College of Education
The Teacher of Teachers
Teaching is about more than just obtaining knowledge and passing that knowledge on. It’s about mentorship, compassion, and getting the most out of your students – showing them who they are and what they can be. No one knows this like the professors in Piedmont University’s College of Education, who dedicate themselves to guiding, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of educators every day. Our faculty make it their mission to build better teachers fit for the challenges and opportunities of the modern educational environment. As a result, Piedmont students get an unparalleled education that makes them the single most sought-after teaching candidates in the State of Georgia.
At Piedmont, teaching and education is our lifeblood. For more than a century, we have been known as an institution that teaches teachers. Our College of Education graduate program is the largest in Georgia, and we place more teachers than any other teacher-preparation program in the state. And there’s a reason for that: We inspire others to inspire the next generation. Our students know that through the individualized care and attention they receive, they will be better prepared to be mentors of their own. Our education students graduate as scholars and proactive educators who cultivate caring and meaningful learning.
#1 in teacher placements in the state
40+ public and private school systems offering Piedmont internships
Meet our Dean
Octavius Mulligan
Dean, College of Education
Email: omulligan@piedmont.edu
CAMPUS: Demorest
EDUCATION:
BA, Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Piedmont University
MAT, Teaching, Piedmont University
EdS, Curriculum and Instruction, Piedmont University
EdD, Piedmont University
“I was able to translate so much of what we did in class to my student teaching experience – and have a lot of success.”
Blake Byington ’20, Education, BA
Undergraduate Programs
The College of Education offers eight undergraduate majors, all of which will prepare our students to teach in public and private schools.
Graduate Programs
Piedmont’s College of Education offers the latest graduate programs for teacher education and places teachers at the highest rate in the State of Georgia. Educators wishing to enhance their professional skills and knowledge, add a new teaching field, or prepare themselves for leadership roles in teaching and learning often choose Piedmont because of its excellent programs, capable and enthusiastic faculty, and flexible options for active professionals.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Piedmont University has a proud history of preparing teachers to work in schools in northeast Georgia and beyond. The College of Education offers several degree programs leading to teacher certification that have been approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for initial teacher certification. Candidates from other states may be eligible for certification under the Interstate Certification Compact. Programs are available on both the Demorest and Athens campuses, depending on the content field.
Master of Arts
The College of Education offers several advanced degree programs for teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills and/or upgrade their certification. Classes are offered on both the Demorest and Athens campuses, as well as online via our graduate studies program.
Master of Education
The Master of Education degree is designated for School Counseling only. Individuals holding a master’s degree from an accredited college or university may wish to pursue coursework that will allow them to transition into counseling, providing the opportunity for a seamless career shift, while preserving benefits and continuing to make a positive impact on students’ lives.
Educational Specialist
The Educational Specialist degree comprises four fields. Individuals holding a master’s degree from an accredited college or university may wish to pursue coursework that will enhance their teaching skills and/or prepare them for instructional leadership roles in their schools or school districts.
Doctor of Education
The Doctor of Education degree (EdD) is designed to develop eminent leaders in the field of education. The primary focus of the EdD program is to facilitate transformational change of individuals and schools by preparing teacher leaders, other school professionals, and school administrators for the challenges of our rapidly changing world. The program will also serve to prepare educators for various roles in college and university teaching and in research and leadership positions in other educational institutions.
Non-Degree Options for Certification-Only
An education certificate allows our students to qualify to become a teacher, or change their teaching focus, in a direct and convenient manner.
Professional Endorsements
Educators, as well as Piedmont degree candidates, may pursue additional learning in order to enhance their knowledge and skills. Piedmont degree candidates may wish to elect to pursue these opportunities as a part of their program. Others may register as non-degree students to add these credentials to their professional repertoire. These endorsements have been approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).