Middle Grades Education, MA
Why Pursue a Middle Grades Education Master’s?
Middle grades educators face unique and exciting challenges every day, but it is one of the most important jobs in education. That is why Piedmont University is here ready to help you improve your understanding of your role and to improve your career path with our middle grades education Master of Arts degree.
Piedmont’s study of middle grades education at the master’s degree level (MA) focuses on refining and strengthening the educator’s abilities to design and deliver high quality instruction. Piedmont graduates also join an accomplished coalition of Piedmont alumni who year after year pursue excellence and experience the challenges and triumphs of teaching. We’ll help you sharpen your abilities and knowledge – while also showing you how to reach your students – who are undergoing a unique period of their lives.
How a Piedmont Middle Grades Education Master’s Degree Helps You
The Middle Grades Education master’s degree prepares students to teach in both public and private schools.
- Gain a more complete understanding of your chosen field of teaching.
- Deepen your appreciation of teaching and improve your teaching ability of children in grades 4-8.
- Improve your resume and put yourself in position for more competitive roles and school systems.
- Take classes on your time in a setting that best suits your hectic schedule.
Career Opportunities
A Middle Grades Education master’s degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A degree in Middle Grades Education equips you with specialized skills and knowledge to effectively teach and inspire students in grades 4–8, making you a strong candidate for rewarding roles in the public school system.
Specialized training in Middle Grades Education equips you with the skills and strategies to effectively teach and inspire students in grades 4–8, helping you thrive in a dynamic and competitive private school setting.
More About Middle Grades Education
Learn more about Middle Grades Education and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Piedmont’s Master of Arts degree in middle grades education is a 30-credit program. Teachers who wish to pursue the MA degree with an off-campus cohort will take their education courses in the off-campus location.
Piedmont’s Middle Grades Education MA allows qualified teachers to add Middle Grades Education (4-8) as a new field (ANF). An alternative means of adding Middle Grades Education ANF is to take and pass the GACE middle grades content test(s) relative to the area of certification.
Master of Arts (MA) degrees in education are designed for teachers and/or individuals who hold a valid teaching certificate or who are currently teaching in a private school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) at the Accredited With Quality (AWQ) or Accredited (ACC) level. Eligibility for application requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university and a copy of a valid teaching certificate or letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator.* NOTE: Master of Arts (MA) degree programs do not lead to initial educator certification nor to the conversion of a non-renewable certificate (provisional or waiver certificate) to a professional certificate. Piedmont has Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and certification-only programs leading to initial certification.
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from the college or university awarding the bachelor’s degree showing all course work from all colleges and universities attended. (Piedmont University transcripts are on file.)
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague
- Copy of valid, current professional Georgia teaching certificate at the appropriate level or letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator. For those holding provisional certificates a copy of the current certificate and a copy of the PSC letter outlining requirements for updating to a clear-renewable certificate
- (Note: If your certificate is not a Georgia certificate and you desire to be certified in Georgia, you must complete all requirements through Professional Standards Commission [PSC].)
- Personal Affirmation Form
* These programs are for advanced certification and do not lead to a recommendation for an initial Georgia Teaching Certificate. Holders of out-of-state certificates should contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for reciprocity rules.
** Teachers using this option must have taught three out of the past five years with a professional teaching certificate in an accredited public school or private school [SACS or GAC (top two levels)] verified through submitted annual evaluations.
Related Programs
Intrigued by a Middle Grades Education master’s degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Middle Grades Education, adolescent development, and effective teaching strategies for grades 4–8.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming an Middle Grades Education student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in education.