Education Graduate Degrees

Teachers who earn a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction want to remain in the classroom and strengthen their teaching abilities and instructional capacity. Educators also gain advanced knowledge of how curricula are selected and evaluated so that they can use this knowledge more effectively in their classrooms. Curriculum and Instruction graduates create new programs at their schools, become subject matter chairs, and organize and lead professional development training for colleagues. Graduates use this degree to prepare them for careers more aimed at administration and leadership, such as a curriculum coordinator position or an instructional coach. In Georgia, most districts offer higher earning potential for students with a Master's degree and a certification in Curriculum and Instruction.

• Highly competitive GACE exam pass rate of over 90%.
• Curriculum is built on research-based best practices, relevant professional learning, and applied experiences with student learning as the focus.
• Much of the coursework involves job embedded assignments, designed to move a student from theory to practice.
• Students take one course at a time during most semesters. Summer semesters plus one additional semester require two courses begin taken during the same 8-week period.
• Small class size provides more individual attention and support.
• Faculty are experienced in K-12 education, highly credentialed, and supportive of students. Learn about our full-time faculty.
• Many students who graduate with our M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction return to TU for an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership.
• The GRE is not required for admission.
• A thesis is not required for graduation.
• TU offers a discounted tuition rate for teachers.
• Financial aid and monthly payment options are available.
• Thomas University is ranked among the most affordable private institutions in Georgia, according to the Georgia Independent College Association.
• Thomas University's Division of Education is authorized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

The Certificate in Educational Leadership provides candidates who already hold a master’s degree or higher in education with the content knowledge and credentials necessary to effectively lead schools, districts, and educational agencies. Applicants accepted into the program and completing all degree requirements, will be eligible for a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Tier I Leadership Certification. Tier I Educational Leadership certifies the educator to serve as an assistant principal or coordinator at the district level who does not supervise principals.

The Certificate in Educational Leadership Tier I Certification-Only is an eighteen (18) hour program that can be completed in two or three semesters (classes available every fall/spring/summer). Each course is 8 weeks in length and meets online synchronous every-other week. Candidates take one class at a time.

The program is highly professionally oriented, and candidates for the program are expected to currently be employed in a professional role in an organization providing professional educational services (e.g., school, district office, regional educational service agency, department of education). All courses require job-embedded field experiences to provide a synthesis of the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for today’s educational leader. At the conclusion of the program, candidates will possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead schools to higher levels of achievement for all students. Graduates of the Thomas University Teacher Leadership program matriculate seamlessly into the Certification-Only program and will be able to transfer in the six required elective hours.

Classes

CORE

• EDU 671 Leading with a Social, Emotional, and Cultural Lens
• EDU 672 Human and Fiscal Resources
• EDU 673 Collaborating and Communicating with Stakeholders
• EDU 674 Instructional Leadership for School Improvement

ELECTIVES (2 classes)

• EDU 611 Leading a Professional Learning Community
• EDU 615 Educational Law
• EDU 617 Using Data to Improve Schools

Total Credits   18

CIP Code:  14.0401

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the admission requirements for the graduate education programs, Tier I certificate applicants must:

• Possess a level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advance Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, service field certificate or Life certificate at the appropriate level.
• Have a minimum of one year of teaching experience
• Present a passing score on the Georgia Ethics for Educational Leaders exam
• Present completion of three or more semester hours of coursework in the identification and education of children who have special educational needs or the equivalent through a Georgia-approved professional learning program.
• A completed Mentor form
• A signed Partnership Agreement

Applicants accepted into the program and completing all degree requirements, will be eligible for a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Tier II Leadership Certification. The EdS in Educational Leadership (Tier II) certifies the educator to serve as a principal or in a district position that supervises principals.

The EdS in Educational Leadership (Tier II) is a 27 hour program that can be completed in 5 semesters. Each course is 8 weeks in length and meets online synchronous every-other-week. Candidates take one class at a time.

Classes:

• EDU 676 Culturally Responsive Leadership
• EDU 677 Facilitating Professional Learning Development in a Collaborative Culture
• EDU 678 Leadership Development
• EDU 679 Utilizing Data to Lead School Improvement
• EDU 682 Leading from a Culture of Care
• EDU 683 Ethical and Legal Resource Management
• EDU 684 Leading Curriculum and instruction for Educational Change
• EDU 685 Advanced Educational Research for School Leaders
• EDU 686 Organizational Management

Total Credits 27

CIP Code: 14.0401

In addition to admissions requirements for graduate education programs, candidates admitted to the Ed.S. in Educational Leadership must:

• Hold a master's degree or higher in a relevant field from a regionally accredited college.
• Present a current Georgia Tier I Educational Leadership certificate or hold a valid, GaPSC issued Standard Professional L or PL certificate in Educational Leadership.
• Have a minimum of three years of teaching and/or administrative experience.
• Hold a leadership position or role as definied by the Candidate's District or Independent/Charter school.
• A completed Mentor form
• A completed School System Endorsement Form.
• A signed Partnership Agreement.

The Certificate in Educational Leadership provides candidates who already hold a education specialist degree or higher in education, currently employed in an administrative position (e.g. Assistant Principal) and have a Tier I Educational Leadership certification.

The Certificate in Educational Leadership Tier II Certification-Only is an nineteen (19) hour program that can be completed in three semesters (classes available every fall/spring/summer). Each course is 8 weeks in length and meets online synchronous every-other week.

The program is highly professionally oriented, and candidates for the program are expected to currently be employed in a professional role in an organization providing professional educational services (e.g. school, district office, regional educational service agency, department of education). All courses require job-embedded field experiences to provide a synthesis of the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for today’s educational leader. At the conclusion of the program, candidates will possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead schools to higher levels of achievement for all students. <Classes:

• EDU 601 Orientation to Advanced Programs in Education
• EDU 678 Leadership Development
• EDU 682 Leading from a Culture of Care
• EDU 686 Organizational Management
• EDU 684 Leading Curriculum and Instruction for Educational Change
• EDU 676 Culturally Responsive Leadership
• EDU 677 Facilitating Professional Learning Development in a Collaborative Culture
• EDU 687 Educational Leadership Tier II Certification Preparation (Optional)
• Advanced Candidate Program Completion

Total Credits 19

CIP Code:

CIP Code:  14.0401

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the admission requirements for the graduate education programs, Tier I certificate applicants must:

• Possess a level 4 or higher Induction, Professional, Advance Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, service field certificate or Life certificate at the appropriate level.
• Have a minimum of one year of teaching experience
• Present a passing score on the Georgia Ethics for Educational Leaders exam
• Present completion of three or more semester hours of coursework in the identification and education of children who have special educational needs or the equivalent through a Georgia-approved professional learning program.
• A completed Mentor form
• A signed Partnership Agreement

Thomas University's graduate programs for certified teachers are designed to enhance the role of the teacher as a leader in the school community. This degree is for Early Childhood Education, K-5 certified teachers with a desire to become leaders and mentors, who are critical thinkers and reflective decision-makers in their schools. Educators will strengthen proficiencies related to expected knowledge, skills and professional dispositions that are aligned with the expectations in professional and state standards, thereby increasing their marketability. Upon completion of this program, students will have earned a Master's of Education degree in Early Childhood Education and will be eligible for a certificate upgrade in the state of Georgia.

• Curriculum is built on research-based best practices, relevant professional learning, and applied experiences with student learning as the focus.
• Much of the coursework involves job embedded assignments, designed to move a student from theory to practice.
• Students take one course at a time during most semesters. Summer semesters plus one additional semester require two courses begin taken during the same 8-week period.
• Small class size provides more individual attention and support.
• Faculty are experienced in K-12 education, highly credentialed, and supportive of students. Learn about our full-time faculty.
• Many students who graduate with our M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education return to TU for an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership.
• The GRE is not required for admission.
• A thesis is not required for graduation.
• TU offers a discounted tuition rate for teachers.
• Financial aid and monthly payment options are available.
• Thomas University is ranked among the most affordable private institutions in Georgia, according to the Georgia Independent College Association.
• Thomas University's Division of Education is authorized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Candidates admitted to the M.Ed. in Middle Grades Mathematics must possess a Georgia professional T-4 certificate in middle grades mathematics. The program is designed especially for middle grades mathematics teachers to investigate current research in mathematics teaching and learning and how it translates into practice, deepen one’s knowledge and understanding of broad issues, policies, and controversies that impact schools in general and mathematics teaching in particular, and to develop as a leader in mathematics education.

ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE (12 hours)

• Program Planning
• Applying Technologies for Effective Instruction
• Educational Assessment and Decision-Making
• Collaborative Classrooms through Social Emotional Learning

RESEARCH AND INQUIRY (6 hours)

• Educational Research
• Teacher as a Researcher

MATHEMATICS CONCENTRATION (12 hours)

• Set Theory
• Developing Algebraic Concepts
• Developing Geometric Concepts
• Concepts and Application of Probability & Statistics

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL PRACTICE (3 hours)

• Orientation to Advanced Programs in Education
• Current Issues and Trends in Education
• Advanced Graduate Professional Dispositions

TOTAL CREDITS 34

Candidates admitted to the MEd. in Middle Grades Mathematics must possess a Georgia professional T-4 certificate in middle grades mathematics. Teachers who hold a professional certificate in another content area, but have an interest in an advanced degree in Middle Grades Mathematics need to do the following:

• Sign the Out-of-Field Certification form at admission.
• Pass the GACE in Middle Grades Mathematics prior to graduation, and then add that certification area to their certificate.

CIP Code 13.1203

Thomas University's graduate programs for certified teachers are designed to enhance the role of the teacher as a leader in the school community.

Educators will strengthen proficiencies related to expected knowledge, skills and professional dispositions that are aligned with the expectations in professional and state standards, thereby increasing their marketability.

Upon completion of this program, students will have earned a Master's of Education degree in Middle Grades Education and will be eligible for a certificate upgrade in the state of Georgia.

• Curriculum is built on research-based best practices, relevant professional learning, and applied experiences with student learning as the focus.
• Much of the coursework involves job embedded assignments, designed to move a student from theory to practice.
• Students take one course at a time during most semesters. Summer semesters plus one additional semester require two courses begin taken during the same 8-week period.
• Small class size provides more individual attention and support.
• Faculty are experienced in K-12 education, highly credentialed, and support of students. Learn about our full-time faculty.
• Many students who graduate with our M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education return to TU for an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership.
• The GRE is not required for admission.
• A thesis is not required for graduation.
• TU offers a discounted tuition rate for teachers.
• Financial aid and monthly payment options are available.
• Thomas University is ranked among the most affordable private institutions in Georgia, according to the Georgia Independent College Association.
• Thomas University's Division of Education is authorized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

The program is designed especially for secondary grades mathematics teachers to investigate current research in mathematics teaching and learning and how it translates into practice, deepen one’s knowledge and understanding of broad issues, policies, and controversies that impact schools in general and mathematics teaching in particular, and to develop as a leader in mathematics education.

• Teacher Candidate Orientation
• Educational Research
• Teacher as Researcher
• Applying Technologies for Effective Instruction
• Current Issues and Trends in Education
• Educational Assessment and Decision Making
• Collaborative Classrooms through Social Emotional Learning
• Set Theory
• Applying Algebraic Concepts
• Applying Geometric Concepts
• Concepts & Applications of Probability and Statistics

Total Credits 33

CIP Code 13.1205

Thomas University's graduate programs for certified teachers are designed to enhance the role of the teacher as a leader in the school community. This degree is for certified teachers with a desire to become leaders and mentors, who are critical thinkers and reflective decision-makers in their schools.

Educators will strengthen proficiencies related to expected knowledge, skills and professional dispositions that are aligned with the expectations in professional and state standards, thereby increasing their marketability.

Upon completion of this program, students will have earned a Master of Education degree in Secondary Mathematics Education or a Master of Education degree in English Education and will be eligible for a certificate upgrade in the state of Georgia.

English

This program provides four graduate English courses. If a student wishes to teach English at the community college level, they may complete two additional graduate courses in English at Thomas University.

Mathematics

This program provides four graduate English courses. IF a student wishes to teach English at the community college level, they may complete two additional graduate courses in Mathematics at Thomas University

• Highly competitive GACE exam pass rate.
• Curriculum is built on research-based best practices, relevant professional learning, and applied experiences with student learning as the focus.
• Much of the coursework involves job embedded assignments, designed to move a student from theory to practice.
• Students take one course at a time during most semesters. Summer semesters plus one additional semester require two courses begin taken during the same i-week period.
• Small class size provides more individual attention and support.
• Faculty are experienced in K-12 education, highly credentialed, and support of students. Learn about our full-time faculty.
• Many students who graduate with our M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction return to TU for an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership.
• The GRE is not required for admission.
• A thesis is not required for graduation.
• TU offers a discounted tuition rate for teachers.
• Financial aid and month payment options are available.
• Thomas University is ranked among the most affordable private institutions in Georgia, according to the Georgia Independent College Association.
• Thomas University's Division of Education is authorized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Students pursuing the EdS in Special Education program must have a M.Ed. degree and certification in Special Education OR must pass the SPED GACE prior to program completion. A GACE assurance form must be signed for admission.

Courses

• Introduction to Graduate Programs
• Leading the Professional Learning Community
• Building Collaborative Teams
• Observation and Analysis
• Action Research for the School Leaders
• Educational Law
• Educational Policies in Special Education
• Improving Colleagues Communication w/Families/Community
• Using Data to Improve Schools
• Advocacy and Leadership in Special Education
• Critical Analysis of Special Education Literature
• Advanced Candidate Program Completion

TOTAL CREDITS 33.5

Candidates admitted to the Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership program must possess a Georgia induction of higher teaching certificate.

"I was student in your program who graduated last May and was one of the student speakers at the GaPSC Leadership Summit. I have some good news!  I am now an instructional coach for a local middle school. This has been a wonderful opportunity and learning experience for me, and TU has certainly equipped me with skills necessary to be an instructional coach. I am really happy with my new school and position. I brag on your program to anyone who will listen. "

Shelly Sheets, Ed.S. - 2018

  ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE 9 Credits

• Best Practices in Teaching and Learning
• Curriculum Design and Development for Student Achievement
• Educational Reform

RESEARCH AND INQUIRY 6 Credits

• Using Data to Improve Schools
• Action Research for Teacher Leaders

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL PRACTICE 18 Credits

• Orientation to Advanced Programs in Education
• Teacher as Leader and Mentor
• Leading the Professional Learning Community
• Educational Law
• Building Collaborative Teams
• Teacher Leader Residency I
• Teacher Leader Residency II
• Advanced Graduate Professional Dispositions

TOTAL CREDITS 34 Credits

Upon graduation, students will earn a temporary P-12 Service Certificate in Teacher Leadership for 12 months. Passing the GACE Performance Assessment is required for permanent certification. GACE Performance Assessment in Teacher Leadership

CIP Code 13.0401

Candidates admitted to the Teacher Leadership Endorsement program must possess a Georgia induction of higher teaching certificate. The purpose of this program is to prepare classroom teachers to develop as leaders in their schools and school systems who will facilitate the design and implementation of sustained, intensive, and job-embedded professional learning based on identified student and teacher needs. The program results in an Endorsement in Teacher Leadership.

• Orientation to Advanced Programs in Education
• Teacher as Leader and Mentor
• Best Practices in Teaching and Learning
• Leading the Professional Learning Community
• Using Data to Improve Schools
• Building Collaborative Teams
• Action Research for the Teacher Leader

Total Hours 18

CIP Code 13.0401

The purpose of the Thomas University Teacher Leadership programs is to prepare classroom teachers to develop as leaders within their grade levels, and in their P-12 schools and school systems. Teachers who choose the Teacher Leadership program do so to advance in their careers and expand their instructional knowledge, but who also may want to stay in or near the classroom.

Many teachers who graduate from the Thomas University Teacher Leadership programs become department chairs or grade-level team leaders. They also move into hybrid positions in which they both teach and take on instructional leadership responsibilities at the school level such as an instructional coach, or at the district level as a curriculum coordinator.

Additionally, many Georgia educators choose to obtain a teacher leadership certification through graduate studies to assist in their pursuit of the top tier of the Georgia tiered certification, known as the Lead Professional.

• Highly competitive GACE exam pass rate.
• Curriculum is built on research-based best practices, relevant professional learning, and applied experiences with student learning as the focus.
• Much of the coursework involves job embedded assignments, designed to move a student from theory to practice.
• Students take one course at a time during most semesters. Summer semesters plus one additional semester require two courses begin taken during the same i-week period.
• Small class size provides more individual attention and support.
• Faculty are experienced in K-12 education, highly credentialed, and supportive of students. Learn about our full-time faculty.
• Many students who graduate with our M.Ed. in another area return to TU for an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership.
• The GRE is not required for admission.
• A thesis is not required for graduation.
• TU offers a discounted tuition rate for teachers.
• Financial aid and monthly payment options are available.
• Thomas University is ranked among the most affordable private institutions in Georgia, according to the Georgia Independent College Association.
• Thomas University's Division of Education is authorized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.