in Workforce Education Program Structure
Degree consists of 48 semester hours and can be completed in 2 calendar years (6 semesters)
Our faculty have developed a research-based model that focuses on career development, work ethic, and innovation to strategically prepare a global workforce who can successfully navigate work, even in jobs that do not exist at the time education and training take place.
The M.A.T. in Workforce Education requires a minimum of 48 credit hours of coursework, divided into four categories:
- Core professional education (24 hours)
- Education research (3 hours)
- Teaching internship (12 hours)
- Certification area of emphasis (9+ hours, depending on academic background)
Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Educational Psychology Elective | Area of Emphasis in Marketing Education Choose four (4) of the following courses: | 3 |
ERSH 6200E | Methods of Research in Education | 3 |
WFED 6010E | Foundations of Work and Family Life Education | 3 |
WFED 6350E | Curriculum Planning in Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 6360E | Instructional Strategies in Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7020E | Assessing Student Learning in Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7460E | Internship in Teaching Workforce Education | 12 |
WFED 7550E | Students with Special Needs in Programs of Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7560E | Diversity in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education | 3 |
Workforce Education Electives (General Track or Area of Emphasis) | 12 | |
General | General Track in Workforce Education Choose four (4) of the following courses | |
WFED 7030E | Organization and Coordinating Work and Community-Based Education Program | 3 |
WFED 7050E | Problems of Teaching Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7070E | Enhancing Learning in Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7080E | Developing Curricula and Programs for Modern Work | 3 |
WFED 7090E | Critical Issues in Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7120E | Needs Analysis in Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7200E | Evaluation of Programs in Workforce Education | 3 |
WFED 7560E | Diversity in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education | 3 |
Area of Emphasis | Area of Emphasis in Business Education | |
EBUS 6010E | Business Communication | 3 |
EBUS 7060E | Desktop Publishing in Workforce Education | 3 |
EBUS 7070E | Contemporary Entrepreneurship and Management Practices for Educators | 3 |
EBUS 7760E | Consumer Financial Planning | 3 |
Area of Emphasis | Area of Emphasis in Engineering and Technology Education Choose four (4) of the following courses: | |
ETES 6020E | Creative Activities for STEM Education | 3 |
ETES 6030E | Robotics for Teachers | 3 |
ETES 7010E | Technology and Society | 3 |
ETES 7020E | Communication Systems | 3 |
ETES 7090E | Principles of Technology | 3 |
Area of Emphasis | Area of Emphasis in Family and Consumer Sciences Education Choose 12 hours from Graduate Level HDFS courses | |
Area of Emphasis | Area of Emphasis in Family and Consumer Sciences Education Choose 12 hours from Graduate Level courses with a health focus (selected with consultation with an advisor) | |
Area of Emphasis | Area of Emphasis in Marketing Education Choose four (4) of the follwing courses: | |
EMKT 6110E | Marketing and Business Foundations of Work-Based Education | 3 |
EMKT 6120E | Human Resource Foundations in Work-Based Education | 3 |
Graduate-level MARK courses chosen in consultation with advisor | ||
Area of Emphasis | Area of Emphasis in Marketing Education Choose four (4) of the following courses: | |
ETES 7030E | Manufacturing Systems | 3 |
ETES 7040E -7040L | Construction Systems | 3 |
ETES 7060E | Energy Systems | 3 |
One curse from General Track | ||
Total | Total hours required for M.A.T. with Certification | 48 |
Licensure
Students will earn a master’s degree and be eligible for a Georgia teacher certification in their area of specialization in workforce education. This program is designed to enable you to practice in a licensed profession through initial certification in the state of Georgia. If you apply to this program from a state outside of Georgia with the plan to work in Georgia, you will be given the opportunity to attest to that intention when you apply.
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.
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