Graduate Initial Teacher Certification
A graduate non-degree, initial certification candidate who holds a master's degree in an approved content area from a regionally-accredited institution may apply as a non-degree student for a graduate certification program. Appropriate content areas include: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, or Political Science. Successful completion of the graduate certification program and passing scores on the appropriate assessments lead to eligibility for Level 5 certification.
Candidates will meet the same progression criteria as M.A.T. students and will be required to complete the same initial certification requirements, but their program plans will be modified to omit requirements beyond certification. Graduate non-degree, initial certification programs are offered in the following areas:
DAY FIELD EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Field experience is an integral part of the Teacher Preparation Program. Each candidate is expected to complete a sequentially planned series of field experiences in diverse settings, and meet cluster requirements of their individual program plan. Field experiences are coordinated through the Office of Field Placement.
PROGRAM DELIVERY MODEL
The graduate non-degree, initial certification programs are offered at Mercer's Atlanta campus. Classes are presented one evening a week on a sixteen-week semester schedule. The program is offered in an in-class format, and allows students the flexibility to attend class either full- or part-time. Students are also required to participate in field experiences, which are during the day.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- $25 application fee
- Completed application form
- Official transcript(s) from each college previously attended
- Certificate of GACE Assessment
- Official GRE/MAT score report
- GACE Educators Ethics Program Entry Assessment
- Requires undergraduate major in appropriate content area or closely related field
Note: In addition to the above materials, candidates must submit a completed application to Teacher Candidacy. A non-degree certification applicant who already holds a master’s degree in an approved content area from an accredited institution will not be required to submit GRE or MAT scores unless he/she plans to earn the M.A.T. degree.
Helpful Resources
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GaPSC Verification of Lawful Presence Form - US citizens will only need to provide a Lawful Presence Verification once. Any applicant not a US citizen must submit this form with each certificate application.
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GACE Testing (Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators)
